South Jakarta's forest steakhouse: Mantap or a wallet assassin?
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover El Profesor, a steakhouse nestled in South Jakarta's lush Urban Forest. This spot boasts a stunning green oasis ambiance and standout dishes like a DIY Wagyu Blade and rich Mac and Cheese. However, the review reveals it's a mixed bag with inconsistent quality, small portions for the price, and hit-or-miss service. Is this "forest" steakhouse worth the splurge? The article dives into the highs and lows, offering tips on what to order and how to save.
Guys, you won't believe this, but hidden in the concrete jungle of Cipete, South Jakarta, is an oasis called Urban Forest. Drawn by the big name of famous Indonesian chef Andrea Paresthu, I came to check out this steakhouse, El Profesor, located inside the forest. Honestly, the ambiance at first glance is truly impeccable, surrounded by greenery with wide open spaces, it feels like you could just sit down and Nongkrong all day. But if you ask me if the meal was worth it? Anjay, it's a bit complicated…
🥩 Heaven and Hell, All on One Plate of Steak
Let's start with what blew me away! When I saw Wagyu Blade[1] on the menu, I was immediately sold. It came as thinly sliced Wagyu with a mini grill for you to DIY. Hearing that 'sizzle' as the slices curled up on the grill, the rich, fatty aroma just exploded… Putting it in my mouth, it literally melted, so rich and delicious it could make you cry! Mantap!
And then there's the seemingly ordinary Mac and Cheese[2], don't underestimate it. The rich cheese coated every single piece of macaroni, it's definitely in my top three of all I've had in Jakarta! My friend's Nasi Goreng Wagyu[3] was also super delicious, the fried rice grains were perfectly separate and packed with that smoky wok flavor, truly the ultimate comfort food for an Indonesian palate.
🔪 A Wallet Assassin and Blind Box Service
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get real. Even though some dishes were god-tier, the quality control here is really a bit of a mystery. I heard the steak at the table next to me was so salty it was bitter[4], and many people have commented that the portions are on the small side[5]. For guys with big appetites, one main dish probably isn't enough. The four of us just ordered a few things and spent 700k[6]. Honestly, the value for money really isn't great.
What I want to complain about the most is the service, it's a total blind box. Some of the waiters are very enthusiastic, while others have a poker face the whole time. You can call for them forever with no response[7], which just cuts the experience in half. So... I'm still a bit hesitant about paying for this ambiance and service.
✍️ Editor's Key Takeaways (A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls)
- Time: If you want to Chill, come on a weekday! Weekends are as crowded as a market, and the experience is much worse[8].
- Seating: The outdoor seats have a fantastic view, but at night, there are an insane number of mosquitoes. For my friends who are afraid of bites, remember to wear long pants or use mosquito repellent!
- Saving Money: Want to eat here but scared of the price? Go for their 150k lunch set[9]! Appetizer, main course, and a drink—the value for money is instantly maxed out.
- Ordering: Don't just order randomly! Repeat after me: Wagyu Blade, Mac and Cheese, Nasi Goreng Wagyu. Order these three without a second thought, and you basically can't go wrong. As for the rest... it all depends on your luck that day
- Hidden in Jakarta's concrete jungle, an Urban Forest oasis, lush, perfect for all-day Nongkrong.
- Wagyu Blade sizzles on mini grills, curling slices with melt-in-your-mouth richness that'll make you weep [1].
- While 700k/person is steep [2], their 150k lunch set [3] (appetizer, main, drink) is insane value!
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