Several Jakarta restaurants that once defined the city’s dining scene have closed permanently in recent years, marking the end of an era for food enthusiasts. The closures, impacting establishments ranging from American diners to seafood restaurants, reflect shifting consumer preferences and economic pressures.
Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta, a fixture since 1992, shuttered its doors on March 31, 2023, after relocating several times throughout the city, most recently to Pacific Place. The closure was announced via the official Hard Rock Cafe worldwide Instagram account, @hrcworldwide, prompting an outpouring of nostalgia from long-time patrons. The restaurant, known for its rock ‘n’ roll theme and American cuisine, was a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Restoran Cahaya Kota, a Jakarta institution since 1962 and a favorite of the late President Soekarno, also ceased operations. The Chinese restaurant, famed for its extensive menu of over 100 dishes including mie goreng and ayam goreng mentega, struggled with declining patronage and reduced government orders, making its operational costs unsustainable. The owners temporarily closed the restaurant with plans for renovation and a modern concept, but it has not yet reopened.
McDonald’s Sarinah, the first McDonald’s outlet in Indonesia, opened on February 23, 1991, and closed in 2020 as part of renovations to the Gedung Sarinah building. While a fresh McDonald’s location reopened in July 2023 in the nearby Gedung Jaya, it was not a direct continuation of the original Sarinah restaurant.
Restoran Rindu Alam, a popular destination in Puncak, Bogor, closed in early 2020. Established in the 1970s by Lieutenant General TNI Ibrahim Adjie, the restaurant was renowned for its scenic location amidst tea plantations and its altitude of 1,444 meters above sea level. Despite initial hopes for reopening, the location currently houses Liwet Asep Stroberi, maintaining a similar dining experience with a focus on the surrounding natural beauty.
Fish n Co., a Singaporean seafood restaurant chain, permanently closed all its Indonesian locations at the end of 2022 after 19 years of operation. The closure was announced via Instagram Story by Fish n Co. Indonesia, with GF Culinary citing the end of their operational partnership on December 31, 2022. Prior to the closure, the remaining Fish n Co. Restaurants were reportedly crowded with customers seeking a final meal.