Don't just trust the 4.8 on Google! Read this before you rush to this Jakarta poolside Bistro.
qponx
2026-01-24
Is Jakarta's Relish Bistro worth the hype? This poolside spot is a stunner, serving up serious Bali vacation vibes and live music on weekends. But the experience is a mixed bag. While some dishes like the Chicken Jerk are fantastic, food quality can be inconsistent, and the service is notoriously slow. This review breaks down the highs and lows, offering a crucial guide on what to order and when to go to make the most of your visit.
Met up with friends for a meal over the weekend, and we were originally looking for a place to chill. I stumbled upon this place, Relish Bistro, inside the Fraser Hotel. It has over 950 reviews on Google with a surprisingly high score of 4.8. I thought, this has to be a safe bet, right? Well, the result... was half heaven, half hell. You guys really need to read this review carefully. 😂
To be honest, the ambiance is a true Bali substitute
To be fair, the ambiance is truly impeccable. The moment you walk in, the large floor-to-ceiling windows face the hotel pool[1], and sunlight streams in, making it bright and airy. It instantly pulls you away from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, giving you the illusion of being on vacation in Bali. We chose an outdoor seat, enjoying the breeze and the pool view, and felt completely relaxed. There's also live music on weekend nights[2], which turns the atmosphere all the way up. It's perfect for coming with friends to Nongkrong, gossip, and have a few drinks, Mantap! 👍
Food: A constant back-and-forth between"Michelin-worthy" and"a total miss"
As for the dishes, it was quite a rollercoaster. There were a lot of us, so we ordered a variety of things. That Chicken Jerk[3] that everyone raves about is really something special. The chicken was incredibly tender, the seasoning was on point, and paired with rice, Anjay! So good I wanted to give the chef a raise. The Nasi Goreng[4] and Relish Pizza[5] my friend ordered were huge, definitely made for sharing. As for the taste, it was decent, a safe choice.
But! Here comes the important part. Taste is really a matter of luck here. The Chicken Jerk I had this time was god-tier, but the table next to us was constantly complaining that their dishes were either too salty or bland[6]. Seems like the chef's performance is a bit inconsistent... 😅 So ordering is basically like opening a blind box.
What I want to complain about the most: The turtle-speed service!
However, what drove me craziest was the service[7]. Oh my god, it was so slow! We waited over half an hour for a Coke, and the main courses took over an hour to arrive. I was about to pass out from hunger. The ordering system was also a mess[8]. It felt like although the waiters and waitresses were all very nice, they were clearly overwhelmed, and the management couldn't keep up.
In terms of price, it's a hotel restaurant after all, so it's not cheap. Whether it's worth it depends on whether you value ambiance more than taste and service.
A Veteran's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls 📝
- Mindset is everything! Don't come here starving! The serving speed is a mystery, so be prepared to wait. Just think of it as paying for the environment and atmosphere. Be more zen about it, and you'll have double the fun. 🧘♀️
- Ordering is an art! If you want a safe bet, go for the Chicken Jerk[9]. If you're in a big group, order the Pizza[10] or Nasi Goreng[11] to fill you up; the portions are generous. If you're here for breakfast, experienced folks say the sandwiches are more reliable than the breakfast platters[12].
- Choose the right time! If you want to listen to music and relax, come on a weekend night[13]. There might even be drink specials on Friday nights. If you want a quiet place to work or for a date, pick a weekday afternoon when it's less crowded and peaceful.
- Step in, instant Bali escape! Stunning pool view [1] and weekend live music [2] max out the vacation vibe.
- That hyped Chicken Jerk [3] is a must-try! Melt-in-your-mouth chicken, with rice? Anjay!
- Google: 950+ reviews, 4.8 stars, but bloggers say it's half heaven, half hell [4]. Heaven or hell?
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