After its first location’s massive success in Jakarta’s Senopati area, Gioi restaurant has opened its latest expansion on the bustling business and administrative district of Menteng. This fusion Indonesian bistro and lounge offers several areas in its two floors, designed for different functions and needs.
The Gioi brand opened its first venture in 2016 right in the middle of the food and nightlife scene in Senopati. Ever since, it has gained a massive following as being one of the best fusion Indonesian restaurants in the city, known for its inventive dishes that playfully mix Southeast Asian cuisines. The simple design of the first location exudes a home-like feeling, especially with its rustic furniture, neutral wood tones and bright lighting in the dining area.
For their newest branch, the brief given to designer Brian Gondo and his team from gondojules studio was precise; Gioi needed to have a casual dining area, a small lounge and two private rooms that can fit large groups of up to 12 people on the first floor, and an open space concept on the second floor to accommodate gatherings, events, and music performances. Each detail was meticulously thought out; from the furniture and the textures to the colours of the wallpaper, these elements juxtapose perfectly to create a multifunctional bistro setting.
The first floor screams a more comfortable environment, with hints of Gioi’s signature blue partnered with neutral hues of sand emanating a relaxed atmosphere. “We chose the colours to be more tone-on-tone. A softer colour of sand with texture and a punch of blue fabric, to make the dining room more relaxed and casual. The colours of the wallpaper from ROA wallpaper by the lounge area actually depicts the colour of salmon skin, representative of salmon lodeh which is one of Gioi’s signature dishes”, Brian said.
The upstairs area is a completely different vibe. Designed more as a nightlife venue, the second floor shows darker, moodier tones of brown and red, which can be seen from the staircase all the way up to the dark wood paneling in the area and the striking red furniture. The difference in the ambience transitions Gioi perfectly from a daytime lunch spot to an elegant venue for intimate dinners and drinks.
Local and international patterns and textures were used throughout the space, such as the tegel tile on the floors of the bar area. “Overall, the pattern and the colours of the wallpaper truly harmonised the space. We achieved a combination of a modern style and Indonesian design by using local handmade materials as well,” Brian explained. Unique to each area, the decision on furniture items were based on its function. The dining area downstairs features loose seating with booths overlooking the garden and main dining area, while the lounge provides lower, more laidback chairs and sofas for larger groups. The “fusion” of elements in Gioi certainly captures its culinary theme loud and clear.
With its name being the Vietnamese word for “good” or “well”, Gioi Menteng has certainly delivered its concept outstandingly and has stood up to the standard of its South Jakarta counterpart. From the delicious fusion cuisine to the fascinating integration of interior design elements, be sure to check out Gioi Menteng on your latest culinary adventure.