The best steak in Jakarta is at a restaurant with 'blind box' service?
qponx
2026-01-24
Lobo at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta offers a true love-hate experience. While the service is a "blind box" gamble and prices are high, the food is spectacular. The Ribeye steak is hailed as one of the city's best, and the innovative Lamb Tongseng is a creative triumph. Set in a stunning European-style venue, this is a spot of extremes. This article gives you the essential tips on what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Girls, take a word of advice from me. If you're going to Lobo because of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Jakarta name, lower your expectations by half, especially for the service! 🤯 I've seriously never seen anything like it. One second I was marveling at the luxurious feel of its European-style high-ceilinged lobby, and the next, I was left speechless by the 'go-with-the-flow' service, with missed orders and an eternal wait for the food.[1]
But, the food was so good that I can't completely hate on it!
Honestly, this is one of those places you'll love and hate. Just when I felt my patience was running out, the food arrived, and then… it was actually amazing.
That Ribeye steak[2] that's been hyped up all over the internet was served, cooked to absolute perfection, charred on the outside while locking in all the juices inside, every bite was Mantap! No exaggeration, this is definitely in my top three steaks I've had in Jakarta. And that Lamb Tongseng[3], unbelievable! It combines an Indonesian national soup with Western-style lamb chops, the flavor is rich and innovative, Anjay, I give full marks for this creativity!
As for the ambiance, it's super photogenic. The tall European columns, the gorgeous chandeliers, any photo you take looks like it's from a movie.[4] But! If you're planning to have a good chat with your friends/partner, definitely avoid the times when the band is playing. The volume is so loud you basically have to shout.[5] Also, the AC is blasting like it's Siberia, so girls in slip dresses, remember to bring a jacket!
My wallet, I'm so sorry…
Back to reality. The food is really good, but the price is also really high. For two people, my friend and I, just ordering a few things and drinks, the bill came out to around 700k.[6] And some dishes, like the Caesar salad, the portion was so small I thought it was a pre-meal amuse-bouche…[7] My wallet is feeling the pain a bit.
Heartfelt tips, a must-read before you go!
To sum it up, this place is like a charming bad boy whose pros and cons are both extremely prominent. To help you maximize your experience when you go, save this guide to avoid the pitfalls:
- Service is a game of chance: Be mentally prepared, slow service and missed orders can happen. Don't just wait, proactively ask! Proactively follow up!
- The art of choosing a seat: If you don't like noise, tell the staff you want a seat far from the band. Sensitive to cold or mosquitoes[8]? Just tell them you want to sit outdoor, where you can also Chill for a bit.
- Ordering tips: The menu is text-only with no pictures[9], so for those who have trouble deciding, look up what you want to eat online beforehand. You can't go wrong by going straight for the steak and lamb chops.
- Anniversary bonus: If you're celebrating a birthday/anniversary, be sure to mention it when booking! They'll provide a complimentary cake and decorations, which is a pretty thoughtful service.[10]
- Ribeye steak here? Perfect char, incredibly juicy. Easily Jakarta's top 3![1]
- And the amazing Lamb Tongseng! Boldly fuses Indonesian soup with Western lamb chop for a rich, innovative flavor. Genius![2]
- Birthday or anniversary? Inform them early for free cake and exclusive decorations – perfect for special moments![3]
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