The Mercure Convention Center sits proudly on the shores of Ancol slap bang in the middle of the huge recreation and leisure park that surrounds it. The convention centre/hotel sports a seafront buffet restaurant in which you can soak up a nice Jakarta Bay sunset whilst piling your plate to the rafters. This month, however, your intrepid Jakarta Java Kini galloping gourmets decided to check out the very classy Shiosai Japanese restaurant, which you’ll find sitting on the Mercure’s easternmost tip.

Inside, Shiosai is classically Japanese in its calming, wooden furnishings and relaxed interior. In fact, there’s even a sweet little Japanese garden that diners can look out on and soak up some zen vibes whilst watching a mini waterwheel. The restaurant also features four private VIP Tatami rooms, which can seat between 6 and 12 people and which can be booked if you fancy having a bit of a private sushi party. Speaking of which, the restaurant also features a live cooking sushi bar which will rustle you up some tasty Teppanyaki, the restaurant speciality, upon request. The restaurant is open between 11.30 and 3 o’clock for lunch and between 6.30 and 10.30 for dinner.Shiosai is currently running a deal whereby if you dine in the restaurant and spend a minimum of Rp.300,000, you will receive a free Ancol pass which you can use to get into the park on your next visit. On our visit, we had a quick browse through the very comprehensive menu which features a wealth of appetisers, Sunomono (vinegary dishes), Wanmono (soups), Shabu Shabu, Teppanyaki, Sushi and Sashimi and plenty of rice and noodles dishes, all whipped up by the skilled hands of Chef Yono. Prices are reasonable and a meal for two should cost you about Rp.250,000.

We were given a sneak preview of the Shiosai Valentine Set Menu, which romantic lovers of Japanese cuisine will be able to enjoy this February 14th for Rp.249,000 per person. The opening mocktail was full of zing and we then moved on to a plate of appetisers (Ika Maki, Yaki Ginan and Tofu Dengaku) which were fastidiously presented and really whetted the appetite. After that, we tried a bowl of Chawan Mushi, which is a delicious kind of Japanese egg custard containing mushrooms, shrimps and chicken, very hearty and filling. Next came some delightful fusion sushi rolls followed by Sake, Kaki Furai and Eby Shioyaki (broiled salmon, breaded oyster and boiled shrimp) which were superbly fresh and full of seafood flavour, very fitting for a meal up at Ancol. There was also a bowl of Ishikari Jiru (salmon soup) to warm our cockles.You can’t beat the romance of a bit of sea air and so if you’re looking for something slightly different this February 14th, or simply looking for a superior Japanese meal at any time, then take a drive up to Ancol and enjoy the Shiosai experience. Domo Arigato.