Leon Goldstein is nobody’s idea of a contemporary restaurant. Yes, you might get the wrong idea about it since it's renowned for being the best spot where you can chill, drink, and dance under a disco ball over the amazing line-ups of live bands and DJ performances all night long.
But, did you know that you can also savor the all-day dining menu served in very attentive detail perfect for breaking hours and casual meetings? Adjacent to the reception area, Leon Goldstein The Cafe has an elegant space with standout service that’s attentive, but never overbearing. The small rectangular dining room has soft natural light that hits exactly where your mood goes. The addition of the bar and mini crystal table lamps (changing according to the day and night times) add sophistication.
Helmed by Executive Chef – Raffi Feliciano, the dining menu is short, safe, and self-explanatory, highlighting the comfort food from Asian to Western fares, nothing too pretentious. Most of the dishes seem straightforward until they hit your table.
Chef Raffi’s rendition of modern Asian cuisine is fairly interesting. Considering all the intriguing dishes on the menu, Mie Ayam Brisket is super popular. Who can resist the comforting Indonesian classic chicken noodle served with tasty chicken broth? All working together with the tender sous vide chicken, fried dumpling skin, grilled brisket, and a little heat from the chili oil.
If you're more into the classic, Mee Goreng Mamak is always one you can't miss. The Malaysian-styled fried egg noodles is served with fish balls, fish cakes, steak slices, and the shimmering sunny-side-up oozing goodness.
You can't just go wrong with the staple Kung Pao Chicken. The glazed Chinese-style stir-fried chicken cubes is miraculously tender and the use of Japanese rice feels so comfortable when munching. The taste of warming spices from dried chili peppers and a distinct nuttiness from cashews and sesame seeds create an extra crunchy texture. The same thing goes for their Cumi Cabai Garam, served with Japanese rice and scallions plus chilies to add a vibrant color, the Cantonese-style salt and pepper calamari is no doubt delicately addictive.
While the Asian menu is billed as the main draw, you just can't ignore their varied Western menu. Everyone knows what happens when an item like Snack Platter arrives on the table. This twist delight of a fried beer batter fish, Tuscany chicken finger, and battered fried calamari served with crispy potatoes, special sauce, and cooling veggies is great for sharing. Even a solo diner can linger for a while as time goes by and enjoy this alone with one go. Because why not?
Tacos are even better, their Chicken Tacos features al pastor chicken with onion, feta cheese, and cilantro above thin corn tortillas. Each bite yields a satisfying crunch, and the crispy thin potato chips on the side bring the saline tang. The dose of ranch dressing and salsa jolts the palate.
Fans of pasta must try Beef Short Ribs Ragu Pasta, the pappardelle boasts an exquisite taste with shredded slow-braised beef short rib ragu. The pasta was painted with so much tempting sauce it flaunts a red brownish hue. The garlic bread remained firm and sturdy, never buckling under the dampness of the sauce, and it was decorated with grated cheese on top.
Then again, Wagyu Cheese Burger could be your top and safest choice. The burger wasn't too stuffy and great enough to chaw casually. They use the juicy wagyu ground beef patty, cheddar cheese, and of course French fries as side. Be sure to consume the burger quickly, letting its piping-hot temperature warm up your appetite.
The a la carte dining menu is luckily available all day long. There's a special offer that you can grab at certain times. If you tend to have some short spare time, the Lunch Specials is available from 11 am to 4 pm. At IDR 89,000++, you can get the Lunch Specials with one choice of dishes like Club Sandwich, Fish and Chips, BBQ Chicken and Fries, Spicy Carbonara Chorizo, Spaghetti Aglio Tuna with Red Chilli Padi, Loco Moco, Korean Spicy Beef with Butter Rice, or Glazed Salmon Teriyaki Rice. Each choice comes up with free Iced Tea.
Unwind and hop on to the bar and enjoy the Happy Hour special from 2 pm to 8 pm. For only IDR 165,000 you can get 2 cocktails during the span of time.
Leon Goldstein The Café
Jl. Wijaya 1 No. 25, Dharmawangsa, Jakarta
Phone: +62217221188
Instagram: @leongoldstein_jakarta