FEZ by Aphrodite, Kemang, Jakarta

FEZ by Aphrodite is a pub, bar, lounge, cafe and restaurant in one place located in Kemang, sharing the same building with Kinara Indian Restaurant. Although the building is strategically located in the main street of Kemang Raya, it’s easy to miss as the building blends in quite well with many furniture shops along the street.

The building itself looks a bit “abandoned” from outside, with strong Indian touch, I would think twice before I decide to stop by. If we don’t know that some restaurants exist in the building, we wouldn’t have been interested to go in.

FEZ by Aphrodite has the name like that because it’s under the same management with Aphrodite Bar & Restaurant in Rasuna Said, Kuningan. Aphrodite itself is quite popular as sports bar for expats and the likes, and FEZ seems to be not different.

In the same building, there is also FEZ Dungeon, but I don’t really know if it’s the same FEZ restaurant or another area in the basement, but it was closed during my visit (according to the staffs). It seems like the so-called FEZ Dungeon is more towards clubbing scene and also where the live music performances are shown.

Upon entering the ‘dungeon-style’ door, I was surprised to see how big and spacious the venue is. Beside the big bar area, there is even digital dart machine (which is so FUN, BTW!), high tables and chairs, booth-seating area across the room, and pool table! Everything inside really made me feel like I was in a bar or pub outside Indonesia, which is good.

It was Sunday night around 7.30PM when I arrived and only 1 table was occupied by an expat couple. Later on, the night became merrier when another group of expats came and played the pool. I really miss this kind of view!

Although the concept is more towards bar or pub, there are also more comfortable seating area such as the booths and relaxing chairs. The booth-seating area is supposed to be no-smoking area. Although I don’t think it would function very well during peak hours, but I do appreciate their attempt to spare some no-smoking area in such place.

Iced Lychee Tea IDR 25,000

Although (I think) they use lychee syrup for the base, I found it quite likeable.

Jerk Chicken Nachos IDR 84,000

An embarrassing attempt. Chose this because I was confident it would be great, at least good. The chips were okay, jerk chicken was a bit disgusting but the jalapeno and cheese really saved the dish. The pico and guacamole? Shame.

Sole Fish Fillets a la Grenobloise IDR 79,000

I love fish fillets. And I was ecstatic when I saw the word “Grenobloise” on the menu! Basically a French cooking style, it uses butter, herbs like parsley and the likes, also lemon for the dressing. I love fish fillets served with everything lemon, so you know how excited I was.

The fillets were good: soft and tasty, although some of them were kind of… smelly. Perhaps not enough washing. But overall it was good. The dressing was awesome. It was a good balance of aroma and flavor, without overpowering one to another.

Serving this with ginger pilaf rice and creamy spinach is a great idea.

Grilled Pork Chops “Swiss Style” IDR 99,000

Two pork chops topped with smoked beef, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Served with mashed potatoes, green string beans, and cherry tomatoes.

I was expecting something bigger than this, but actually these were much more than enough for one person. The pork chops were thick and well-cooked, although those somehow lost the juice a bit and the taste was a bit too salty for me. I really liked the mushroom sauce: thick and fragrant, but not sickening.

Cheese Burger IDR 75,000

The burger looked so good, especially the big fat thick beef patty. It was very juicy and tender despite being medium-well cooked, amazing. For something which is called “cheese burger”, it wasn’t satisfying that the only cheese we got was the thin layer on top of the patty, there was not even a sliced cheese. XD Buns were okay but would have been better if they did something with it, i.e. grilled it a little on the side or something.

FEZ by Aphrodite is probably not a place that I will visit on daily basis but I know I will come back again and again, especially when I need to relax and have some drinks. Food selections are good: they have Asian food such as Indonesian, Singaporean; Italian food like pasta, pizza etc; also other Western food; including Appetizers to Desserts. However, I don’t see why places like this can’t really offer great food, because for me, eventhough I go for drinks, I will end up eating as well. XD

Anyway, it’s a nice find and I will try other food next time!

*All prices are subject to 10% service charge & 10% government tax

*The Food Escape team are not paid whatsoever for writing this post.

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FEZ BY APHRODITE
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 78B
South Jakarta 12730
Phone. +62 21 719 2677
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 2PM – 2AM