One of the key attributes for having a successful restaurant and lounge in Jakarta is central (and convenient) location. I guess that applies to most of the restaurants everywhere but the location we are talking about in particular is the Bundaran H.I.

Tee 9, which at first makes you think that it is a golf themed restaurant, is actually a very spacious and strikingly designed restaurant with a pleasant outdoor area as well. This alfresco setting, despite the bustling traffic outside, seems to give off a calming aura. Indoors, the ambiance is "earthly", thanks to the tall and large stack of imitation logs in the middle of the restaurant.

As for the food, they offer a little bit of everything. Entrees are mostly Asian inspired such as steam buns, egg rolls and tempura prawns. For mains, you get to choose a unique variety of pizza such as chicken resto, spicy oxtail, pork belly and even chilli drawn. Popular Asian mains such as Mi goreng, Asian beef ribs are also available.

We decided on their Herb Crusted Cod with Braised Squid, Potato Gnocchi and White Wine Veloute. When this dish is served, you can easily mistake the squid for fried udon noodles as it is topped with Katsuobushi Flakes and thin strips of dried seaweed. You can even find bits of caramelized cloves of garlic with fluffy gnocchi stocked in the milky and zesty lemon based soup.

For pasta and risotto, we recommend the seared Prawn, Aglio Olio e Pepperencino, while this dish looks like your typical marinara based sauce, it is actually a sweet and spicy Asian sauce that has the kick but not spicy at all.

A great place to chill after work, especially if you are located within this area, as it sure beats sitting in traffic trying to get home for dinner.