The Stone CafĂ©,opened in December 2005 might be one of the newest additions to the Dago restaurant agglomeration, as the clichĂ© goes it proves that ‘last' is not always ‘least'. On the contrary, The Stone CafĂ© made quite an impression,

• The Vibe
  This establishment without a doubt outshines most of the other restaurants in the area. And this doesn't mean that they are not trying, most of them are exclusive fine dining establishments with top views and chefs. It's just that The Stone Café is in a different category, a league of it's own so to speak. The restaurant has a main building with 3 storeys decorated with lacquered hard wooden floors and outside dining areas that offer panoramic views of Bandung. The balcony on the top floor has the best views and is therefore rightfully also the most popular. For more intimate congregations there are a dozen or so beautifully crafted wooden saung (gazebos), that guarantee a matchless dining experience. The green garden is filled with flowers and birds seem to sing the praise of this place as loud as I do.

   

• The Food
  The menu is as extensive as a Charles Dickens novel, and makes for an appetizing read. The list of options range from authentic Sundanese food to Western favorites. For starters we opt for the Udang dalam selimut (Rp.16,500) juicy shrimp springrolls with sweet and sour sambal Bangkok. It quickly became apparent that the chefs here know how to cook as well as how to dress a plate. Another favorite are the Iga Sapi bakar (Rp.58,500), a large portion of tender beef ribs with butter rice and blanched vegetables. Both tenderness and flavouring of the ribs were top notch. The teriyaki dishes also are worth considering, what to think about for example teriyaki salmon (Rp.57,000), a big slice of fresh salmon, grilled just done so still succulent. As dessert the Dutch heritage of Poffertjes (Rp.14,000), small pancakes with chocolate sauce, have ‘sin' written in chocolate all over it, but prove irresistible. The drinks list is just as extensive as the food, and catchy names are followed suit by well mixed and original munchies such as The Stone punch (Rp.16,500) and Soul Shadow coffee (Rp.16,500).

• The Service
  The Stone CafĂ© is well equipped in staff, the open kitchen alone employs 15 employees, including 3 chefs. The waiters are friendly and helpful, and it is striking at which pace the delicacies are cooked and served. No more than 5 minutes after uttering the word ‘poffertjes', there they were, still hot and steaming, bite worthy in every sense.

SD's personal take on The Stone Café
Many words come to mind but I'll keep it short this time. Simply the nicest setting I have seen so far, gorgeous gazebo's give you the chance to enjoy Bandung's best views in a secluded paramount environment.

Address:
Jalan Rancakendal Luhur No.5
Dago atas, Bandung
Tel. 022-90224250
Fax. 022-2500577
e-mail. Stonecafe_bandung@yahoo.com