⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SHIKAKU - DHARMAWANGSA Finally got the chance to visit Shikaku Japanese Restaurant at The Bimasena Dharmawangsa after having it on my list for quite some time, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. We ordered quite a lot, with the Donabe Gohan – Gindara & Mushroom easily being my favorite and a must-order. Silky, buttery gindara with mushrooms and umami-packed rice made for such a comforting dish. I also really enjoyed the creamy Goma Dare Tofu, juicy Tsukune, umami-rich Karasumi Soba, crispy Chicken Nanban, and the comforting Nippon Curry. Finished with their Ubi Crème Brûlée, combining hojicha-infused sweet potato with black sesame ice cream—a lovely ending to the meal. Overall, a very satisfying experience with plenty of dishes worth coming back for. Great food, comforting Japanese flavors, and definitely a place I’d happily revisit.

+3

One of the best Japanese meal I’ve had. Service and vibes are impeccable. And the food, an easy 11/10. My reccomended dish here is the bruleed sweet potato and also the black sesame ice cream. I love black sesame but it’s hard for me to find it palatable in ice cream form. Shikaku’s one however, is made in-house, taste absolutely gorgeous and have fortunately proven me wrong.

+3

Shikaku Jakarta is one of those places that gets a lot right, especially if you’re into Japanese grill-focused dining. We tried their kushiyaki selection and it really stood out—well-seasoned, perfectly grilled, and packed with that smoky, savory flavor you’d hope for. It’s the kind of dish you keep reaching back for without thinking. Another highlight was the gindara donabe. The cod was buttery and rich, and the rice absorbed all that flavor beautifully—comforting, but still refined. Their mapo tofu is also worth a mention; it leans more Japanese in style, so it’s less of that intense Sichuan heat and more balanced and nuanced, which makes it a pleasant surprise. We also ordered a few other dishes across the menu, and honestly, everything was consistently good. It feels like a place where you can explore without worrying too much about making a wrong choice. A big bonus is that you can also order cocktails from Bar Kotak. The drinks carry subtle Japanese influences—like yuzu and other delicate infusions—which pair really nicely with the food and elevate the overall experience. The only downside was the exhaust system—it could definitely use improvement. We left the restaurant with our hair and clothes smelling quite strongly of smoke, which took away a bit from an otherwise great meal. Overall, Shikaku delivers where it matters most: great food, thoughtful flavors, and a well-rounded dining experience. With better ventilation, it would be very close to perfect.

+3

Went to Shikaku for the Afternoon Tea Set (yes, korban iklan). Most of the munchies were great, but some were so-so (guess which one was my favorite!). I also love the blooming tea (forgot which one I chose) and the welcome drink was interesting. As for the service, though I appreciate that they serve everything (almost) sharply on time, I wasn’t sure why they didn’t reconfirm (to me, who were already on the dining table) and went on to serve everything even when the place was practically empty (means I didn’t disturb anyone’s table/reservation) and my friend haven’t even arrived yet. Like, was I supposed to enjoy an afternoon tea for 2 person alone? 😅 The ambiance was good and they got a variety of space for different ambient you’re looking for and different number of people/person. But honestly, I don’t recommend bringing older people, children (under 12), and people with walking conditions due to the restaurant floor leveling (which I understand; they wanna separate the space from one another) Aside from that, everything was OK. Oh and special thanks to Mbak Fani and Mas idk-what-ur-name-is for your service.

+3

Had the best lunch time with my partner here! from the ambience, the food, the service, and everything in between… it was such a lovely experience! top 5 service to kak Floren for taking such great care of us and paying attention to all the little details ♥️

+3