This 17-year-old Jakarta spot: Nostalgia hype or genuinely Mantap?
qponx
2026-01-23
Is Jakarta's iconic 17-year-old bistro, Loewy, still worth the hype? This review explores its dual nature. By day, enjoy a classic New York vibe perfect for brunch and happy hour drinks. But be warned: at night, it transforms into a loud, smoky scene where conversation is difficult. Get the honest scoop on its inconsistent food, steep prices, and crucial tips on the best times to visit to capture the charm without the chaos and high costs.
In Jakarta, if there's one spot that has been with you from your youth to your thirties, Loewy is definitely one of them.
This veteran Bistro under the Union Group has been open in Mega Kuningan for 17 years[1], making it practically a living fossil in Jakarta's dining scene. Whenever friends visit and I'm not sure where to take them for an apero (pre-dinner drink), I always think of this place. But after my recent visit, I have mixed feelings…
Love the Vibe, Hate the Vibe
The moment you walk in, you're hit with that familiar New York Bistro vibe: the long bar, the dim yellow lighting, the well-dressed white-collar workers, and the expats[2] chatting in various languages. When it comes to atmosphere, Loewy really has the whole vibe thing nailed down. Coming here for brunch during the day, or to nongkrong with your girlfriends in the afternoon, is really chill.
As for the food, it's a mixed bag. The French toast[3] for brunch is as reliable as ever, slightly crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. But when it comes to their signature steak frites[4], recent reviews have been a bit polarized… Some friends praise it to the high heavens, while some regulars say the quality isn't as consistent as it used to be. The one I had this time felt just average, nothing amazing.
Here comes the biggest complaint! If you want to have a proper chat with your friends, do NOT come at night!
The music is really L~~~~OUD! So loud that you basically have to shout at your friend across the table[5]. What's more, the entire place allows smoking at night[6], which is so unfriendly to non-smoking girls like us. You leave smelling like an ashtray after your meal, it just makes you want to explode on the spot. 🤯
Wallet and Pitfall Guide
To be fair, the prices are not cheap, almost on par with fine dining levels[7]. A casual lunch for two will set you back around 650k, which will hurt your wallet. Oh, and by the way, valet parking is 150k. I was shocked when I first heard that... It's a total rip-off!
So here's a summary of my honest advice for you girls:
So, for me, Loewy is more of a place for afternoon tea and early drinks. As for dinner, unless you don't mind eating in what feels like a massive nightclub, you might want to think twice. 😅
What do you think of this place? Let's chat in the comments~
- Book in advance: If you want to go, you must book in advance![8] It gets fully booked in minutes on weekends and evenings, so don't be a fool and just show up hoping to get a table.
- Best Times to Go: My personal recommendation: if you want to eat, chat, and take photos in peace, choose the lunch or Brunch slot. The atmosphere is chill, and the lighting is good too.
- Times to Avoid: If you ① can't stand noise or ② hate the smell of smoke, just skip the dinner and late-night hours.
- Money-Saving Tips: They have a Happy Hour in the afternoon with a buy-one-get-one-free deal on selected drinks[9]. It's still a great deal to come for a drink with your girlfriends.
- Safety Warning: I've heard that a leaking air conditioner in the restaurant made the floor slippery, and someone got injured because of it[10], so be careful when you're walking around.
- This 17-year-old [1] Jakarta bistro instantly gives off a strong New York retro vibe. Its long bar is packed with white-collar & expats [2], perfect for a chill afternoon tea with your besties.
- Their brunch French Toast [3] is a must-order! Crispy outside, soft inside, perfectly sweet – pure bliss in every bite, you'll crave it again.
- Want to grab drinks with your bestie without breaking the bank? Their afternoon Happy Hour [4] offers buy-one-get-one on select drinks, so you can enjoy affordable tipsy moments in Jakarta.
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