This new Holywings: Besides pretty photos, what's left?
qponx
2026-01-24
Phoenix Gastrobar, the new spot from Holywings, is a visual stunner with gorgeous, European palace-like decor perfect for your next Instagram post. But is the experience as good as the photos? This review suggests that while the ambiance is top-notch, the food and cocktails are average for their price. Be prepared for slow service and high minimum charges. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, but perhaps not the best choice for a foodie night out.
My Instagram and social feeds have been flooded with this place for ages[1], so I finally gave in to the FOMO and came to check out Phoenix Gastrobar, the new hot spot under Holywings.
Honestly, I was seriously blown away the moment I walked in. The huge European-style fountain and the gorgeous classical design make you feel like you've been instantly transported to a European palace[2]. Every corner is practically screaming"take a picture here," the lighting is just perfect, and any casual snap with the girls turns into a viral-worthy masterpiece for your feed. They've absolutely nailed the ambiance. 📸
The Food and Drinks, Are They Really Mantap?
Since it's called a"Gastrobar," I naturally had high expectations for the food and drinks. Some dishes on the menu do look top-notch, like the limited-edition holiday Golden Salmon Coulibiac[3] and the Crackling Roasted Pork Leg[4]—just hearing the names made my mouth water. Among the regular dishes we ordered, the Nashville Chicken[5] was actually pretty good, and it was one of the few highlights.
BUT! To be frank, the rest of the food and cocktails were... emmm, hard to describe[6]. The flavors were very average, even a bit disappointing, and not at all worth the price. It feels like food and drinks really aren't their core strength; it's more like a space that exists just for taking photos.
Some Real Talk, Don't Just Look at the Filters
The most painful part is the price. For a sofa seat on the weekend, the minimum charge shoots up to 3 million Indonesian Rupiah[7]—your wallet will literally cry! 😭 The service is also a major point of complaint. The food and drinks came out so unbelievably slowly, it felt like they were severely understaffed[8]. It was hard to even find someone to place another order, which kind of ruined the Nongkrong mood.
Survival Guide | A Must-Read Before You Go!
As usual, I'm highlighting the key points for my darlings—save this, you won't regret it!
Overall, this place is more suited as a"social photo-op spot" rather than a"foodie destination." If you want to take gorgeous photos with your friends, go for it! If you want to have a good meal and just chill, there are better options in Jakarta. Anjay
- 💃 Coming for the photos? Then you've come to the right place! This is definitely one of the most photogenic spots in Jakarta, and even a casual outfit will look great in pictures. But if you're coming for the food, you might want to lower your expectations.
- 💰 About your wallet: Be sure to ask about the minimum charge in advance! The prices for sofas and regular tables are different. The cost per person isn't cheap, so be prepared.
- 🚭 About the environment: Smoking is allowed indoors[9], so friends who are sensitive to smoke should think twice. Also, the live band's performance is pretty average[10], so don't make a special trip just for the live music.
- ⏰ About the service: Be prepared to"wait." If you're in a hurry or aren't patient, it might be a bit of an ordeal.
- 🅿️ About parking: They only offer valet parking here, and you might get charged double[11], so remember to have cash ready.
- Instantly transported to a European palace [1]! Every corner, social media gold [2]!
- Holiday-limited puff pastry salmon [3] and crispy roasted pork knuckle [4]? Pure visual and tastebud bliss!
- Weekend sofa seating: 3 million IDR [5] minimum. Jakarta's ultimate luxurious social sanctuary, with an unparalleled vibe.
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