Stallone Tjia
Jun 03, 2025
Tucked away in the buzzing Senopati neighbourhood, OKUZONO Japanese Dining continues to charm Jakarta’s discerning Japanese food lovers with its warm hospitality and elevated izakaya flair. Unlike the typical izakaya that leans into late-night revelry and after-work indulgence, OKUZONO Japanese Dining reimagines the genre with a thoughtful, inclusive twist.
OKUZONO Japanese Dining Unfolds The UMO Journey
This refined Senopati gem welcomes families, professionals, and groups of friends with equal ease, offering a pork-free and lard-free menu that’s rich in flavour and mindful of diverse palates. Step inside and you’ll find a space that feels worlds away from Jakarta’s frenetic pace, exuding the quiet harmony of traditional Japanese design. True to its name, which draws from the kanji for “inner” (奥) and “garden” (園), OKUZONO is a serene urban hideaway, inviting diners to slow down, connect, and savour every detail of Japanese heritage dishes.
This season, the beloved dining destination launches OKUZONO DIARIES: The UMO Journey, a bold new chapter in its culinary story. From this series, expect a vibrant showcase of seasonal flavours, where traditional Japanese techniques meet creative innovation, all served in the restaurant’s signature elegant, family-friendly ambiance.
UMO — short for Umami and Oishii — is the delicious heart of OKUZONO’s latest campaign, and it's got serious flavour credentials. More than just a menu refresh, OKUZONO DIARIES: The UMO Journey is a full-on sensory celebration of what makes Japanese cuisine so universally loved — think deep, comforting flavours and beautifully balanced dishes that go way beyond the plate.
Helmed by the masterful Chef Shinji Akita, OKUZONO’s new seasonal menu is a love letter to umami — that rich, savoury magic that lingers long after the last bite. As part of The UMO Journey, diners can explore a selection of standout creations, each crafted to showcase depth, balance, and a touch of flair.
First up on The UMO Journey is the Ebi Uni Sauce — a show-stopping opener that sets the tone for what’s to come. Plump, fresh shrimp are grilled to perfection, then luxuriously draped in a creamy sea urchin sauce that’s all about deep, briny umami. But it’s not just about the flavour — it’s a bit of tableside theatre too. Chef Shinji Akita himself makes a cameo, presenting the dish and giving the shrimp a final torching right before your eyes. The result? A savoury, slightly smoky aroma that teases your senses and gets your appetite humming.
Next comes the Seafood Hobayaki, an indulgent head-turner that pays homage to tradition while turning up the wow factor. A modern twist on the classic dish from Hida, Gifu, this version sees a medley of fresh seafood grilled on a dried magnolia leaf — a nod to the age-old practice of using the leaves as makeshift plates during mountain treks. As the leaf sizzles, it releases a subtly earthy aroma that blends beautifully with the rich, nutty depth of miso slathered underneath.
For something soul-warming, the Sumiyaki Sengyo Paitan Chazuke delivers comfort in a bowl with a smoky, umami-rich twist. Think perfectly charcoal-grilled fish, its edges kissed with flame, resting atop onigiri-style savoury rice and bathed in a luscious, seafood-based paitan broth. Served ochazuke-style, this dish is a clever fusion of tradition and innovation — where the earthy smokiness of the fish meets the creamy, savoury depth of the broth in a harmony that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Bringing the heat is the Chicken Akakara Nabe, OKUZONO’s take on the beloved Nagoya-born hot pot. Served hot and bubbling at the table, this soul-soothing dish features tender chicken simmered in a deeply savoury red miso broth, subtly spiced with doubanjiang for that addictive, slow-building warmth. It’s rich, hearty, and just spicy enough to awaken the senses without overpowering them. Perfect for sharing, or for keeping all to yourself on a rainy Jakarta evening, it’s comfort food with a bold, flavour-packed punch.
To end on a sweet and serene note, the Shiratama Cream Zenzai offers a delicate, chilled take on a centuries-old classic. Rooted in Kyoto temple traditions from the Muromachi period, zenzai has long been a festive staple — its red beans believed to ward off bad luck. OKUZONO’s version updates the ritual with pillowy shiratama mochi, silky grass jelly, and a swirl of cream, creating a harmonious blend of textures that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It’s a light, elegant finale that whispers rather than shouts — the perfect close to an umami-filled journey.
To round out The UMO Journey, OKUZONO introduces three playful, palate-cleansing beverages that are as vibrant as the dishes themselves. The Berry Mint Breeze is a refreshing burst of strawberry, lemon, pineapple, and grenadine — fruity, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet. The Kiwi Spritzer brings a tangy twist with kiwi, orange, and Yakult, making it a fun, fizzy nod to childhood favourites with a grown-up edge. And for something a little more refined, the Passion Cooler blends passion fruit, yuzu, lemon, and tonic water into a citrusy, sparkling sip that’s both bright and balanced. Each drink is crafted to complement the umami-forward menu while keeping things light.
With The UMO Journey, OKUZONO isn’t just serving a meal — it’s crafting an experience. One that speaks to diners who value more than just flavour; who come for the stories, the atmosphere, the quiet artistry behind every detail. From the first torch-flamed shrimp to the final sip of green tea, it’s a journey best taken slowly.
Okuzono Japanese Dining
Jl. Suryo No 1, Jakarta 12180
Open: 11 AM - 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 11 AM - 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Phone: +62811180958
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