After having been to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, I have been searching for authentic Arabic food to satisfy my cravings.
We finally decided to visit Aljazeerah Signature, a restaurant located in the vibrant Menteng area of Central Jakarta.
Just from the name, you can already tell that this place specializes in Arabic cuisine.
I was expecting a unique and exotic Middle Eastern ambience, with rich aroma of spices lingering in the air.
But will the food live up to expectations? Or will it be a total letdown like the mandhi rice I had at Dream Dates Café, Jakarta? I couldn’t wait to find out.
Daftar Isi
Al Jazeerah Signature Location
Aljazeerah Signature is located in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta and is just a stone’s throw away from Gondangdia Station, making it easily accessible for all.
This restaurant has another branch in Cikini, which is also in Central Jakarta.
However, My husband and I were drawn to the Menteng branch due to its popularity, as evidenced by the positive Google reviews.
The vibrant atmosphere here seemed more appealing.
Plus, they even have a rooftop! Now, that got me even more curious.
Authentic Middle Eastern décor
When I entered the restaurant, I approached the receptionist right away to confirm our visit.
I made sure to mention how many guests would come and which floor we would like, as the restaurant was located in one independent building with five floors with each function.
We were only interested in the second floor, which was for dining, and the fifth floor, as it was a rooftop garden with a stunning view of the city skyline. We went the second floor first for our dining.
The Arabic nuance was in sight not far from the receptionist’s desk as I saw a beautifully decorated lounge area with a Middle Eastern-inspired interior.
The space features warm lighting, ornate brass lamps, and green mosaic tiles on the walls, creating an exotic and elegant ambiance.
Two wooden sofas with yellow cushions are placed against the walls, enhancing the cozy yet luxurious feel of the room.
A traditional Persian rug with intricate patterns lies beneath the table, complementing the overall aesthetic and reinforcing the Arabian charm of the space.
The Arabic ambiance continues on the second floor, especially in the cushioned floor seating area adorned with traditional red Middle Eastern rugs, warm lighting from hanging lanterns, and soft curtains that add a touch of privacy, making it feel more convenient for family or group gatherings.
On the other hand, guests who are more comfortable with regular seating can enjoy their meals in a beautifully designed dining space featuring wooden tables and chairs.
This area is perfect for families or groups looking for a comfortable yet sophisticated dining experience.
Since it was just the two of us, we initially planned to sit in the regular seating area, but we were drawn to a very comfortable curved sofa with soft, dark greenish-blue velvet fabric.
The sofa was probably meant for larger groups, but since the restaurant wasn’t too crowded then, we were free to choose it.
Review: Authentic Arabic Cuisine That Satisfies My Cravings
The restaurant offers a variety of Arabian dishes. Since I was craving Arabic Mandhi rice with lamb, I naturally ordered it without hesitation.
I chose lamb because it’s a meat I rarely eat in my daily meals.
The Arabic Mandhi rice I had was truly delightful. The long-grain rice was perfectly cooked, with a rich blend of spices that lingered on my tongue, leaving a warm and aromatic aftertaste.
I could really taste the authenticity of Arabian cuisine in every bite. The addition of raisins added a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors beautifully.
As for the lamb, it was incredibly tender and easy to slice, though the spices didn’t fully absorb into the meat.
While I wished for more depth in seasoning for the lamb, overall, the dish was a satisfying and flavorful experience.
My husband ordered a lamb shawarma with French fries. When the order arrived, we were surprised by the unexpectedly large size of the shawarma. Sure enough, he was already full after just a few bites.
In his opinion, the taste was absolutely delicious, with the distinct flavor and aroma of lamb. I agreed with him as I also took a bite of his lamb shawarma
As someone with sweet tooth, he also ordered an Oreo milkshake as his drink, whereas I ordered strawberry juice.
We were charged no more than IDR 150,000 for all the meals we ordered, which I found affordable.
Despite the taste not fully meeting my expectation of authentic Arabian flavors, I still enjoyed having lunch there because of the delightful experience, beautiful interior, and friendly staff.
Continuing to Enjoy Jakarta’s Evening Sky on the Rooftop
One of the reasons we were interested in dining at this restaurant was its rooftop.
So, after finishing our meal on the second floor, we headed upstairs by lift to the rooftop (on the fifth floor) to continue enjoying the view.
There were two parts of this floor: indoor and outdoor. The indoor space had a modern look but still featured some Arabian influences.
Meanwhile, the outdoor area was designed for guests who wanted to enjoy the skyline view, just like we did.
I suppose this floor is designed for young people to hang out at the restaurant, or you could even call it Aljazeerah Signature Cafe.
There is an indoor coffee bar where we can order various coffee blends and other refreshing drinks.
I ordered matcha as it had been a long time since I last had it, whereas my husband chose an iced cappuccino.
I forgot the exact price of the drinks, but I’m sure it was no more than IDR 50.000 each, which is still quite affordable for a restaurant located in Menteng.
We decided to sit outside while enjoying the evening city skyline.
What I liked about the outdoor space was the teak wooden chairs and tables, adorned with comfortable cushions neatly lined up in a dominant green color, which is characteristic of this restaurant.
The semi-covered rooftop allows guests to enjoy the open-air experience while still being sheltered.
The glass roof and open railings provide a clear view of the city skyline, making it an ideal relaxing spot.
Additionally, there is a slightly elevated section at a particular spot, offering a higher vantage point which provides a perspective of the city skyline that is truly captivating, perfect for those who want to enjoy the view more intensely.
Despite its beautiful scenery, I do not recommend sitting outdoors at midday, as it can be scorching.
The sunlight there can also be glaring for some people, which is why I wore sunglasses, even though I visited in the late afternoon around 3:30 PM.
The Facilities: Prayer Room and More
Musholla
Guests don’t need to worry if they want to pray, as the restaurant provides a convenient prayer room.
The ablution area (wudhu area) is also clean and separated for men and women, ensuring greater comfort.
Toilet
As someone who frequently needs to use the restroom, I was pleased that this restaurant provides toilets on every floor.
The toilets are also clean and fragrant, with proper amenities.
Parking area
Last but not least, one thing I liked about visiting this restaurant was its spacious parking area.
Even though we went there by motorcycle, we didn’t have to struggle to find a spot in the basement or any other distant area.
Final Thoughts: A Pleasant Dining Experience
Overall, dining at Aljazeerah Signature in Jakarta was a delightful experience.
The restaurant not only offers a variety of authentic Arabic dishes but also provides a comfortable ambiance with beautiful interiors and excellent service.
While some flavors did not fully meet my expectations regarding authenticity, the overall experience was still enjoyable.
The spacious seating, rooftop area, and well-maintained facilities, including a prayer room and clean restrooms, added comfort.
With reasonable prices for its location, this restaurant is definitely worth visiting for those craving Middle Eastern cuisine in Jakarta.