Google 4.8 stars? Don't be fooled! Read this before you visit this spot in Batam
qponx
2026-03-06
Tempted by a 4.8-star Batam spot with a gorgeous, modern Indonesian vibe? This article gives you the real story behind the rating. While the aesthetic is perfect for photos, the experience is a mixed bag. Prepare for frustratingly slow service and inconsistent food quality. Read on for crucial tips on what to expect, how to avoid being overcharged for unpriced seafood, and why you should visit for the ambiance but lower your expectations for everything else.
I have a real love-hate relationship with this place in Batam! 🤯 I stumbled upon it on Google with a high rating of 4.8, and the photos showed such an aesthetic environment, a total modern Indonesian vibe. I thought, this place is just made for Nongkrong! But... well, I can only say that the gap between reality and online photos isn't always about the environment, but about the frustrating experience.
Mantap Environment, but Anjay Service
Walking in, I have to say, the environment is truly Mantap![1] The design is on point, it's clean and tidy, the furniture is very stylish, and the atmosphere is maxed out. For my girls having a family meal with kids, you can rest assured, they thoughtfully provide high chairs, which deserves a thumbs up.
After sitting down to order, we tried a few of their signature dishes. The Smokey Sirloin[2] steak was alright, the meat quality was OK, but the funny thing is, we clearly asked for mashed potatoes, but did the waiter's ears not work? They brought us potato wedges instead...😂 My friend's Ayam Bakar[3] (grilled chicken) was a bit of a letdown, the meat was dry and tough, and it didn't seem well-marinated, which was a bit disappointing. It had that "looks like it's trying hard, but tastes very weak" kind of feeling. However, the bowl of Rawon Beef Soup[4] was quite authentic and saved the day.
But what really made my blood boil was the service here. Anjay! The food came out ridiculously slow, we waited for almost an hour, reminded them several times, only to find out the waiter hadn't even placed our order at all![5] They had a sour face the whole time, like we owed them money, and the experience just plummeted. This service really doesn't match the environment.
A Guide from Your Sis to Avoid Disappointment 📝
Although there's a lot to complain about, if you're still drawn in by the environment and just have to go check it out, remembering these few points might make your experience a little better:
- 1. Keep a chill mindset: Just treat it as a trip for photos and checking in, and don't have any expectations for the service. Slow service is the norm, so be zen about it, Chill～[6]
- 2. Ask for seafood prices: Some seafood on the menu isn't priced![7] Especially for my tourist friends, before you order, you must, must, MUST ask for the price clearly. Don't get ripped off.
- 3. Language Challenge: The menu doesn't seem to have English[8], so it might be a bit difficult for foreign friends to order. But I've heard the staff will try their best to help, so you can try using a translation app or body language.
- 4. Look out for discounts: They occasionally have promotions on their Instagram[9], like Ramadan set menus or discounts on specific dishes, so you can check it out before you go to see if you can snag a deal.
- Modern Indonesian decor is clean and stylish. Super photogenic with a great vibe [1].
- The Smokey Sirloin steak was tender and juicy. Got wedges instead of mash, but the rich flavor was still a must-try [2].
- Service can be spotty, but check their IG for promotions like Ramadan sets or dish discounts. You might score a deal [3]
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