Sofia At The Gunawarman — Restaurant in Jakarta

It’s been several years since my last visit to this place. Despite the cozy ambiance and lovely design of Sofia, I’ve honestly always found their foods and afternoon tea to be overrated. Got invited to an Iftar couple of weeks ago so I’d thought to see if I like their food better this time around.

Ravioli Truffle (190k) 4.5/10 Portion was incredibly small (I believe I got 4 raviolis) even compared to other fine dining establishment in Jakarta. Pasta skin was very dry, even after being coated with the sauce. Consistency of the sauce itself was too thick and I couldn’t really taste the truffle. Kudos for the generous and umami ravioli filling though.

Sofia Chocolate Cake (90k) 5.5/10 Eight texture chocolate with hot chocolate sauce. This dessert was mostly mousse and way too sweet for me. I feel like the dish would have been a lot better had one of the component (the mousse or the sauce) been switched to dark chocolate, which would have brought a balanced bitterness to the dish. Texture is another issue as there is not enough crunch or firmness to counteract the softness of the mousse.

Haus #1 (200k) 5/10 A cognac based cocktails, Haus was made in combination with ume liqueur, cherry brandy, bitters chocolate, and vanilla hints. Very diluted cocktail, couldn’t really taste the alcohol. Much too sweet in my opinion.

Service I remember that service was always the highlights of my visits years ago. Sadly, that was not the case here. No greeter was stationed when I arrived there and our table had to call the servers multiple times before they noticed us. Drinks were served incredibly slow (in fact I had already finished my pasta before my drink arrived) until they offered a complementary iced teas as we waited for our drinks. Keep in mind that all of this could be because we visited during the weekend around Iftar time.

Verdict Go here for the ambiance, not for the food. Btw, I believe they have the most expensive iced tea in Jakarta (150k) which is cray🤣.

📍Gunawarman, Jakarta...

We were there to celebrate my boyfriend birthday.

Service: 5/5 They are not judging, and really helpful to us. Serving us with so beautiful smile, kind tone, and always there to help even without us asking. They also really good at singing happy birthday.

Food : 9.75/10

Braised Lamb shank (5/5) Price : 430k (tax included) The lamb was really tender and juicy and smooth and flavorful. The rice was tinted with a lot of spice, but not overpowering the smell is smooth but spot on. Sweet, spicy, savory, and umami. Real good food.

Capellini tartuffo (4.5/5) Price : 147k (tax included) It should be called bunch of truffle with angel hair pasta from how much the truffle gets inside the pasta. So so good, the truffle is present but not overpowering the pasta and creamy sauce. It gets boring near the end though, because it has no protein or texture variation.

Champignon soup with truffle oil (5/5) Price : 130k (tax included) Everything you ask in a bowl. Creamy? You got it. Umami savory? Yes it is. Hint of sweet? Yess, with a lot of fragrant from the truffle oil that enhance the taste from cream soup to heaven feast. It's even better when it gets cold

Sofia chocolate cake (3.5/5) Price : 140k (tax included) Well, the only outsider here. Like yeah it's a chocolate cake, but not a chocolate cake you will remember. I even prefer the Harvest's chocolate cake over this one. Since the sweetness overpowering the chocolate and milky taste. But it's cute, it also cute if you want to adds writings on there to surprise your loved one.

Coco banana (4/5) Price : 100k (tax included) It's good, and sweet, and has bold fresh fruits taste to it. With fried coconut shaving, coconut meat, coconut milk and...

Indulging in a delightful culinary experience at this exquisite fine dining restaurant was a treat for the senses. Offering a diverse range of dishes spanning from Western to Asian, with a particular focus on Indonesian cuisine, it truly catered to every palate.

The moment the dishes arrived, it was evident that both presentation and portion sizes were given utmost attention. Each plate was meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's artistic flair. The pasta with truffle was a revelation—a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on the taste buds. The truffle infused a rich earthiness, elevating the dish to new heights. Accompanying it was the sate marangi with sambal matah, a tantalizing Indonesian delight. The skewers were succulent and bursting with authentic flavors, perfectly complemented by the zesty sambal matah.

The ambiance of the restaurant exuded elegance and sophistication. The tasteful decor, subdued lighting, and plush seating created a refined atmosphere that enhanced the overall dining experience. The waitstaff, dressed impeccably in elegant uniforms, added a touch of class to the proceedings. Their attentive and professional service elevated the evening, ensuring that every need was met with a warm smile.

In conclusion, this fine dining establishment left an indelible impression. The generous portion sizes, meticulous presentation, and a focus on Indonesian cuisine made it a standout experience. From the moment you step foot into the restaurant to the last bite, you are enveloped in a world of culinary excellence. Whether you're an avid food lover or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for a remarkable...