Fez (Expat Bar)
By
Tibs
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Fez is a popular expat bar in Kemang, owned by the same people behind Aphrodite . It is usually quite crowded, especially during sporting events. As in Aphrodite , you have some decent food (for around Rp100,000 a meal), and always a few pretty girls. You can check the food here: Menu Fez Kemang . You also have two pool tables. It is not my favourite in Kemang (I prefer Murphy's or Eastern Promises ), but still a good venue. Price for one small Heineken: Rp50,000 with taxes. Opening hours: Everyday, from 3pm to 2am (3am on weekends)
FJ Bistro is a trendy restaurant and café, located in the back of the trendy clothing boutique Fj'L. You have large windows from the floor to the ceiling giving you the impression of being outside, as well as some neat furniture. The food is a selection of Asian and Western favourites, costing around Rp60k to Rp100k for a dish. Fj Bistro is not a cheap place to eat, but it is perfect for a Sunday brunch or Breakfast. It is usually quite crowded then. It also has a good reputation for its teas as it is the exclusive resaler for Indonesia of Mariage Frères tea. Practical Information: Open from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 11pm
Koi Kafe Gallery restaurant is a long-time favourite among Jakarta expatriates. It serves both Asian (Chinese) and European (mainly French) food. Koi is usually considered as serving one of the best brunches in Jakarta. You can try it from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, but make a reservation before because it is always full. Owned by a Belgian expat, the food is mostly great (among the recommended dishes, try the Grilled Camembert) and the service friendly. When busy, you may have to wait for a while to get your food though. Koi also hosts a gallery with some beautiful pieces of antique furniture and also some paintings. A meal will cost you around 150,000rp (appetizer, main course and dessert), which I believe is decent for the overall experience you get.
A newcomer in Jakarta's nightlife , Murphy's Irish Pub& Restaurant is the first of its kind in Kemang and it is actually owned by an Irish expat. Compared to other places in Kemang, Murphy is a little more "mature", not only attracting youngsters but a wider crowd of expats and locals from all ages. The warm interior and the friendly staff will make you feel comfortable upon entering the doors. Food is served all day, and I recommend you to try the house specialties: The Guiness Casserole, the Handut Chip and the Irish stew. If you come on Friday or Saturday night, a live band is playing starting 10pm. The rest of the week, you have a mix of Irish songs and classics.
SHY Rooftop is an elegant bar located on the top floor of the Papilion Building in Kemang. It is just upstairs of SHY restaurant and offers a comfortable area for chilling. They have a live band on most evenings, playing acoustic songs... nothing too loud.. Good atmosphere that reminds me that of Public in Taman Ria Senayan. A recommended place to have an early drink. They have a very extensive list of Martini cocktails but they are all very expensive, around Rp 100,000. But if you come on Wednesday night, they have a buy one get one deal that makes it look more affordable.
Star Deli is a popular venue for snacks and beer in Kemang, with a Hollywood theme. American owned and American food (burgers, sandwiches, etc.). You'll notice that they usually hire friendly and sexy waitresses... Recommended for an easy-going early night out. It is also a good place to meet other expats. They have a pool table as well and live music on weekend nights (Top 40). Prices are more expensive than the average for Kemang, but still reasonable: Around Rp30,000 for beer and Rp50,000 for hard drink. Happy hours from 5pm to 7pm. Open every day.
In 1996, Toscana was one of the first Italian restaurants to open in Jakarta. Since then, its reputation has grown and for many people, it is the best of them. Though it is an upmarket restaurant, you will notice that the interior is very simple. Actually, in my younger years I was working as a waiter in an Italian restaurant and it looked just like Toscana. Also, the service is fast and friendly.