Unlimited Foie Gras at Mandarin Oriental's Lyon Brunch: A Surprise or a Shocker?
qponx
2026-01-23
Is the legendary Saturday brunch at Lyon in Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta worth the hype? This review dives into its main attraction: unlimited, pan-seared foie gras. While the foie gras, crispy porchetta, and steak tartare are definite showstoppers, the experience is polarizing. Discover the highs and lows, from the standout dishes to the mediocre sides and slow service, and find out if this pricey brunch is a must-try or an overhyped trap before you make a reservation.
Girls, I waited a full month and a half to get a reservation for the legendary Saturday brunch at Lyon in Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta! It's been hyped up like crazy online, especially the"all-you-can-eat foie gras," which made me so curious. So... is it really Mantap, or just another overhyped influencer trap? I'm here today to give you an honest review!
I Came for the Foie Gras!
Walking in, the ambiance is definitely what you'd expect from a five-star hotel—super elegant and perfect for a date or an anniversary celebration[1].
Without further ado, let's dig in! I came specifically for the unlimited Foie Gras[2], so that had to be the first thing I ordered! The chef pan-sears it to order, and it arrives piping hot. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside just melts in your mouth, and that rich, fatty aroma explodes in your mouth... Anjay! This is truly a treat you can't get at other buffets. My friend and I couldn't resist and ordered several plates.
Besides the foie gras, the Porchetta (roasted pork roll)[3] from the buffet station is also a definite highlight. The pork skin is roasted until it's incredibly crispy and crackles, but the meat inside is still juicy, full of spices, and not at all greasy. Also, the Steak Tartare[4] is a must-order. It's made to order with chilled beef, the seasoning is very authentic, and the texture is amazing!
But! The Downsides Were Just as Prominent…
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get real. Although a few standout dishes held down the fort, the overall experience was really"polarizing."
Aside from those few signature items, most of the other dishes were just... very mediocre[5]. Some of the soups arrived lukewarm, the sauces were bland and completely forgettable. Plus, the portions from the à la carte menu were ridiculously small, like a joke[6], and the food came out incredibly slowly.
The service is also hard to put into words. The staff were all very polite, but they were clearly overwhelmed during peak hours. We had to ask several times to get empty plates cleared and had to chase them down for water refills[7], which is not the standard you'd expect at this price point. The non-alcoholic package is 428k++, and the alcoholic one is 628k++[8], coming out to almost 800,000 IDR per person. For that price, the service is really unjustifiable.
Editor's Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
So, is it worth going? Here's my advice:
So, do you guys think it's worth the price? For those who've been, let's chat in the comments! 👇
- 1. Lower your expectations: Don't think of it as a flawless, perfect French meal. Just treat it as a trip to achieve"foie gras freedom." If you adjust your mindset, the experience will be much better.
- 2. Focus on the highlights: Don't waste your stomach space on the mediocre dishes. Go hard on the foie gras, porchetta, and steak tartare to get your money's worth!
- 3. Reservations are a must: The brunch is only available on Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and it's super popular! You absolutely must book a few weeks in advance. There's a 99% chance you'll be turned away if you try walking in[9].
- 4. Check for promotions: When you're paying the bill, don't forget to ask if there are any credit card discounts[10]. You might be able to save some money!
- Mandarin Oriental Jakarta's Saturday Brunch has unlimited foie gras[1]! Made-to-order, crispy, melts, rich flavor. Ultimate buffet!
- The roasted pork belly[2]? Super crispy skin, juicy, spiced, no grease.
- Worth the 1.5-month wait! Elegant ambiance[3], perfect choice for dates/anniversaries. Jakarta brunch.[4]
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