Gandy Steak & Bakery — Restaurant in Jakarta

Always love coming to this place, not only because of the food but also the nostalgic feeling that it brings. Gandy in Menteng has been around for more than 4 decades, and it hasn’t changed a bit. It has a small bakery on the ground floor and a big restaurant adjacent to it and on the 2nd floor. It’s normally quite busy in the weekends, but can easily do walk-ins. Since the building is located right on the main street, it offers valet parking service. Starting the meal service, got a complimentary dinner roll which I super love. The bread is soft & pillowy and still warm, which goes well with the butter on the side. I also got Onion Rings & Garlic Bread for starters. Both were done nicely, but for me, I would prefer the garlic bread to be more toasted. Portions are heft and can easily shared by 4-5 people. As for the main course, I always & always go for the classic. A combo of fried chicken and beef steak ala Gandy served with Gandy butter sauce or mushroom sauce. The fried chicken was nicely seasoned & fried until golden brown. The chicken is still juicy and got a nice crunch from the breading. As for the steak ala Gandy, the meat is tender and juicy, and well seasoned. For the sauce, either one is always good and I just normally choose as per my liking that day. The mains is served with a huge serving of potatoes of our choice and steamed veggies. To finish it off, got the Chocolate Milkshake which is such a classic. The taste remained the same since i was a kid. The team is also very attentive and the food came quite fast. As for the bakery, I always go for their dinner rolls and Roti Keset. The breads are nice & soft, and still done the way it has been done for ages. Definitely going to be coming...

A legendary steakhouse in Jakarta has earned its iconic status since the 1980s, and for good reason. The ambience, with its calm, dimly lit interior, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for savoring a premium meal. Every chew of their steak is truly delightful, prepared to perfection and always satisfying. Beyond steak, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, rice, and tea; each prepared with the same attention to quality.

However, what stands out most is the service. Having visited this establishment since I was 5 years old, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the consistency in service has remained unchanged. The waitstaff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for years, continue to provide exceptional service, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Some even recognize me when I return, adding a personal touch to each visit. The longevity of their staff speaks volumes about the restaurant’s strong management and its commitment to providing high-quality, personalized service.

Although the location isn’t the easiest to find amidst Jakarta’s bustling traffic, tucked away in an all-white building surrounded by trees, it’s well worth the visit. The limited parking can be challenging, especially during peak dinner hours, so planning ahead is essential. As for the price, it’s relative. It can be considered expensive for some, yet reasonable for the quality offered. Regardless, it's a place that’s highly recommended, especially for the Menteng community, where it has long been a beloved dining spot. Whether you’re a steak lover or simply seeking a great meal in a cozy setting, this restaurant remains a top choice that never...

Overall rating is 3.6

Food: I cannot be exactly objective since this is my childhood favorite steak. I love it they serve warm bread with butter before meal. Don't skip it. The bread is so tender and nice. The steak is served on a hot plate and they pour the sauce right before they serve the hotplate in front of you, it makes a lot of smoke and sizzling sound. That's the highlight of the meal. The steak itself is standard but the sauce oh so yummy. Also, you must ask for the shallot pickle. It is the best! For food I rate 4.5 out of 5.0

Service: is standard, not exceptional but definitely above average. Used to be better but maybe because there are many other restaurants with higher level of service now. I rate 4.0 out of 5.0

Place: is old but well maintained. Seats are okay. The worst thing is everytime I come here there is live music (which is nice actually) but they don't have a policy about visitor performance. I mean, of course it is okay if guests want to sing, but please please please don't let the guests sing more than 2 songs in a row. This is a restaurant, not a karaoke place. The restaurant should be strict about this. I don't come here to hear amateur singers sing their hometown folksongs, even worse with a terrible pitch control. I rate...