The smoke almost made me leave, but the HI roundabout view and this pasta... were surprisingly amazing

Honestly, the moment I stepped into CORK&SCREW Plaza Indonesia and smelled the cigarette smoke wafting from the air-conditioned area, I almost rolled my eyes to the back of my head🙄… I was thinking, what kind of Anjay move is this? In Jakarta, places that allow indoor smoking are becoming rarer and rarer, so how is this well-established, famous spot still doing this?

I almost turned around and left, but then I turned and saw the iconic night view of the HI Roundabout outside the window, and that massive wine cabinet that took up almost an entire wall, and I couldn't help but sit down. After all, it's a direct venture of the Union Group[1], so its foundation should be solid. I decided to give it another chance.

Ambiance and Offerings, Genuinely Impressive

Once I sat down, I understood why it's been popular for so many years. The whole place has a great energy, the music taste is on point, but it's not so loud that you can't have a conversation. The outdoor seats directly face the HI Roundabout, one of Jakarta's most classic scenic spots, perfect for taking photos and posting them online; the indoor area has strong AC and comfy sofas, it's just... you know[2].

Living up to its origins as a wine bar, the wine list is as thick as a dictionary, with nearly a thousand types of wine[3] that gave me decision paralysis. For friends who don't drink, don't worry, their Indonesian-flavored creative cocktails are truly Mantap! The "Beetle Juice"[4] my friend ordered, a whiskey base mixed with cocoa and vanilla, was smooth on the palate with great complexity.

The food was full of pleasant surprises:

• Beef Tagliatelle[5]: A must-order! I wasn't expecting much from the pistachio sauce, but it was surprisingly amazing. The sauce was rich but not heavy, the beef was incredibly tender, and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente.
• Trio Molten Cake[6]: A must for anyone with a sweet tooth! Three small molten cakes—matcha, dark chocolate, and white chocolate—served with vanilla ice cream. When you dig in with a spoon, the mix of hot and cold is pure bliss.
• They even have an upgraded Nasi Padang[6] for 220k, served with Ayam Pop and beef bone marrow. It sounds super top-tier, but I didn't have room to try it this time. Waiting for your reviews!

Let's Get Real (The Downsides and Price)

OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. While the offerings are on point, the downsides are also obvious.

First off, there's the indoor smoking issue. For people like me who can't stand the smell of smoke, it's a real turn-off. Secondly, it's not cheap. A casual meal and drinks will set you back at least 300k IDR per person[7], and some seats with good views have a minimum charge[8], so you need to prepare your wallet.

Also, not every dish is perfect. A friend mentioned that their Nasi Goreng sometimes has a burnt taste[9], and the beef ball noodles (beef maranggi) are just average[10]. It's better to prioritize the pastas and Western main courses.

Key Pointers from Me to You (Tips & Tricks)

Finally, here are some practical tips for you. Take note!

• Seat Selection: If you want the view, go for the outdoor seats, but be prepared for the heat[11]. If you want AC but hate the smoke, make sure to emphasize a "non-smoking preference" with the staff when booking!
• Reservations: It gets crowded on weekends, so if you don't want a time limit on your table (like 1.5 hours)[8], it's best to book in advance. Want to try that famous Raspberry Cheesecake Pie? You must pre-order it at least two days in advance[12]!
• Ordering: If it's your first time and you're afraid of picking a bad dish, just follow my lead and order the Beef Tagliatelle and Trio Molten Cake. You can't go wrong.
• Occasions: This place is great for dates, birthday celebrations, or business dinners. The ambiance is impressive enough for any occasion. Plus, it's open until 1 AM[8], making it a good spot if you're looking for a place to Chill late at night.