Spiegel All Day Bar & Dining — Restaurant in Semarang

The Spiegel Building in Semarang's Old Town is one of the best examples of late 19th-century European colonial architecture that remains relatively intact. Built in 1895, the building was founded by Herman Spiegel, an Austrian-Hungarian merchant, and reflects the influence of neoclassical architecture that was developing in the Dutch East Indies at the time. The building's façade is made of exposed red brick, reinforced with intricate carvings and arches characteristic of continental European architectural style. The tall windows with half-circular arches and strict symmetry reflect rational order, while the high ceilings and large openings provide natural ventilation that is well-suited to the tropical climate.

In the post-colonial era, the building was converted into a warehouse and fell into disrepair, but it was eventually restored and reopened as Spiegel Bar & Bistro on 8 June 2015.

One of the dishes I ordered was pizza. The pizza served is rich in cheese—a combination of around five types of cheese—creating a generous savoury flavour, paired with a touch of spicy honey (“hot honey”) that is perfectly sweet, offering a unique and appetising sensation. The essence of Spiegel’s pizza lies in its crispy dough, perfectly melted cheese, and a balanced combination of savoury and sweet flavours.

For drinks, I tried the Vienna Coffee at Spiegel Kota Lama Semarang, offering a refreshingly relaxed experience: espresso mixed with fresh milk and topped with soft tiramisu cream, creating a perfect balance of creamy texture and bitter-sweet flavour. I could adjust the milk or cream composition to my preference. The taste is smooth, with the espresso’s dominance still intact despite the sweet whipped cream—the cool and sweet effect makes this coffee perfect to enjoy in Semarang’s tropical weather.

One of the waiters serving us was named JEJE, a cheerful and smart young woman with extensive knowledge about the restaurant’s menu, able to provide recommendations that made our dinner memorable. This young woman deserves a well-deserved award.

Spiegel successfully blends historical values and colonial aesthetics into a modern dining experience. The restaurant is not just a place to eat but also a living museum that delights the eyes. Overall, Spiegel not only serves delicious cuisine but also offers a sense of history and atmosphere that is hard to...

Spiegel Bar is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kota Lama, Semarang, also known as the Old City. This area is renowned for its historical Dutch colonial architecture, and Spiegel Bar is no exception. Housed in a charming, excentric Dutchy-style building, the cafe exudes a unique blend of old-world charm and cozy ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a memorable dining experience. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff are incredibly polite and attentive, adding a personal touch to the service. During my visit with my family, the servers went out of their way to make us feel welcome, ensuring our dinner was enjoyable and hassle-free. Their friendly demeanor truly enhanced our experience. One of the highlights of the evening was the live singer, whose soulful and melodious voice filled the space, creating a delightful vibe that complemented the cafe’s aesthetic. It’s rare to find a place where the music, ambiance, and service come together so seamlessly, but Spiegel Bar nails it. However, it’s worth noting that after 9 PM, the entire venue becomes a smoking area. While this adds to the laid-back, adult-friendly vibe, it might not be ideal for families with young children. If you’re planning to visit with kids, I’d recommend coming earlier in the evening to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. For wine enthusiasts, Spiegel Bar offers a diverse selection of wines to suit various tastes. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds or crisp whites, their wine menu is sure to impress. Pair your drink with their delicious food offerings, and you’re in for a treat. Shorter story, Spiegel Bar is a must-visit if you’re exploring Kota Lama. Its historical charm, cozy ambiance, excellent service, and live music make it a standout destination. Just keep in mind the smoking policy if you’re visiting with children later in the evening. Highly recommended for a relaxing night out with...

Either they triple the kitchen crew or change the Head chef. It is so unbelievably slow and horrendous. We are a party of 5, and pur mains came out 1 at a time. The 2nd one came out after the first one finished his meal. The 3rd one came out after the 2nd one finished his meal, and the 4th one came one after the 3rd one finished his meal, and the 5th one i decided to cancel bcoz i’ve lost my appetite as the 4 have already finished their meals. The kitchen efficiency is at best 20%. In fact the moment we went in, we already saw the first red flag. The wait staff set the cutlery for one pax and then disappeared, and we had to call another staff to set up. The 2nd red flag was the complimentary focaccia was served after we have finished appetizers. The 3rd red flag was we ordered 2 bottles sparkling water and asked for 5 glasses, they brought 2 glasses becoz 2 bottles equal 2 glasses. The 4th red flag was we asked for 2 ashtrays and they gave one and the other they used a serving plate as a substitute. The only reason they still got a One star review was bcoz of the nice decor and soothing songs the band played (compared to many restaurants in Indonesia where the bands like to play loud music and you can’t hold a nice conversation...