Lara Djonggrang Restaurant - Fine Dining Indonesian Food

After quite sometimes, last Saturday afternoon, we took time to stop by again to Restaurant Lara  Djonggrang at Jalan Teuku Cik Ditiro no. 4 Menteng, Central Jakarta. We’ve known this restaurant since 6 years ago. And we still love it until now, especially we are a great fan of Indonesian food!

When we arrived, we noticed that not too many guests arrived yet. Maybe it was still early for dinner. Lucky for us though. We do not like crowded and noisy restaurant. 

Comfortable antique sofa for guest who is waiting to be seated. Don't worry they have more than one. 

Outdoor waiting area

For you, who have never been here, Lara Djonggrang is one of the most recommended Indonesian fine dining restaurant. It has a very unique and classic decoration that combines traditional Chinese and Javanese art and culture that create a WOW sensation to every guest who comes to dine in.

Out door dining area, but actually I am not sure what is this area for, because I saw two staff taking a nap at the other corner of this area. Maybe, this is the staff dining area or resting place.

The color of the walls, the statues, the furnishings, all looks very old and antique but well taken care of. I know nowadays many people love to take selfie picture and I can assure you this is a good place for selfie!!

Interesting statue and traditional Chinese red-candle-stands

Outdoor dining area right the opposite of the statue (pic above). If you're sitting here, you can enjoy the sound of rippling water from the small fish pond which is so serene.

Besides the breathtaking interior, the food and the drink are all very authentic, delicious and carefully cooked to the perfection. They certainly will arouse your taste bud. Just by reading the description of each menu has already made my stomach growling. Let's enjoy the picture of foodies now...

 The appetizer of our choice : Tahu Suduk. Fried tofu with bean sprout and carrots fillings. The taste??? needless to say...

 Yes, they are served on a gorgeous clam shell IDR 48K

 Pepes Ikan Keputren (steamed boneless whole fish marinated with Lara Djonggrang A to Z spice wrapped with Pandan leaves)

IDR 68,000

 Wayang (Indonesian traditional puppet) shaped rice with sprinkle of Bawang Goreng (fried shallots) on the top of the rice and Serundeng (fried coconut flakes) around the plate 

Nasi Brongkos (black rice), steamed with Keluwak essence for the natural black coloring. 

 Magnificent set of Ayam Klaten that comes with your choice of rice: plain white rice, Nasi brongkos (black rice), Nasi merah (brown rice) and Nasi lemak (Lemak rice). IDR 85K

The set consists of (clockwise from the top) 

sambal (chili paste)

Opor ayam (chicken braised in coconut milk)

Tempe orek (tempe fried dry with a bit of spiciness and sweetness)

Serundeng with fried peanuts

Lalapan (steamed veggies)

Kerupuk putih (cracker)

Ayam goreng Klaten (Klaten style fried chicken)

How was it?????? does it make your saliva drool? 

This one is so good

What we love from this restaurant is the standard’s consistency. For so many times we eat here the taste of the food is always fantastic. Nowadays, many restaurants blame on expensive raw food materials as the cause of the declining quality of their food. Apparently it does not happen to Lara Djonggrang and this does win our heart.

Not to miss the dessert, my wife ordered Es Siwalan Tuban.

Mixture of buah Lontar (palm fruit pieces), green grass jelly, Selaseh and poured with syrup. Do you notice the spoon looks quite small?? yes, the ice portion is kinda huge. IDR 48K.

This restaurant consists of several rooms suitable for both small and big family gatherings.

 Small private room

 Bigger private room

Each room has a different furnishing and decor

They even have a very unique way to write down the name of the guest who have their seat reserved

The services were also excellent. The staffs were very friendly and polite. Waiting time was also very short, so we didn’t have to wait too long for the first food to be served.

The friendly staff who assisted us that day

Next..let's take a short tour to the other part of the restaurant, the bar!!!

The room is decorated with antique Chinese lantern

It's a separated wings at the rear of this restaurant which resembles a traditional Chinese chamber of a lady. It was said that this building was actually the pavilion of one of the daughter of a wealthy sugar merchant at around 19th century from one of his wives in Indonesia. Most of the furnishings were preserved as it was before to keep the historical value.

 A very classic Chinese style of ceiling with elaborated wood sculpture

 Frames of awards hanging lined along the top of the bar. Wide selections of wine and liquor are available here.

It has a dining area too (Smoking area)

The mysterious red room at the other side end of the room. It is decorated with red organdy fabric. Actually the name "red room" is from me, because everything is so red inside there and quite dark. It was quite hard to get a clear sharp picture. My wife took several attempts to get this shot.

A good news for coffee lover, they also provide raw coffee beans at a quite reasonable price 

My wife took a short video of the restaurant which you can view here. But it was a bit shaky because it was taken by phone. Hope you enjoy!

Find them here :

Lara Djonggrang

Jl.Teuku Cik Ditiro No.4, Menteng

Jakarta Pusat 10350

Ph. (021) 315 3252

Everything written here is based on my own personal experience and genuine opinion without any negative intention to discredit any parties. I have not been offered any incentives or payment to write this review.

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TripAdvisor : AdeHilman