Altitude (Gaia, Salt Grill, Enmaru) @ The Plaza

Altitude is a group of 3 restaurants located on the 46th floor of the Plaza tower, one of the most expensive office buildings in Jakarta (also home the the Keraton hotel). 46th floor, yes: Great view of course, but make sure to book in advance and ask for a table near the window (if possible in the angle of the building).

Luckily for my wallet, I only tried one of the three restaurants, Gaia, the Italian. The food was good, but not spectacular for the price: 550k for one appetizer and one main course. The quality of the service and the attention that we got, not only from the waiters but also from the managers, including 3 foreigners, may have been what we are really paying in the restaurant.

One thing felt very wrong: The music was clubbing style and they only had one CD. So we had Gangnam Style and Party Rock Anthem twice each in one evening. That's twice too much.

In Altitude, there is also an Australian Steak House (Salt Grill) and a Japanese (Enmaru) that I haven't tried but visited. Salt Grill Jakarta is actually owned, or partially owned, or managed by Luke Mangan. If you don't know who he is, then you are just like me. Wikipedia will tell you that he is a celebrity chef from Australia, and probably a great business man too.

By visiting Altitude, I could not help but think about how the level (and the prices) of the restaurants have improved in Jakarta. We still don't have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but we are going there in a couple years I'm sure.

Altitude is trying to do that, with imported management, imported food & wine, and imported concepts. Altitude is saying: Jakarta can be just like Singapore or Hong Kong. I like down-to-earth restaurants so for sure Altitude restaurants are not what I prefer, but if what you are looking after is more sophisticated dining venues, then you will be happy in either Gaia, Salt Grill or En Maru.

Overall: Recommended if you have the money and/or if you need to impress a date. You can also try the bar area, (officially Cloud Lounge & Living Room) which was rather crowded during my visit (on a Saturday night), and it had a DJ.

Tips: Dress up and book in advance.

Altitude: Gaia (Italian Restaurant), Salt Grill (Australian Grill Restaurant), En Maru (Japanese Restaurant)

The Plaza, 46th floor
Plaza Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin
Kav. 28 - 30, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 2992 2448

Facebook: The Altitude @ The Plaza

Twitter: Altitude

Website: Altitude Jakarta

Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm
Friday from 11am to 12pm
Saturday from 11am to 2am

 

Fashion Pasta (Jakarta)

 

Fashion Pasta is a famous Italian restaurant in Bandung, and they opened their first franchise restaurant in Jakarta in the middle of 2011. The owner is Italian, but the management and the cook for the Jakarta branch are Indonesian.

Located in Citywalk Sudirman, it is easily one of the best restaurant in this mall, and I predict it will expand soon to other venues.

The menu, the quality of the food and the prices are very similar to that of Trattoria or PEPeNERO. The main difference I found is that the interior design of Fashion Pasta is cozier and more modern. In that sense, it looks like Sopra, in Pacific Place (much less expensive though).

We tried the following dishes:

Brushetta Pomodoro e Basilico (Rp28k++)

Pizza ai Funghi (Rp45k++)

Minestrone soup (Rp35k++)

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Tonno (Rp46k++)

The food was good considering the price. I would have liked my pizza to be a little more crusty, but it was fresh, and much better than in other restaurants in Jakarta. I had only one bite of the pasta, which seemed a bit dry, but tasted fine. Nothing to complain about concerning the minestrone and the bruschetta.

Overall: Recommended. Fashion Pasta is not a fine dining restaurant, but they serve very decent food at a fair price. They use fresh (organic when possible) ingredients in all their preparation and their dough is home-made, I only wish more venues in Jakarta could adopt the same principles.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 10am to 10pm (midnight on weekends). It is quite small so make a reservation if you come with a large group during peak hours.

Fashion Pasta
City Walk 1st floor unit 5.
Jl. KH Mas Mansyur No. 121
Tanah Abang
Central Jakarta 10220

Phone number: +62-21 2555 8972 or +62-21 2555 8973

Do you like Italian food? Check my article Italian Restaurants in Jakarta on this blog.

Pesto (Italian Restaurant)

Pesto is a stylish Italian restaurant specializing in pastas and pizzas. Its vintage, industrial design is quite similar to other venues in Jakarta such as Loewy, Potato Head or Immigrant. If you enjoyed the theme of those places, you should be delighted in Pesto.

I visited the restaurant in the middle of the afternoon, at a quiet time, but there were a few customers still. I imagine it is popular, even though its location is not so busy for Jakarta. At night, they organize special events occasionaly, you can check their twitter, Pesto, for more information.

I was not really hungry that day so I only had a Margherita pizza (Rp52k++). It is a simple dish, yet ideal for comparison since I've tried it in many Italian restaurants. I must say that the pizza in Pesto tasted below average: The one in Trattoria, PEPeNERO or Sopra is better and cheaper for instance. It wasn't too bad, but the crust was not crispy enough, and there was too much cheese (which didn't taste like good mozzarella).

I cannot comment on the rest of the food menu, but from what I've experienced, Pesto is great for the atmosphere, and average when it comes to taste. If you've tried another food item there, please share your experience on this blog by leaving a comment.

Overall: I liked Pesto, even though my pizza was unexceptional. I think the design and atmosphere is worth making the trip, especially if you get a window table, which have a great view on Jalan Thamrin.

Opening Hours:

Everyday, from 11am to 10.30pm (12pm on weekends)

Pesto Italian Restaurant

ANZ Square, UG Floor  

The Podium, Thamrin Nine  

Jl. Thamrin No. 10

Central Jakarta

Phone Number: +62-21 299 37320

Website: Pesto Autentico Jakarta

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pesto.autentico

PEPeNERO (Jakarta and Bali)

PEPeNERO is a chain of Italian restaurants in Bali and Jakarta. They are almost copies of the Trattoria restaurants, so you can read my review about it also.

I visited the PEPeNERO in Menara Karya, during lunchtime, and it was packed with both locals and expats. If you come with a group of people, I think you should always book in advance.

The menu is large, written in Italian and English. Prices for a starter is around Rp50,000++, for main dish around Rp80,000++, and for a pizza around Rp50,000++. 

I went for one of their 40 pizzas, all with thin crust. It tasted great for the price, and so far I haven't found better value pizza in Jakarta (ex-aequo with Trattoria). The service is very fast, professional and friendly.

Overall: Recommended if you are looking for good-value European food in Jakarta. PEPeNERO is not a fine-dining restaurant, but it is adequate for dates, business lunches, celebration, etc.. There is a non smoking area as well.

PEPeNERO Pondok Indah
Plaza Pondok Indah 2, Blok BA 25 - 26
Jl. Metro Pondok Indah (near Citibank), Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 750 0959

PEPeNERO Sudirman
The Energy Building, Mezzanine Level
Jl. Jend Sudirman Lot 11A, Kawasan SCBD, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5296 4006

PEPeNERO Rasuna Said
Menara Karya, Ground Floor
Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said, Block X-5 Kav.1-2, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 5794 4727

Website: http://pepenerobali.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pepenerobali

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pepenerobali

Italian Restaurants in Jakarta

There is a wide range of Italian restaurants in Jakarta, from fast-food pizza chains to fine dining options.

I have tried, or heard of, the majority of the good places in Jakarta, and I hope this page will help you decide where you will find your favourite Italian food in the city.
 
Among the chains of restaurants, there are two names that are above the competition: Izzi Pizza and Pizza Marzano. The last one is actually a British brand, but they make thin crust pizza and they have a whole Italian menu. In none of these venues you will eat authentic Italian, but they have fair standards when it comes to quality and service. They can be found a bit everywhere, more specifically in malls, and the average price for a pizza is Rp80,000 and Rp60,000 for a plate of pasta.

In the same price range, I advise you to try Pepenero and Trattoria, two favourites among Jakarta expats. Without sacrificing taste, they offer excellent value dishes in a quite authentic atmosphere. If you are not looking for fine dining, but for a normal, affordable meal, these two places are ideal: Though I've been disappointed at times, they maintain high standards in their cooking and in the ingredients they use.

Update June 2011: I just tried Fashion Pasta, and for me it is just as good as Pepenero and Trattoria, with similar prices.

Toscana in Kemang is also in that category but more expensive. I consider it the best Italian in Jakarta as it manages to keep its prices at reasonable levels while offering excellent cuisine. It is always crowded, especially with the Italian community in Jakarta.

More sophisticated than Toscana, there are numerous trendy Italian restaurants in Jakarta. For them, Italy is about fashion and style more than tradition. Though their prices are much higher than the previous venues, the food is not always superior in taste (if never). Some addresses should be avoided, others can be visited with moderation. My recommended addresses for chic Italian dining are:
Puro in the same building than Blowfish.
Sopra: In Pacific Place, popular with the high society.
Capoccacia: See review in my blog.
Pesto: See review.
Luna Negra: See review, similar with Sopra.
Opera Blanc: See review, same owner than Sopra, more expensive.

The Italian restaurants of Jakarta's 5-star hotels offer similar high standards, but for a price of at least Rp350,000 for a meal. Though it is cheaper than flying to Rome, it cannot be a daily treat for everyone. I only tried Casa d'Oro in this price range, which I found overpriced (see review Casa d'Oro) but still worth it. I have also heard very positive comments from the following places:

- Rosso in Shangri-La. (Update June 2011: I went there, here is my review Rosso Jakarta)
- Il Mare in Mulia
- Scusa in Intercontinental MidPlaza
- Bruschetta in Borobudur Hotel
- Lobo in Ritz-Carlton (but not 100% Italian)

The main problem with those venues is that the chefs do not stay very long, and from year to year, the quality may change a lot...

More italian restaurants are opening in Jakarta regularly so I will update this page with the best venues. You're welcome to leave comments or send a review if I missed an important one!

Izzi Pizza:
The list of branches can be found on their website: http://izzicompany.com/ and their menu here: Menu Restaurant Izzi Pizza.

Pizza Marzano:
Idem at http://www.pizzamarzano.co.id/ and the menu here.

Trattoria Kuningan
The East Building Lobby Ground Floor #1-10
Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav. E 3.2 No.1
Jakarta 12950
Phone number: +62-21 5793 8574
Fax: +62-21 5793 8594

Pepenero
Website: Pepenero Italian Cuisine

Menara Karya, Ground Floor,
Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said, Block X-5 Kav.1-2
Phone number: +62-21 5794 4727

Plaza Pondok Indah 2, Blok BA 25 - 26,
Jl. Metro Pondok Indah
Phone number: +62-21 750 0959

Gedung The Energy, Mezzanine Level,
Jl. Jend Sudirman Lot 11A, Kawasan SCBD
Phone number: +62-21 5296 4006

Fashion Pasta
City Walk 1st floor unit 5.
Jl. KH Mas Mansyur No. 121
Tanah Abang
Central Jakarta 10220
Phone number: +62-21 2555 8972 or +62-21 2555 8973

Toscana
Jalan Kemang Raya 120
Cilandak, Jakarta
Phone number: +62-21 718 1216
Website: http://www.toscana-italianrestaurant.com/jakarta.html

Puro (Blowfish)
City Plaza at Wisma Mulia
Jl Jend Gatot Subroto Kav 42, Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 5297-1234
Website: http://www.ismayagroup.com/puro

Sopra
Pacific Place, Level 1
SCBD, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Phone number: +62 2 5140 0557
Website http://www.sopraristorante.com

Capoccacia Pacific Place
Pacific Place Mall
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Tel: +62 21 5797 3658
Fax: +62 21 5797 3659
Website: Capoccacia Jakarta

Luna Negra
Plaza Bapindo, Citibank Bulding, GF
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 54-44
South Jakarta
Tel: +62 21 2995 0077
Website: http://www.lunanegra.co.id

Casa D'Oro
Hotel Kempinski - Ganesha Wing
Jalan MH Thamrin No.1
Jakarta Capital Region 10310, Indonesia
Phone number: +62 21 2358 3896
Email: casadoro.jakarta@kempinski.com
Website: Kempinski Dining

Scusa
Hotel InterContinental Mid Plaza
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 10-11
Jakarta Pusat 10220, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 251 0888 ext. 6996
Website: Intercontinental Dining

Rosso, Hotel Shangri-La
Kota BNI
JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1
Jakarta 10220, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 570 7440
Fax: +62-21 570 3530
Website: Shangri-La Rosso

Il Mare
Hotel Mulia Senayan
Jl Asia Afrika, Jakarta, Indonesia 10270
Phone number: +62-21 5753272/5747777 Exr. 4708, 4588
Website: http://www.hotelmulia.com/

Bruschetta
Hotel Borobudur
1 Jalan Lapangan Banteng Selatan
Jakarta Capital Region 10110, Indonesia
Phone number: +62-21 380 5555

Lobo
Ritz-Carlton
JL. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav. E.1.1 NO.1
Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950 Indonesia  
Phone number: +62-21 2551 8888
Fax: +62-21 2551 8889
Website: Lobo Restaurant

Opera Blanc Restaurant
Pacific Place
SCBD, Jl Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53
Jakarta 12190
Phone number: +62-21 5797 3815 

Aperitivo Restaurant and Lounge

An Italian restaurant and lounge, Aperitivo isn't bad, but compared to the competition, it is slightly under average.

5 years ago, it could have been a hit, but now, there are so many similar restaurants in Jakarta that you cannot hope to be successful in the upscale segment without a perfect design and decent food.

Concerning the food, I only had a margherita pizza, and it was enough to notice the mozzarella used was not top-quality, and the dough probably not freshly made. I enjoyed it, but if I had to compare, Trattoria or PEPeNERO are better in this price range.

Margherita Pizza (around Rp55K)

The design is actually the worst thing about Aperitivo. You can always get away with mediocre food in Jakarta as long as your restaurant looks cool. But here, starting with the logo to the furniture, it all looks amateurish at best. It is too bad because there was a great potential, in this location, with the large windows and the high ceiling. When I compare with Luna Negra, Ocha and Bella, Opera Blanc or Pesto (all of them serving authentic Italian pizzas), Aperitivo comes last without any hesitation.

Overall: Aperitivo has its positive points: It is laid-back and friendly, and the prices remain reasonable. The problem is that if they want to grab a share of the upmarket crowd, I don't see how they could be successful with their current concept. For me, the only way they can make it work is by lowering their prices and position themselves as a mid-range restaurant, or by renewing their design to make it look more spectacular.

Opening hours:

Monday to friday from 7am to 2am
Saturday and Sunday 10.30am to 2am

Aperitivo Restaurant and Lounge
Atrium Mulia, Ground Floor
Jalan HR Rasuna Said Kav. 10-11, Jakarta

Phone number: +62-21 5289 2304
Fax: +62-21 5289 2305
Email: hendrik@foodtainment-concepts.com

Facebook: Aperitivo
Website: http://www.aperitivo-jakarta.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Aperitivo_Jkt

Casa d'Oro (Hotel Kempinski)

 

Casa d'Oro, along with Toscana in Kemang has the reputation of being one of the best Italian restaurants in Jakarta for upscale, fine dining.

Located in the 5-star Hotel Kempiski, Casa D'Oro doesn't have a very impressive setting, except for the stylish glass-window wine cellar in the middle of the main room. On the day I visited, a Tuesday, the restaurant was empty except for my table and another expat couple.

The service was professional and helpful, but a few minor errors were made (wrong knife, confusion in the plates, etc..).

I cannot say I was amazed by the food I tried (Codfish for Rp268,000++ and Black squid pasta for Rp168,000++). It was excellent home cooking, but for the price, i would have expected something more creative. Without wine, your minimum bill in Casa d'Oro will be Rp350k to Rp400k, and I don't think this is good value compared to the other Italian restaurants in Jakarta.

Cod fish (Rp268,000++)

Seafood soup (Rp168,000++)

Sorbet (2 scoops - Rp 56,000)

Actually, the Italian chef has changed in October 2010 and I'm led to believe the new one is less experienced and less awarded. Unfortunately, on internet you will still find the reviews of the restaurant when the previous chef was in charge.

Conclusion: I recommend Casa d'Oro if you want to experience a gourmet Italian dinner for a special occasion. But I wouldn't go there too often because of the price.

Opening Hours: 

Everyday for lunch and dinner.

Contact details:
Casa D'Oro
Hotel Kempinski - Ganesha Wing
Jalan MH Thamrin No.1
Jakarta Capital Region 10310, Indonesia

Phone number: +62 21 2358 3896
Email: casadoro.jakarta@kempinski.com
Website: Casa d'Oro Italian Restaurant Jakarta

More reviews of Italian restaurants in Jakarta: Capocaccia, Trattoria.

Chianti Classico Bistro Restaurant

Same owner than Gallo Nero (now Closed) and FJ bistro and established in Jakarta in 1999, Chianti Classico bistro is an upmarket restaurant serving mainly Italian food. Nicely set, with glass to ceiling windows and a cozy atmosphere. Quite expensive, you'll end up paying European prices for a 3-course meal. Compared to other Italian restaurants in Jakarta, I think the food here is average. Visit it only if you live very nearby in mega Kuningan.

Practical Information:
Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch (12am to 2pm) and dinner (7pm to 10pm)

Chianti Classico Bistro
Menara Rajawali G-F
Mega Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan
DKI Jakarta - Indonesia
Phone 1: +62-21 576 5877
Phone 2: +62-21 576 1601

La Finestra (Jakarta)

La Finestra is a casual restaurant with a modern setting and very cheap prices. It sells mostly pasta and American-style pizzas. It is not authentic Italian, even though the Chef is from Italy (in June 2011).

I only tried the pepperoni pizza, so I will keep this review short and I invite you to comment for the other dishes. The pizza cost Rp25k++ for a small one, Rp32k++ for medium, Rp40k++ for the family size. 

Comparing to Trattoria, PEPeNERO, or Fashion Pasta, the pizza in La Finestra is below average. The presentation is nice, but the taste is too dull, probably because the ingredients used were not top-quality. There are no miracles, you get what you pay for. 

Overall: The pizza was not the best I ever had, but I could still come back to La Finestra because it is cheap and still better than Pizza Hut or Warung Pasta. The waiters also were very fast and friendly.

Opening Hours:

Everyday, non-stop from lunch to dinner.

La Finestra

Jalan Tanjung Karang no 5 (opposite Jalan Blora, 300 meters south of Mall Plaza Indonesia)

Jakarta, Indonesia

Phone number: +62-21 392 8992

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaFinestra_JKT

Facebook: La Finestra Restaurant Jakarta

Luna Negra (Italian restaurant)

Luna Negra is a trendy Italian restaurant located on the ground floor of Plaza Bapindo. The interior design is neat, with a retro-chic atmosphere that is sadly starting to become banal in Jakarta. One of my friends complained about their service and I agree there seems to be some training to do in the next few months. The waiters are nice, but they are not always available and attentive.

The menu features mostly home-made pasta and authentic Italian pizzas. The prices vary a lot, but on average, it is Rp100k for a pizza including tax, and slightly less for pasta. I ordered the "Prosciutto e Funghi" pizza (Rp86k with tax). It is more expensive than the average in Jakarta, but I considered it was worth it since it is one of the best I've had here. You can can getter prices in Trattoria and Pepenero, but I'm not sure the taste is better (read my review Italian restaurants in Jakarta).

I also tried a Crème Caramel for dessert, and again, I found it very decent compared to what you can get elsewhere in Jakarta.

Pizza Prosciutto e Funghi (Rp86k)

Crème Caramel (Rp48k)

Overall: On the contrary with many hip, overpriced venues in Jakarta, the food in Luna Negra actually tastes good, and I have many friends who share the same opinion. All I can hope is that the cook, an Italian, will stay long enough to train well his future replacement. Recommended, you may want to make a reservation if you go there during the weekend.

Opening Hours:
Everyday, 11am to midnight

Luna Negra
Plaza Bapindo, Citibank Building, GF
Jalan Sudirman, Kav. 54-55, Jakarta 12190

Tel: +62 21 2995 0077
Fax: +62-21 2995 0078
PIN: 23B83D4C
Website with the menu and events: http://
www.lunanegra.co.id

Negev Restaurant Jakarta

Opened in September 2011, Negev is a restaurant/bar located on Jalan Gatot Subroto, near Blowfish. I won't be in Jakarta until next week and I didn't have time to visit it yet, but since the team behind it is already experienced, in particular in 5-star hotels around the world, I bet it will become a trendy spot. I thought it could be useful to write about it first for those of you who long for new exciting venues in Jakarta.

Hopefully I'll go there in the coming week and post a review, don't hesitate to comment until then.

Opening Hours:

Everyday, from 11am to 1am (closes at 3am on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night)

Negev Bar and Restaurant Jakarta

French, Italian, Spanish and Asian Cuisine

City Plaza Building - Ground Floor.
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 42
Phone number: +62-21 52971333
Fax: +62-21 52971274

More information about the menu and events:

Website: http://www.negevresto.com

Twitter: twitter.com/negevresto

Facebook: Negev Resto Jakarta

Photo Credit: Photos taken on the facebook page of Negev.