Piscator is the latest addition of all-you-can-eateries in Jakarta resided in the all-new but still quiet Epicentrum Walk. While others promoting the usual yakiniku and shabu shabu, Piscator introduces the seafood genre.

Anyway, exactly like the theme, you’ll get a feeling like you’re on aboard a ship because everything seemed to be related with the sea. So just hop in and you’ll see ship models everywhere, sands, circle windows, enormously long buffet table with the sails, and some waiters even arrayed in sailor clothes. Despite the Western name that has something to do with fisherman/fishery, Piscator owes much to the nationality of its head chef. The dishes are mostly touched with Korean influence and thanks also for plenty of Korean expats patrons. However, to make it more universal, Piscator also adds Japanese theme and seafood grills in it.

For instance, pick the sushi and sashimi first just to get the feel about the food. Not too many variants but I bet you’d already acquainted with tuna and salmon. As additions, pick the tako sashimi, unagi sushi, salmon sushi or just one of those sushi rolls with kyuri, crab sticks, and the other one covered with mango plus the usual California roll. All was good and would bolster anybody’s appetite for the next dish. The Japanese theme doesn’t end there as you can also pick Oden and Tempura.

Aside from the sushi and sashimi for the opener, Piscator also have plenty selections of appetizers. The raw oysters were fresh and solid, though a bit small in size and missing the watery good of it though you can add lemons for a more fresh sensation. The fried prawns with mayo proved to be very delectable with all the crispy and sweet exterior sauced with the thick mayo. The steamed shrimps were ripe for plunder and so were the crab salad with the snail salad. Even so the seafood gratin which consists of scallops and mussels, however inviting, were not that special. They were lacking in characters of the cheese, the dressing, and most of all, the taste of the original scallops and mussels themselves. However, it can be quickly mended by plenty other selections such as the traditional kimchi salads in many variants up to the soup and noodles with fish balls, mushrooms, and vegetables.

The best part would be the displayed seafood in front of the grill and teppanyaki sections. Simply pick anything and as much as you want. Starting from marinated squids, Bulgogi, Galbi, shellfishes, bamboo clams, pomfret, prawns, dory fish, gindara, salmon, and USA beef. Just hand them over and wait for the cooking process. The wait’s worth it actually. After the grilled seafood or Korean beef came, simply dip it in sauces of your choice. I’d recommend the traditional Indonesian spicy and sweet soy sauce or the Japanese yakiniku sauce and you’ll be sure to hit the same portion again at least twice.

Despite the attempts to make the all-you-can-eat experience colorful, the main dishes on the buffet seemed to be largely neglected. People would go over the seafood grills, the teppanyaki, or just simply the inviting appetizers and sushi section. Nonetheless, Piscator successfully generates plenty of choice, serves fresh seafood, helpful service, and a valuable all-you-can-eat experience aside from the quite hefty sum we need to pay. So tag your friends along, celebrate the night, avoid too much drinks so you can save enough space for your tummy, ravish the goodness Piscator has to offer, and end the fiesta with scoops of good old ice cream.

Epicentrum Walk, GF. Komplek Rasuna Epicentrum. Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Jakarta 12960 – Indonesia

RSVP: 021 – 56 100 100

Rating: 3/5

Price Range: Around Rp. 300,000 – 350,000 for two

–Featured in Time Out Jakarta January 2011 edition (pictures modified and added)-