Blue Toba

This was our first time eating at Blue Toba, my parents and I loved it! My mom got their special which was a seasonal soup as her meal and it was exactly what she was craving, as the hostess described it, “a hug in a mug” for this rainy day. My dad and I got the Ayam Bakar, a grilled chicken dish that was well made and so flavorful just as described in the menu. My younger brother (who’s a picky eater) devoured the Mie Goreng fried noodle dish before any of us finished ours 😆 Their black rice pudding dessert was delicious! I highly recommend giving this place a try if you’d like to try Indonesian food! The service we received was warm and welcoming, we will definitely come back again!

I posted a Yelp review before posting this one and received a response from the owner filled with no openness to feedback, pride, and passive aggressiveness like a child. If you look at other 1 star reviews you will see the same.. the owner barks at anyone posting about their unsatisfactory experience. It is not a professional practice at all but I will not let that effect my actual review which continues… Upon entering the restaurant I was happy to see the beautiful masks hung up on the walls, I was sat immediately and my waitress was very friendly. I ordered the opor and gulai with no chicken or tofu. Both dishes were $26.50 each. Upon receiving the food I was shocked at how tiny the portions were. These dishes were money grabs at the highest level. They claim the ingredients are made

This one felt like a sleeper. We went on a whim after a long day and it ended up being one of the better meals we’ve had since moving. Got the beef rendang and it was tender, spicy, and super aromatic. Staff was kind. It’s small, so maybe call ahead.

Dropped in early in the dinner hours, and we were promptly seated. The menu seems streamlined, with excellent Indonesian dishes that one might call classics. The rendang was a surprise for its tenderness and multiple flavors within. The soup was another highlight. Staff was friendly, and the service timely. For downtown Ashland, prices are more than reasonable. Looking forward to trying more dishes soon!

Our whole dining experience was a series of delights, and I’ll be dreaming of this place until we return to Ashland someday. The Rendang was a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, nuanced explosion of flavor; the mocktails were bright and refreshing; the ambiance was soothing and full of charm; and everyone who works there was kind and quick to offer helpful and intriguing information. I loved getting to learn about the ceremonial yellow rice that is served here, and it reinforced the feeling that, in dining here, you have been luckily invited to a ceremony or a special family meal. This place is a gift and a gem - I’ll be back as soon as possible to try everything on the menu!