Every area in Jakarta needs a place that sells good coffee and a comfy space to let visitors perch wishing they will be back again for more. When you think the Menteng area is too packed for more coffee shops or cafes, you really have no idea. The Wilson's Lane is tucked away among one of the quiet streets and residential houses in Menteng, hidden from the main road where you’ll find a harmonious blend of old and new vibes under one roof.
Hidden Away: The Wilson's Lane - The Quiet Spot to Hide and Dine in Menteng
Take a step inside the 90's style house where you'll feel welcome first by the warm porch adorned by the colorful patterned lanterns hanging by the clear canopy to prevent a direct strike of heat during the days. While the front porch boasts plenty of botanicals that make you feel surrounded yourself by nature, the indoor area embodies a laidback space bedecked by vintage chandelier. The whole dining room area exudes a retro style painted with dusty pink color showcasing how a homey cafe should be.
If you ever need time to relax and unwind but are not sure where to go, the quiet and serene The Wilson's Lane is never a bad choice.
The menu is inspired by an old home cook's recipe that you will find it comforting to the palate. Take Arsik Salmon Nauli for instance. You will get a meaty broad salmon all drenched in a pool of sour, tangy, and punchy arsik in the signature yellow-red hued gravy. The stew-like gravy is unlike any other, there are tanginess from andaliman as well as earthy notes from torch ginger (kecombrang). Go easy with a plate of warm rice served with cassava leaves, anchovy, chili, and a couple of bitter beans that will awaken your senses.
One of the crowd favorites, Mie Goreng Wilson is inspired by Javanese and Medanese fried noodles filled with an abundance of squid, chives, slices of tomato, bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, and ebi (dried shrimp). The noodle lacks a bit of the mushy and sweety oomphs like any noodle version around town, but the spicy note that comes from the chili will kick and linger on your palate for a while, it's just the way it is. If you're not into noodles, Nasi Goreng Wilson, Nasi Goreng Sambal Jambal, Nasi Goreng Tegal, Soup Buntut Bakar, and Spaghetti Nusantara could be your options.
And comfort doesn’t stop there. Make sure to end on a sweet note with Poffertjes. Of all of the options, Chocolate Poffertjes is very much desired by many. This comes loaded with delightfully creamy chocolate sauce inside. This little sphere of goodness is bursting with chocolate melts once it's bitten while the unappealing poffertjes itself we must say has a delicately soft exterior sprinkled with powdered sugar on top of it.
After a huge fulfilling meal, you can still go on by washing down with their selection of drinks. The Wilson's Lane is also an equally work-friendly space to do your things alone or with a small group, thinking choosing a drink for a mood booster would be a safer choice.
That said, before getting started with your work or enjoying your serene time alone, don’t forget to fuel up on their Klepon Latte concocted from klepon syrup, coconut milk, and the down-to-earth sweet from brown sugar. Meanwhile, the aroma of Melaka Coffee Latte made from homemade melaka syrup, fresh milk, cream, creme brulee syrup, and espresso will be a delightful stimulant for all coffee-lovers.
The Wilson's Lane
Jl. Tegal No.4, Menteng, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Open: 12:00 - 20:00 (Monday to Saturday)
Phone: +62 812 11116642
Instagram