Wining and dining on Jakarta’s rooftops

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Spectacular: Skye on the 56th floor of Menara BCA offers a panorama of lights at night. JP/Sevira Wirawan

Brace yourself Jakartans. The two most happening hangouts in the heart of Jakarta’s two business districts feature sky-high seating.

With similar names, Skye and Lucy in The Sky are the where-you-ought-to-be places that not only serve as restaurants but also offer the ambiance of a lounge or bar.

The concept of both venues is to be a spot for people to chill and meet with clients or friends after work.

For those who want to try a unique dining experience, Lucy in The Sky in the SCBD district offers an “eco-dining” experience, with the atmosphere like being on a rooftop garden.

Stepping into the restaurant, the sound of vintage indie songs carries one away, along with the chatter and laughter all around. There are various small plants, a sunroof and garden benches surrounding the area, all placed to enrich the main concept of this “green” restaurant, creating a unique dining experience for customers.

“This is the place to be for me to hang out,” one customer, Marcella, said. “Somehow it feels very homey and has this comfortable feel to it. I can just stay here and talk with my friends for hours without getting myself bit by mosquitoes even when I sit outdoors. Plus, they have the delicious hummingbird cake [a banana, pineapple and walnut sponge cake]. It’s a must try dessert item!”

For those who want a main course, the restaurant offers nasi jeruk, for instance, or spicy oxtail soup. They also have a long list of signature cocktails such as the recommended Bihar Fever Grass, a fresh mixture of sweet lychee blended with aromatic lemongrass into a martini.

There is also the creamy Ginsbery with vodka, caramel and espresso for those want something strong in alcohol and in flavor.

Meanwhile, those who do not fancy liquor can indulge in mocktails like the Kushberry Hill, a sweet smoothie of blueberry, lime and vanilla cream. There is also the Silk Road, sweet and sour with peach and strawberry juice.

Taking the concept of rooftop dining to a whole other level, Skye gives new meaning to “sky” dining. Located at Menara BCA on the 56th floor, Skye is the newest Ismaya group restaurant, just recently opened.

The place is rather more sophisticated and has a different concept than Lucy in The Sky, for rather than needing to create their own atmosphere, Skye boasts a panoramic view of the city’s skyline that is truly a feast for the eyes.

Separated into two spaces, the outdoor area serves as a lounge as well as a restaurant, and the indoor has a more modern design with crystal clear sightlines of Jakarta’s skyscrapers.

People have been flocking to Skye to enjoy dusk and to spoil themselves with the breathtaking sunset views. But day or night, the panorama is exquisite.

To top it off, Skye also offers a wide range of food fusing Asia and the West, and other treats like Moroccan tangine and Spanish paella. The recommended butterfish tangine was delicious, served with a tomato-based sauce over fried fish and Morocco’s traditional couscous and yoghurt on the side.

For dessert, the tiramisu is accompanied by a raspberry biscotti topped with a purple haze smoothie, which is a sweet blended mixture of lychee, blueberries, vanilla ice cream and milk. For signature cocktails, the vodka-based Cancun cooler with muddled watermelon and lychee is an incredible pairing with any kind of food.

Skye offers captivating city lights and sophisticated design, while Lucy in The Sky features a more earthy experience amid SCBD’s skyscrapers. Either way, it is really hard to get a spot at both these places, so reservations are highly recommended.

Skye
Menara BCA – 56th Floor
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.1, Jakarta
Lounge: Official BB PIN 29D445A3
Mobile # +6281316473560  
Restaurant:
Official BB PIN 29D09E0F
Mobile # +6281218517520

Lucy in The Sky
Fairgrounds SCBD Lot 14
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav 52 – 53, Jakarta
Phone: 021-515 2308 /09
E-Mail: info@lucyinthesky.co.id