Pidari Lounge — Restaurant in Jakarta

This place is a riot. We had a reservation and, logically, expected to be seated at a dining table. But no! They wanted to make us dine like hobbits, right on a coffee table. Naturally, I expressed my surprise (at this point rather angrily) and magically we were finally assigned a proper table. This came after a short interlude of waiting despite our reservation, which they justified by saying that they were preparing our table - a highly improbable yarn spun considering we were initially offered a random coffee table.

Then came the ordering phase. Half the items we requested had apparently decided to take the day off. So, we improvised. I chose the Shimeji mushrooms cloaked in egg batter (as an alternative to the elusive "Bambu Hutan", which despite its name isn't fried bamboo but is actually fried Enoki, a species that seemed to have gone extinct in their kitchen). The mushroom dish was such an oil festival that it gave me a queasy roller coaster ride after just a couple of bites.

The portions are as unpredictable as a game of roulette - gargantuan one moment, miniscule the next, with no prior indication. As for the beers, they seem to be rationing them in diminutive servings. If you're game for a second round, remember to stick with the same waiter. Failure to do so may result in a hilarious chain of waiters, each bringing a beer, each blissfully ignorant of the other's existence.

The gastronomic journey here is as varied as the Indonesian archipelago. Some dishes make you sing praises while others leave a taste in your mouth that could inspire a tragic comedy. I was still chuckling at the culinary misadventures when my metal credit card took a leap of faith from the waiter's hands and against all odds - he managed to bend and scratch it.

Everyone struts about as if this were a prestigious conclave in Jakarta's economic core, but I've tasted richer experiences at lower prices with better service in the Indonesian countryside. It's a peculiar concoction of grandeur and mediocrity; some aspects are top-notch while others are comically abysmal. The best approach, I've found, is to embody the mantra "never ask why". It's the unsolvable riddle of this country – and no one seems to have the answers..

... and don't get me started on the minutes spent talking to security when entering the parking lot. What - the - hell. Yes, I want to eat there. No, I don't know when I will leave. Build a bigger parking lot and don't harass...

We visited Pidari Lounge during the month of Ramadan, hoping to have a pleasant iftar (breaking fast) experience with family. Unfortunately, the visit turned out to be quite frustrating due to poor reservation handling and unhelpful service.

Before arriving, the staff asked us to choose our seating preference, and they sent one photo via WhatsApp showing a lounge-style bench with cushions. Based on that image, we selected our table. However, when we arrived, only one side of the table had the proper cushioned bench, while the other side had hard garden furniture without cushions, designed for reclining — which made it uncomfortable to sit upright and eat.

We noticed that another table with the correct lounge setup (matching the photo) was still available, so we politely asked to switch. However, the staff made a big issue out of it, insisting that the photo they sent was the only one they had and not allowing us to change tables. In the end, we moved to the free table ourselves, and only after that did they reluctantly agree.

As for the food, it was okay, but nothing memorable. We were also told that takjil (light snacks before the meal) would be provided, but even though we arrived 45 minutes before iftar, all the takjil was already gone — and they didn’t refill it.

Overall, the experience felt poorly managed. For a place that presents itself as a cozy lounge and takes detailed reservations, we expected better service and preparation — especially during Ramadan, when hospitality and clarity are even...

A really disappointing experience. We had a reservation at 8. We were put in an empty room while there was space in the other rooms . After we ordered people started cleaning the room.

In stead of the appetizers we got our mains (almost cold) , later followed by one of the appetizers as a side dish. After a few bites (8.40 PM) they asked us what dessert we would like because the kitchen wanted to close 🤷‍♂️. We felt uncomfortable and rushed.

I declined and decided to have coffee somewhere else. We finished our meal and at that moment the other appetizer came with an apology. When it was obvious we were finished they asked if we wanted it in a doggy bag.

After that I was a little annoyed and explained that we where rushed out and the waiter decided it was indeed a little odd at least and removed that appetizer from the bill.

I paid the bill and on the way out another waiter came up to me with and apology and some sweets for the troubles. Because I was literally at the door I declined and we left.

All in all an exceptionally disappointing...