In posh Menteng, I had Jakarta's most 'schizophrenic' meal.
qponx
2026-01-23
Discover GIOI, a stunning villa restaurant in Menteng offering a high-end, homey vibe perfect for photos. The dining experience is a true rollercoaster; signature dishes like the Salmon Lodeh and Crispy Duck are heavenly, but other menu items can be a major letdown. With a live band, valet parking, and a weekend kids' play area, it’s a beautiful spot for a get-together. Just be sure to stick to the recommended must-try dishes for a guaranteed great meal.
Girls, just got back from GIOI in Menteng, and I have mixed feelings, I just have to get this off my chest!
The moment I stepped into that standalone villa, I was instantly a fan. The warm lighting, the classic spiral staircase, the whole atmosphere has that high-end yet relaxing, homey feel, perfect for photos 📸. I feel like bringing family or friends here would be super impressive. But you think it's all smooth sailing from there? Heh, the real show is yet to come.
A Rollercoaster for Your Taste Buds🎢
After sitting down to order, the waiter enthusiastically recommended a few of their signature dishes, and I pretty much tried them all:
👍 Must-order! It's a waste of a visit if you don't try these:
👎 Order with caution! Your wallet will ache for you:
In short, their dishes are like opening a blind box. The signature dishes can send you to heaven, but a randomly ordered regular dish might bring you crashing back down to earth.
- Salmon Lodeh[1]: This dish is seriously Mantap! The salmon skin is pan-fried until it's crispy and fragrant, but the meat is incredibly tender, paired with that rich yet refreshing coconut milk vegetable soup, one spoonful just warms you right up. It completely overturned my traditional impression of Lodeh, amazing!
- Signature Crispy Duck[2]: An upgraded version of crispy duck rice. The duck skin is super crispy, the duck meat is juicy and succulent, served with aromatic Kecombrang rice and three types of sambal, the layers of texture are just off the charts. One portion is enough for two or three people to share[3], which is a great deal.
- Fried Rice dishes: I'm speechless... A friend ordered one and said the ingredients were pathetically scarce, felt like the 90k+ was a total waste of money[4]. The taste was also unremarkable, not as good as what you'd get from a street stall.
Some Honest Truths & A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
To be honest, the ambiance and service here are definite pluses, the atmosphere is very Chill. But the consistency of the food is definitely an issue. There's a live band on the second floor at night[5], so if you like a lively scene, you can go there to Nongkrong, but if you want to have a quiet chat, I'd recommend sitting on the first floor.
Price-wise, it's about 250k IDR or more per person, and there's a minimum charge if you want to book a private room. They have set menus for two or five people[6], which might work out to be a bit more cost-effective.
Finally, a few tips for the girls who want to check this place out:
Alright, that's all for today's honest review. Save this, so you won't get lost on your next get-together
- 🚗Parking: Parking spots are extremely limited, I suggest using the valet service[7], it saves you the time and hassle.
- 👨👩👧Bringing Kids: On weekends, this place turns into a family paradise, with a dedicated play area for kids[8]. Families with kids, go for it!
- ☎️Reservations: If you have a large group or want a private room, remember to book in advance, you might be asked to pay a deposit[9].
- Detached villa entrance: warm lighting, classic spiral staircase, posh, chill vibe. Insta-worthy! 📸
- Salmon Lodeh [1]? Game-changer! Crispy salmon skin, tender fish, rich coconut veggie soup.
- Upgraded Signature Crispy Duck [2]: Crispy skin, juicy meat, Kecombrang rice, 3 sambals. Texture bliss! Serves 2-3 [3].
Similar Articles
Jakarta Brazilian BBQ: Half God-Tier, Half a Rip-Off. How to Eat Smart?
Thinking about a Brazilian BBQ feast in Jakarta? Tucano's offers an all-you-can-eat churrasco experience that can be heavenly or a letdown. This guide breaks down the must-have Picanha and the game-changing grilled pineapple. Learn the secrets to avoiding inconsistent quality and slow service, while discovering pro tips on how to find the best deals and get the juiciest cuts. Eat smart and make your meat-filled adventure a guaranteed success.
Braving the sweaty crowds in Menteng for this viral boneless grilled fish. Was it worth the hype?
Curious about the viral boneless grilled fish in Menteng? This spot is blowing up for its smoky, tender Bandeng Bakar and rich Sop Sodara. But is it worth the hype? While the food is a hit, be prepared for a tiny, crowded space, potential long waits, and Jakarta's heat. This review spills all the tea, offering tips on the best time to visit and what to expect, helping you decide if you should brave the crowds for this popular meal.
Michelin Chef, but the servers are bigger divas than me? An Honest Review of Caspar Jakarta.
Curious about the hype surrounding Caspar Jakarta? This Spanish spot is a visual masterpiece with a glamorous vibe, perfect for photos. While the Basque Cheesecake is a showstopper and some tapas shine, the experience can be a gamble. This review reveals inconsistent main courses, like the risky paella, and service that often falls short of its high-end price tag. It's a place best visited for its stunning atmosphere and dessert, not necessarily a flawless meal.
The food is a total rip-off, but why do I still go to Kopikalyan Menteng every week?
Ever wonder why someone would frequent a cafe with rip-off food? This review of Kopikalyan Menteng reveals a classic love-hate relationship. While the food is described as bland and overpriced, the cafe shines as a premier "Work From Cafe" destination in Jakarta. Discover why its spacious, modern ambiance, fast Wi-Fi, and quality coffee make it an irresistible spot for productivity, even if you should probably eat somewhere else first. It’s the ultimate guide to enjoying the best of Kopikalyan.