150k Per Person for Steak, But I'd Only Recommend Pasta?
qponx
2026-02-01
Is the viral Surabaya steakhouse CARNIS worth the hype? This review spills the tea on the popular spot. While its stylish ambiance and affordable prices are a major draw, the dining experience is a total gamble. Discover why the signature steaks are a risky bet, but the pasta dishes are a surprising must-try. Get the essential tips on what to order (and what to avoid) to make the most of your visit to this trendy but inconsistent restaurant.
Friends, who gets it! Just came out of CARNIS, this viral steakhouse in Surabaya with a 4.6 Google rating and over 3000 reviews, and my mood is quite complex, to say the least... Looking at the decor from the outside, I thought I'd struck gold, but once inside, it was packed with people, and the ambiance was absolutely buzzing, I even thought, 'This is going to be good.' But then... anjay, life truly is full of blind boxes.
Ambiance is On Point, But the Steak Assassin is Hard to Guard Against
To be fair, the environment is really good. The new branch is much more spacious than the old one, with a modern minimalist style, perfect for taking photos and posting online. But! When it gets crowded, it feels super cramped, tables are practically touching, I could hear everything the next table was talking about, and the AC wasn't very strong. 🤷♀️
Here comes the main event, the food! I'll get straight to the point:
👍 Pasta: The best of the entire meal! Whether it's the creamy Carbonara or the refreshing Aglio Olio, both are very Mantap! Generous portions, great flavor, you can't go wrong ordering with your eyes closed.[1]
👎 Steak: A landmine disaster zone! Friends, I'm truly speechless... I ordered medium rare, but what came was a piece of 'iron plate' that was almost well done[2], the meat was incredibly tough. After looking through some reviews, I found I'm not alone; the steak doneness control here is practically metaphysics, purely dependent on the chef's mood.
👎 Pizza: Don't even bother. That crust... how do I put it, it was so stiff it felt like a frozen crust baked directly[3], no amount of toppings could save it. What a waste of my calories!
Wallet-Friendly, But the Experience is Like Opening a Blind Box
After this meal, it felt like a mix of heaven and hell. The prices are indeed affordable; you can have a Western meal for 100k-300k IDR per person, which seems like great value for money. But with the core product, steak, being so inconsistent, it's really perplexing. Service can also be chaotic during peak hours[4]; slow serving and wrong orders are all possible. I even saw someone mention finding hair in their food... emmm, everyone should be a bit more careful.[5]
Avoid-the-Pitfalls Guide & Money-Saving Tips
So, is it worth going? My advice is: If you're going for the good ambiance, affordable prices, and a place suitable for hanging out with friends (Nongkrong), then yes! But please make sure to follow these tips:
- Ordering Strategy: Go straight for the pasta! Go straight for the pasta! Go straight for the pasta! Important things said three times! The Caramelized Butter Prawn[6] is also said to be good, you can give it a try. As for steak and pizza, please decide for yourselves; brave souls who want to challenge their luck can go for it.
- Reservations: It gets super crowded during meal times, so if you don't want to queue, make sure to book a table in advance![7]
- Parking: Parking spaces are limited, but they offer valet parking for only 5000 IDR, which is very convenient.[8]
- Private Gatherings: They have private rooms, suitable for meetings or parties, but there's a minimum spend.[9]
- This influencer steakhouse (Google 4.6, 3000+ reviews) offers life's blind box thrills: medium-rare steaks turn well-done, pizza crusts stiff as frozen [1][2].
- Don't let the steaks deter you! The pasta here is the real MVP; creamy Carbonara and fresh Aglio Olio are both Mantap—you can't go wrong [3].
- Enjoy a modern minimalist Western dining vibe for just 100k-300k IDR per person. Perfect for Instagram pics and friend gatherings!
Similar Articles
Google 4.7 stars, is that it? Surabaya's Hottest Buffet Cocari, I warn you: avoid peak hours!
Surabaya's Cocari boasts a 4.7-star rating, but is this popular Japanese BBQ and hotpot buffet worth the hype? This review dives into the chaotic reality behind the high score, highlighting intense crowds, a smoky atmosphere, and frustratingly slow food replenishment during peak times. Discover if the nostalgic appeal and budget-friendly price can overcome the drawbacks, and get crucial tips—like avoiding peak hours and managing expectations—to survive the dining battle and make your visit worthwhile.
Surabaya's Hyped Legendary Old Shop: Still Worth the Queue?
Is Surabaya's legendary Apeng still worth the hype? This iconic eatery has been serving non-halal Chinese food for nearly 30 years, famous for its long queues and incredible "wok hei." Discover if its signature Kwetiau Goreng, packed with fragrant lard and smoky flavor, lives up to its reputation. This honest review weighs the amazing taste against the high prices and provides essential tips on how to beat the crowds at this bustling, must-try spot.
150k per person for 'well-done steak' – How has Surabaya's Boncafé stayed popular for 40 years?
Discover the secret behind Boncafé's 40-year reign in Surabaya! This spot isn't for quiet dates; it's a bustling hub of nostalgia. The main attraction is the unique "Indonesianized" steak, served sizzling on a hot stone plate. A heads-up for steak lovers: it comes well-done by default! Paired with legendary butter rolls and classic ice cream, it’s a vibrant dining experience that has been loved by generations for its classic local flavor.
Only 20k per person? This Surabaya savory satay has small meat, but the taste is truly Mantap!
Forget sweet peanut sauce! This Surabaya street food stall is all about its rebellious "Sate Asin" (savory satay). For around 20k, enjoy perfectly grilled skewers bursting with savory flavor, made even better with a killer sambal. The chewy, fatty grilled chicken skin is also a must-try for a sinful late-night treat. It's the ultimate affordable spot for a chill hangout and a flavor adventure beyond the usual.