Pracimasana Mangkunegaran — Attraction in Surakarta

A Unique and Memorable Family Dining Experience at Pracima Mangkunegaran

Dining at Pracima Mangkunegaran is more than just about good food – it’s a full cultural experience, set in the heart of the historic Pura Mangkunegaran. This royal palace, dating back to the 18th century, blends Javanese tradition with colonial-era charm, offering a one-of-a-kind setting that’s both elegant and serene.

We visited as a family, including our 8-year-old daughter, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We made a reservation a day in advance and managed to secure the earliest time slot at 10 AM. We specifically chose this time so we could enjoy the beautiful morning light streaming through the large windows – perfect for capturing lovely photos with just a cellphone. The soft sunlight filled the space with warmth, and the garden views added a peaceful, almost magical ambiance.

One thing we truly appreciated was their no-camera policy during dining. It’s a thoughtful rule that keeps the experience enjoyable for all guests. With such a stunning location, it’s easy to imagine how it could turn into a photoshoot spot, but the rule helps preserve the relaxed, respectful environment.

The building’s colonial-influenced architecture and interior added to the experience. You really feel like you’re stepping into a part of Solo’s living history.

As for the food – it was fantastic! A beautiful blend of Indonesian, Javanese, and Western flavors. We had Lidah Sapi Goreng for the appetizer, and for mains we enjoyed Bebek Confit, Pepes Gurameh Kemangi, and Sop Buntut à la Pracimasana. The standout moment was dessert – a Tiramisu prepared table-side, layer by layer, right in front of us. It added a fun, interactive touch that we all enjoyed.

Our daughter especially loved the whole experience – from the elegant setting to the flavors of the food. She was completely drawn into it and even asked us to come back the next time we visit Solo as a family. It’s rare to find a fine dining place that both adults and kids can appreciate equally.

The staff were welcoming and helpful, dressed in beautifully patterned batik uniforms that added to the royal and refined feel of the place.

If you’re planning a visit, do take a moment to read their house rules beforehand. They’re there to ensure a comfortable and respectful atmosphere for everyone.

In short, Pracima Mangkunegaran is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and meaningful dining experience in Solo. We’re already looking forward to coming back – maybe for dinner next time, to see how the palace looks under the twilight of a...

TL;DR: Pracima has a beautiful venue, but their reservation system and service are disappointing. Despite arriving early and waiting patiently, I was given inconsistent information by the reception staff. They blamed me for their mistakes and one of their staff showed no remorse or solutions. This establishment needs to seriously retrain their staffs and improve their service.

Venue: 5/5 Food: 3/5 Service: 0/5 Reservation: 0/5

I had made a reservation for 12:00 and arrived at around 11:45. Upon arrival, I noticed that there were already customers waiting for the doors to open. Wanting to ensure everything was in order, I approached the reception staff and asked if I needed to confirm my attendance. To my surprise, I was informed that confirmation was unnecessary and that I should simply wait for my name to be called.

I patiently waited and watched as the time ticked past 12:00. By 12:30, a whole 45 minutes had passed since my arrival, and I was still waiting. Meanwhile, I observed other groups arriving after me being called in multiple times.

Feeling frustrated and confused by the inconsistency, I approached another staff member and inquired once again. This time, I was informed that I did need to confirm my attendance before waiting for the call. To make matters worse, when I expressed my disappointment at their contradictory instructions, the staff member responded defensively, stating two things: first, that my dining time would still the same, and second, that it was not his fault and I should not complain to him.

I was completely taken aback and felt a surge of anger. How could a restaurant that brands itself on being high-end deliver such an unprofessional response? As a customer, I had followed their instructions by arriving early, asking for clarification, and waiting patiently for 45 minutes. Yet, due to their own mistakes, I was forced to wait even longer. What's more, the staff member's defensive attitude and lack of apology were completely unacceptable.

Thankfully, after some debates and frustration, a lady from Pracima finally approached me to apologize and personally escort me to my table. She acknowledged my feedback and expressed a genuine commitment to improving their service. While I appreciated her efforts, it's important to note that this gesture came after my experience had already been tarnished by the initial...

This restaurant is located in the same area as the Kraton Solo (Javanese royal palace) and has become famous, especially with tourists. As a first-time visitor to Solo, my local friend asked me to have dinner there.

To dine here, we need to make an online reservation first. We chose the latest session, which is from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM.  The maximum lateness from the reserved time is 30 minutes. Therefore, I highly suggest you arrive as early as possible before your reservation time. There is a minimum purchase based on the package you choose.

To enter this area, we need to wear a polite outfit with some restrictions that you could see online or via WhatsApp after making a reservation.

As we arrived early, we received a complimentary warm drink while waiting. It was like a tea with a subtle herbal taste.

The restaurant itself is spacious, with a mix of traditional Keraton and modern vibes.  The menu, Indonesian with some European influence, varies from main dishes to side dishes, desserts, tea, coffee, jamu, and wedang.

Let's see what we tried!

Sate Buntel Sereh (IDR 50,000) Two pieces of thick ground beef with herbs, served on lemongrass skewers with savory thick gulai sauce and chili. Recommended!

Bebek Confit (IDR 115,000) A plate of tender duck, cooked in its own fat for eight hours, served with salad, mashed potatoes, and savory gravy.

Tiramisu (IDR 70,000) We tried their recommended dessert, tiramisu, which was served directly in front of us. Those who love making videos would be happy to record it 😄 This tiramisu consists of cake, coffee, cream, and chocolate powder. The size is quite big, suitable for sharing with less sweet taste.

Teh Pracimasana (IDR 35,000) This drink is served cold. Inspired by the history of an empire that loved drinking tea, this cold tea combines Indonesian herbs such as sappanwood, cinnamon, cloves,...