They call it Jakarta's hidden Michelin gem. I tried it for you.
qponx
2026-01-23
Curious about August, Jakarta's most talked-about restaurant? This review explores its famed 16-course Chef's Journey, a menu that creatively elevates local Indonesian ingredients. Discover innovative dishes like Foie Gras PB&J and perfectly Charred Octopus, plus a dessert course that steals the show. While a few experimental plates might miss the mark, the passionate service and overall experience make this fine dining spot a top choice for a truly special occasion.
Just how popular is August, Jakarta's most hyped restaurant? Booking a month in advance is standard procedure[1]. Friends around me were either hyping it up or complaining about it. There's a lot of buzz, so this time I decided to test the waters myself and see if this"Asia's 50 Best"[2] that's been put on a pedestal is really worth it.
As usual, let's start with the conclusion: If you have an important anniversary or want to experience the pinnacle of Indonesian cuisine, this is a solid choice. But if you expect every single dish to be flawless, you might be in for a little"surprise."
A Fantastic Voyage of 16 Courses
The moment you walk in, the atmosphere is very Chill—the kind of upscale yet relaxed modern minimalist style that doesn't make you feel on edge. The service team's enthusiasm was incredible, not the fake-smile-robot type; you can feel their passion for their own restaurant. In the middle of the meal, the owners Hans and Budi even came over to chat with every table[3], a touch you rarely see in Jakarta's fine dining scene.
We chose the 16-course Chef's Journey menu[4], which was like opening a blind box. A few dishes left the deepest impression:
They are very skilled at working magic with Lokal Indonesian ingredients like oncom and kecombrang[5], genuinely elevating Indonesian flavors.
- Foie Gras PB&J[6]: A classic starter. It turned a childhood memory into a luxury experience, a mix of salty and sweet that woke up my taste buds in one bite. Anjay!
- Charred Octopus[7]: One of the best dishes of the night! The octopus was charred on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich sauce. Eating it with the soft, fried buns for dipping—who understands the joy of carbs + seafood!
- The Dessert Course: I have to give a special shout-out to this! In many restaurants, dessert is just an afterthought, but August's desserts are definitely a highlight. The chef is incredibly creative, and every dish is a delightful surprise, bringing the entire meal to a perfect close[8]. Mantap!
Some Honest Thoughts
Okay, enough praise, let's get real. So, was every dish impeccable? Not really.
There were one or two dishes that I personally found a bit too"experimental." In the pursuit of creativity, they sacrificed a bit of flavor depth[9]. After eating it, I was like,"Huh? That's it?" But the good outweighs the bad. After all, with 16 courses, having a few god-tier dishes makes it all worthwhile.
The price is definitely not cheap; the per-person cost will make your wallet hurt a bit. But considering the entire experience, service, and food quality, I think it was money well spent. After all, you get super full from the meal, definitely not one of those"fairy meals" that leaves you hungry[10].
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Finally, for those of you planning to go, here are the key points. You're welcome! 📝
- 1. Book! Book! Book! Important things must be said three times. Don't think you can just Nongkrong and get lucky. Go directly to their website or call, the earlier the better.
- 2. Menu Choice: If your budget allows, go straight for the 16-course set. The extra few dishes are definitely a surprise and worth a try[11].
- 3. What to Wear: Bring a light jacket or shawl! The restaurant's AC is blasting as if it's free[12]. I had goosebumps the whole time. Don't sacrifice warmth for style.
- 4. Suitable for: Proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, or a business dinner where you need to impress. It's definitely the kind of place that lets you"humblebrag" to your friends.
- Jakarta's August: Indonesia's top cuisine, Asia's 50 Best! Book a month ahead![1]
- They creatively use Lokal Indonesian ingredients (oncom, kecombrang). Foie gras peanut butter sandwich? Luxurious, explosive childhood memories![2][3]
- Beyond the 16-course Chef's Journey, owner chats personally, for a personalized fine dining experience![4][5]
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