Solo's 24-Hour Dim Sum: A Legend or a "Price Assassin"?
qponx
2026-03-05
Step into a 90s Hong Kong movie set at Solo's Restaurant & Cafe Diamond! This glamorous spot wows with its opulent decor and live music. While it's a haven for late-night cravings with its 24-hour dim sum, the quality can be a hit-or-miss. This honest review breaks down which dishes shine, like the Beef Blackpepper, and warns about the "price assassin" bill. Find out if this legendary spot is worth the splurge and get essential tips for your visit.
The moment I stepped into Restaurant & Cafe Diamond, I was completely stunned… This isn't a restaurant, it's clearly a time warp to a 90s Hong Kong movie set! Crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas, and a live band so loud it's deafening. I heard the owner behind it is the Indonesian textile giant, Sritex Group, so no wonder they nailed this Old Money vibe perfectly.[1]
In a chill little city like Solo, suddenly stumbling into such a glamorous place feels pretty anjay. The people who come here are either families with kids in tow or business diners in suits and ties. I felt a bit out of place in my T-shirt 😂.
Hits and Misses, Don't Order Randomly!
Sat down and ordered right away, we're all about an honest review here.
👍 Beef Blackpepper
When this dish arrived, the 'wok hei' instantly left me speechless, it was that amazing. Absolutely the best dish of the night![2] The beef was tender and smooth, and the black pepper sauce was rich and flavorful. It's top-notch with rice, Mantap!
👍 Diamond Fried Chicken
The name is a bit over-the-top, but the taste is genuinely good. The skin is fried till it's super crispy, and when you bite into it, the chicken inside is surprisingly juicy, not dry at all, with just the right amount of savory flavor.[3]
🤔 Dim Sum
The fact that it's available 24 hours is a godsend for night owls like us.[4] But to be honest, the quality is a bit inconsistent. I feel like it's only fresh if you go in the morning. The ones ordered at night are a bit... emmm... you know what I mean.[5]
👎 A Bit of Honest Truth
In terms of taste, they've made a lot of adjustments to cater to the lokal market, so don't come expecting "authentic Chinese food," okay?[6] A friend of mine had a bad experience with the sweet and sour grouper before, said it was a bit fishy, so you might want to avoid that one.
Hold On to Your Wallets, Let Me Start With a Complaint
OK, let's get real. The prices at this place are definitely top-tier for Solo. I literally gasped when the bill came; it's even more expensive than some restaurants I've eaten at in Jakarta. And the portion sizes... let's just say they're rather "delicate." Friends with bigger appetites might need to order a few more dishes to feel full.[7]
That live band, while it really maxed out the atmosphere, was so loud that we basically had to shout to talk to each other. It's a bit difficult to have a proper conversation.[8] The service can also be a bit 'zen' at times, so you might need to remind them a few times. Be mentally prepared.
Tips for Your Visit, You're Welcome
Finally, let me highlight the key points for those who plan to go:
- Best to have the dim sum in the morning, don't ask why, just take my advice!
- Always ask about credit card discounts before paying! Many diners say the price only becomes "normal" after the discount.[9]
- A go-to for late-night food hunters, after all, it's not often you find a place that's open 24 hours and serves hot dim sum.
- Not suitable for a quiet date, better for family gatherings or business meetings where you need to "make an impression."
- Step into a 90s HK film set: crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas & a deafening live band give off major old money vibes. [1][2]
- The black pepper beef's smoky wok aroma is a knockout. Tender beef, rich sauce—perfect with rice. Makes you shout "Mantap!" [3]
- 24-hour dim sum is a blessing for the late-night munchies crew. One of Solo's rare late-night eateries. [4]
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