Classic 4.7-Star Makassar Seafood: Food is Mantap, but the staff acts like the boss.
qponx
2026-03-06
This legendary Makassar seafood spot is back after a major renovation, boasting a clean, spacious ambiance and even live piano music. While the service can be a hit-or-miss, the food is the real star. Dive into phenomenal grilled fish and shrimp bursting with authentic, smoky flavor that makes it all worthwhile. The prices are on the higher side, but for seafood this heavenly, it’s a culinary experience you won't want to miss.
I'd heard for a while about a legendary seafood joint in Makassar[1], and it was recently renovated, so a friend dragged me here to Nongkrong. To be honest, the moment I walked in, it felt a bit conflicting… The owner was super welcoming, like family, darting all over the place chatting with customers, but several of the waitresses had cold expressions the whole time. The looks they gave... made me think I'd walked into the wrong place. 🤷♀️
The flavors are god-tier, and the ambiance got an upgrade too
But, the moment the food arrived, all my frustrations instantly melted away! It's an old spot that's newly reopened, and the ambiance is truly impeccable. The space is huge, the AC is blasting, and it's clean and comfortable. When we went, there was even live piano music[2]. The vibe was absolutely perfect, and it can definitely handle a family dinner or a big group of friends coming to Chill.
The main event, of course, is the seafood!
We ordered their signature Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)[3], and man, was it fragrant! The fish was super fresh, the skin was grilled to a smoky char, while the meat inside was still incredibly tender and juicy. The seasoning was authentic Makassar style, bumbunya pas banget (the sauce was just right)!
Udang Bakar (grilled shrimp)[4] is also an absolute must-order. They weren't small, and the shrimp meat was springy and firm, freshness was 10/10. And then there was the Cumi Saus Mentega (squid in butter sauce)[5]. The rich buttery aroma coated the squid, Anjay, it was super good with rice!
Some real talk (a little rant)
To be fair, the prices here are definitely not cheap[6]; it's in the mid-to-high range, so your wallet will hurt a bit, haha. But for seafood this good, most of the time it feels worth it. However, we did hit a few misses. The clams we ordered felt a bit old, like they were pre-cooked and then reheated, and the texture was tough. There was also a fried shrimp dish where the batter was way too thick, you couldn't even taste the shrimp[7], so that was a bit of a letdown.
Pro-tips from the heart
- Parking Warning: There's very little parking space out front[8], it's just along the roadside, and coming during peak hours is a real pain. I recommend just taking a taxi/ride-hail.
- Service is a gamble: If you get a stone-faced server, don't take it personally—just go find the owner! The owner is super nice, and he'll instantly turn your service experience around![9]
- Heads-up for takeout orders: I saw in the reviews that some people have had items missing from their delivery orders[10]. It's best to check your items on the spot before you leave with your takeout.
- Money-saving tip: Keep an eye out for discount info at the entrance! Sometimes there are 15% or even 25% discounts[11], and every little bit saved helps
- Revamped seafood spot with live piano music[1]! Perfect vibe for family dinner or a chill Nongkrong.
- The signature Ikan Bakar (grilled fish)[2] is super fresh—crispy charred skin, tender meat. Authentic Makassar flavor makes you scream bumbunya pas banget!
- Butter Sauce Squid[3] is smothered in rich butter sauce. Great with rice, you'll be shouting Anjay
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