The ambiance is very common, why I say that is because it reminds me of Canteen or perhaps other typical restaurants that would like to pass as simple but really it isn't. Once you get in you will be welcomed by the greeters and you will be ushered to your seat of choice. My friend and I decided to get the table near the window, expecting to see a beautiful view of the street, but instead got a full view of the parking lot -which isn't great if you look below, but ok if you're looking up the skyscrapers. So yeah, come at dinner for a nice view of the city.
The waiters are very friendly and helpful, they will try their best to confide the menu of the day and if we don't know exactly what the dish is about, then they will happily tell you at once. They have the Today's Menu like the tortelloni or the crab meat linguine -which the Napolitano Head Chef eagerly said that the crab came from Papua, wearing the 'koteka' or the wooden cover of the Villager's precious private parts- all, of course, as a joke.
We got served complimentary bread and olive oil with slices of sauteed paprika and grilled eggplants, smeared with olive oil which was a delightful taste combined with the sliced baguette. I don't know whether this happens with everyone, since we did meet with the Italian chef and tried to speak one or two words in Italian. Perhaps he was impressed? Hopefully it happens to everyone.
I ordered the simple dish called 'Spaghetti All'Amatriciana', which consists of parma ham, tomato sauce, and some italian herbs. It wasn't the best dish, I could taste the fresh tomatoes which is great, but I was a bit disappointed that the ham, spaghetti and tomatoes didn't blend well as a whole. The taste was a bit bland and I wished I could've tasted the same dish as when I had it in Sicilia when I was growing up in the late 80's.
My friend ordered the 'Ravioli ai spinaci' which basically had about 6 pieces of the ravioli and it looked ok. I tried to have half a bite of it and it was good, but not great. The sauce was very little, and I think they may have overcooked the pasta a bit, because it looked a bit dry.
Then I saw my vegetarian friend's dish, the 'Spaghetti agli Olio' which is simple spaghetti, olive oil and a bit of chili. Looked delicious -didn't get to try it- but my friend said it was good.
Then my other friend ordered the steak and sausages and that's when I thought, "Yes! Finally! Something that was tasty, authentically Italian and extremely tender meat". I am guessing, that this restaurant might have really great Italian veal and sausages to try, and when I did try them, it tasted delicious, the flavor was everywhere in my mouth and the tender veal meat was able to be cut real smooth. The best dish so far.
I know I'm not doing justice by saying words about few of the many dishes they have in the menu, so I would still recommend this restaurant for people who want to get some real Italian atmosphere in the middle of Jakarta city. Bring your date, your family, your friends here for a night out.
Oh, and for closure, again, I think the chef loved us, hahaha, we got 3 different complimentary sliced cakes to end this lovely evening with close friends. Will I come back again? Maybe. Will I order the same thing again? No.
