A wine bar come restaurant isn't a place one would usually find inside a shopping centre. However this is not the case at Gandaria City Mall and lately as we have seeing many trendy new cafes, bistros and restaurants pop up, it is almost to be expected that Gandaria would also feature a fusion restaurant / wine bar called Velpa, which is conveniently located on the ground floor.

The display of wine bottles at the entrance is stunning to say the very least. This venue definitely has a discernible character and more importantly, has several private and intimate areas wherein you can enjoy a bottle or more of wine in your comfort zone at your leisure, be it with friends or clients. Their wine selection is very complete, featuring wines from all over the world with over 100 different types with a prices ranging from Rp. 320,000 up till over 3 million Rupiah. At Velpa, you will also be pleased to know that they have an amazing selection of desserts and cocktails. Our recommendation is their Mojito, specfically the Blueberry one.

For starters to accompany your wine, the choices are many, from chicken wings, nachos , quesadillas or as we suggest, just order the antipasti sampler. Their menu contains Italian dishes, good Italian food by the way, such as fresh Ravioli Spinach, Scallop Insalata, Carpacio and etc. Then they bring out their wild Texan side of their personality, Steaks, Ribs and Dallas Burgers. Trust us, Variety is not a problem here.

Their speciality has to be the Original Cowboy Steak. It is basically premium beef served with their special Jack Daniel's sauce. Upon the first bite you might start to sneeze when you are eating this steak, however this steak is not spicy at all and you know it is not the Jack Daniels that is making you sneeze, but rather, it is the gravy that has the grilled residue of peppers and herbs dry rubbed into the meat, that is the culprit. The size of the steak maybe intimidating, but this steak is meant for those 'carnivores' who just want to gorge on good steak without the accompaniment of the usual mashed potatoes, fries, veggies etc. Plus another positive point from Velpa is that they know exactly how to cook your steak. If you said you want it medium rare, or some where along the thin line of medium and then rare, they will get it cooked down to the tee.

But if you want to try something new, we recommend the Steak and California Roll. The Rib eye steak sits on a creamy green wasabi sauce bed and is accompanied with 3 rolls of sushi. This is certainly unique and a must try, and also a perfect dish to share with your favorite bottle of wine.

Overall, we have to say that their revise is great as your food and drinks come fast. No waiting about at Velpa. For those living in the south Jakarta area, you must visit this palce!