epicure’s TOP PICKS
SMRITI JAKARTA
Contemporary Indonesian cuisine is the highlight of this versatile dining, drinking and entertainment venue. Led by head chef Harum Indra, find progressive take on classic Indonesian regional dishes such as Steak Saus Rendang, Tuna Asem Udeng and Bobor Jamur Asap. Sneak in a glass of Batavia – a whisky and mangosteen tipple – as a nightcap at the verdant al fresco garden. Meetings can be held at one of its private rooms, Old Fashioned sipped at the Whiskey Bar, and meals savoured at its highceilinged main dining room. smritijakarta.com
WABI-SABI
Since 2019, MDA Restaurants group has successfully introduced fickle Jakartans to dry-aged steaks at Aged + Butchered, Mediterranean flavours through Animale, and an elevated Mexican-Peruvian cuisine at Carbón. With Wabi-Sabi, executive chef Andri Dionysius presents his brazen take of Japanese cuisine in an urban zen garden setting. Opt for the omakase menu made of signature dishes, nigiri sushi and off-the-menu creations. Duck Duck Foie (duck egg and foie gras chawanmushi, seared foie gras, duck breast, and truffle sauce), Kakubin Suntory Whisky-flamed Karubi Wagyu Beef Short Rib with wasabi pepper sauce, and Saikyo Miso-marinated Halibut with smoky soubise sauce are just three of the highlights. mdarestaurants.com