VIN+ Kemang: A Wine Lover's Paradise, or a Foodie's Landmine?
qponx
2026-01-24
A 21-year veteran in Jakarta, VIN+ Kemang is a paradise for wine lovers with its vast selection and fantastic live music vibe. However, the food can be a total gamble. This review reveals which dishes are a must-try (hello, Carbonara!) and which to avoid. Get the inside scoop on navigating the hit-or-miss menu, dealing with the smoky atmosphere, and scoring amazing discounts on wine at this legendary, yet flawed, hangout spot.
All the old-school drinkers in Jakarta must know about this VIN+ in Kemang, right? It's a 21-year-old veteran[1]. Every time I want to buy wine, or find a place to Nongkrong and listen to live music at night, it always comes to mind. But honestly, every time I consider eating here, I struggle so much... 💀 It feels like opening a blind box; it's either Mantap or Anjay.
The Vibe is Genuinely Chill, but the Food is a Gamble
The moment you walk in, you're greeted by that familiar dim ambiance, with huge wine racks stretching to the ceiling, looking very lavish. When the live music starts on weekends[2], the atmosphere is instantly maxed out. Having a few drinks and chatting with friends is really chill. Their wine selection is massive, definitely a great place to hunt for wine[3].
As for the food, well, that's really a matter of luck. I'll rave about their Carbonara Spaghetti[4]; the creaminess is super rich, the pasta texture is just right, and it has never failed me! I've also heard their coffee is very underrated. They use a super cool Elektra coffee machine, and the quality is great[5].
But! Definitely don't have high expectations for the more complex dishes. Last time, a friend ordered the Wagyu Sirloin, and when it arrived, it was... emmm... the meat was incredibly fibrous[6]. When we complained to the waiter, they just calmly said,"Sirloin is like that," and I was just speechless.
I've Got a Few Honest Truths to Share
Although the atmosphere and wine are decent, there are some complaints I just have to get off my chest.
First, the price. To be honest, it's not cheap. The retail wines are generally 20-30% more expensive than outside[7]. Second, and the thing I can't stand the most—the smell of smoke! Even if you sit in the non-smoking area, the secondhand smoke seeps in from everywhere[8], which is so unfriendly to non-smoking girls like us 🤧. The service is also hit-or-miss. When it gets busy, it's common for the staff to play a disappearing act with you[9].
【Editor's Guide to Avoiding the Traps】You're Welcome
So, is it worth going? My advice is: If you know what to choose, you can have a great time. Save my money-saving & pitfall-avoiding tips!
- Ordering Strategy: Go for simple mains like the Carbonara pasta or pizza without a second thought; you can't really go wrong. For dishes like steak that test the chef's skills, I'd suggest not taking the risk[10].
- Breakfast Blacklist: If you see the"Breakfast now served" sign at the door, just ignore it! A lesson learned the hard way—don't waste your money[11].
- When to Buy Wine: Don't buy at full price! Always keep an eye on their promotions. Sometimes you can snag a great wine at a massive discount (I heard up to 70% off[12]), and that's a real steal!
- Seating Tips: If you're sensitive to smoke, think twice. Also, some seats are directly under the AC vent[13], so if you feel cold, remember to ask the staff to move you.
- VIN+ [1], a Jakarta classic, boasts towering wine racks. Weekend live music [2] amps up the vibe, perfect for good wine [3] & friends.
- Food can be a gamble, but their Carbonara Spaghetti [4] is a creamy, al dente, never-fail winner. A must-try!
- Jakarta regulars know: they occasionally drop 70% off good wine [5] surprises. Catch a deal, it's pure gold!
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