Gran Via Cafe — Restaurant in Jakarta

I haven't been impressed for a long time with Jakarta's buffets, but Cafe Gran Via definitely impressed me! I went there on 17th Oct, the first night of their wagyu program.

Huge props to Chef Kevin Marchetti and his team, especially to the energetic young chef Gugun manning the carving station that night.

For Rp 375,000++ the value for money is AMAZING! I am an avid fan of many hotel buffets, but I find this one to have the best value for money.

They have a dedicated wagyu corner with beef wellington, roast beef, wagyu meatballs, wagyu satay and wagyu shawarma.

Close to that you can also find their pasta section with a huge Grana Padano wheel, their Spanish station with Paella, their lovely soup station covering all the bases (they have Japanese miso soup, Goulash and Sup Daging Indonesia).

Walk some more and you'll find their salad station with angus beef carpaccio as the highlight. Next to it is the Mediterranean mezze and Indonesian fare.

Then you can also find their Chinese section as well as their Indian section. Led by their new Chinese chef, Walden Wei, I found their gongbao chicken and black pepper beef to be different from the ones you find in Jakarta, and I love it!

The Japanese section had various sushi rolls, thick cut maguro sashimi as well as soba and fish & tofu stew.

One highlight is their cheese and deli section, the nuts are of very high quality, the dried fruits are a myriad. You don't often find dried figs in Jakarta. The bresaola and smoked duck are great as well.

The dessert section has a ton of choices, I calculated at least 15 choices on that night. The lemon meringue tart is a special one for me, they nailed it. Another one that's great is the coffee panna cotta, the coffee and the sweetness was balanced very nicely.

Although they do not have a wide sashimi selection, seafood on ice and sop buntut (oxtail soup, a local favourite); this buffet does not need them. It has really great value with a wide variety of food, taste is on point, and leaves you feeling good.

Definitely will come back and highly...

Visited on Saturday 12PM for brunch on mid December. Made a reservation one day before, process was smooth. Usher and reception was friendly and prompt to greet our party. Due to covid, food was served on the stall by attendant, slow process creating long queue. Selection was TERRIBLE, and limited. Lots of vacant stalls, and the food isn't the quality from a 5 stars hotel.

Roast beef is bland and smelly, roast fish is tasteless and dry. Bebek betutu is overly soft and not enough spice. Steamed dimsum only consists of siew mai and dumpling, mediocre taste. Teppan grill is a joke, lamb wasn't processed well and the smell was overpowering. Barbecue sauce was used for the topping, CHEF come on barbecue sauce?! Sushi stall was decent, sufficient variety and fresh. Tandoor stall was the only one worth praising, even though naan bread wasn't warm enough for lunch time. Biryani rice and chicken makhani was well-spiced. Dessert selection was bountiful, paradise for sweet-tooth. Fruits on the other hand, was limited to pineapple watermelon papaya and honeydew, bringing you the experience of eating on a plane.

Not a restaurant our party would frequent in the future. It would be better to inquire their food offerings before making a...

A Gastronomic Odyssey of Delight! 🍽️✨

As a dedicated food reviewer, my recent indulgence at Grand Via Cafe unfolded as a three-hour symphony of culinary excellence, where every moment was a celebration of flavors, variety, and sheer indulgence.

The all-you-can-eat buffet, a gastronomic playground, offered a diverse menu that transcended expectations. From tantalizing appetizers to decadent desserts, each dish was a testament to the culinary prowess of Grand Via Cafe.

The ambiance, a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth, added an extra layer to the dining experience. Whether relishing the exquisite flavors indoors or enjoying the al fresco setting, every corner of Grand Via Cafe told a story of culinary delight.

The price of admission was not just a transaction; it was an investment in a culinary journey that stretched over three delightful hours. For those seeking a buffet experience that goes beyond mere dining, Grand Via Cafe at Gran Melia Jakarta is an absolute gem—where every bite is a celebration and every dish is a chapter in a...