950k Per Person Wagyu vs. MIA Staff? I really love and hate this Jakarta spot
qponx
2026-01-24
Is Green Door Kitchen a carnivore's paradise or a frustrating experience? This Jakarta spot serves legendary, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu steak and a surprisingly delicious Monte Cristo sandwich that are truly worth the hype. However, be prepared for a love-hate relationship. The article dives into the sky-high prices, frustratingly slow service, and hit-or-miss dishes beyond their signature meats. Get the essential tips on what to order and what to expect before you go.
Girls who often hang out in Kelapa Gading have probably heard of the famous Green Door Kitchen, which, legend has it, is the best Western restaurant in North Jakarta, renowned for its masterful dry-aged steaks.
But to be honest, when I first navigated to Mahaka Square, which is a bit of an old mall, I had my doubts... Could a place like this really be hiding some god-tier steakhouse?
A Paradise for Carnivores, A Hell for Pasta Lovers
Once inside, the ambiance is pretty cozy, with modern decor, but you can see signs of age in some corners[1]. The space is a bit echoey, and it gets buzzy when it's crowded, not really suitable for whispering secrets. But none of that matters, we came here to eat meat!
We got straight to the point and ordered the legendary Wagyu Striploin[2]. The moment it was served, I knew the trip was worth it. The quality of the meat was truly impeccable, cooked to the perfect doneness, and it didn't need any sauce at all. The first bite was full of rich, fatty aroma, truly a case of “the meat talked itself”[3]. Anjay, so satisfying!
My friend's Monte Cristo Sandwich[4] was also a big surprise. Who would have thought a ham and cheese sandwich would be paired with blueberry jam? It sounds like a weird combo, but the mix of sweet and savory was surprisingly harmonious. The bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, one bite and it was straight up 🤌🏻 chef’s kiss!
But! This place is a bit of a one-trick pony. My friend, not giving up, ordered a pasta, and the result... well, how should I put it, it was just very bland, felt like the chef forgot to add salt[5]. I've heard the fried rice is also a hit-or-miss, and there have even been cases of ingredients not being fresh. So, if you come here, just stick to the meat. Don't order randomly.
My Wallet is Bleeding, My Patience is Burning
Alright, enough with the praise, time for some real talk. The prices here are seriously not cheap. A piece of Wagyu can easily set you back 950,000 IDR, plus a 20% tax and service charge, your wallet will definitely feel the pain. And as for the portions, the salads are quite large, but the portions for the pasta and some meat dishes feel a bit small[6], not justifying the price.
What I want to complain about the most is the service... it's really a matter of luck. The food comes out incredibly slowly, and it's served one dish at a time, so it's basically you watching me eat, and me watching you eat[7]. Trying to call a waiter is next to impossible, but they still charge the service fee without fail, which is a bit... emmm you know what I mean.
A Guide to Visiting and Avoiding Pitfalls (Save this for later)
So, for the girls who want to go nongkrong, here are a few tips to help you spend your money more wisely:
- Stick to the signatures: The steaks and sandwiches are the GOAT, you can't go wrong with them. I've heard the Cuban Sandwich[8] is also Mantap. As for the other stuff like pasta and fried rice, order with caution!
- Reserve the heavy hitters in advance: Big dishes like the Tomahawk steak and Pork Belly must be pre-ordered one day in advance[9], or you'll have made a wasted trip.
- Keep calm and wait for your food like a zen master: Be prepared for slow service and for everyone not being able to eat at the same time. Don't go when you're starving, or you'll end up miserable.
- Dress warmly!: The AC is so cold it'll make you question your existence. Bring a jacket to save your life[10]! Don't ask me how I know.
- Definitely make a reservation for large groups: It gets crowded during meal times, especially for big tables, so it's best to book in advance[11].
- North Jakarta's Wagyu sirloin: best Western food! Rich, fatty, no sauce; meat alone conquers taste buds [1].
- Ham & cheese with blueberry sauce? Sounds crazy, but a sweet-savory surprise; one bite: 🤌🏻 chef’s kiss! [2].
- Want tomahawk steak or roasted pork belly? One-day advance booking required [3]! Limited supply, don't miss out!
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