In Jakarta, many Italian restaurants have become sophisticated dining destinations, catering to well-dressed dinner crowds or couples on their weekly date night. Whilst the cuisine certainly suits a special occasion, Italian food is deeply rooted in family meals – and this is something that La Balena is preserving.
Occupying its own standalone location in Pondok Indah, La Balena is destination of its own, one where wholesome, home-style cooking is paired with cosy, homey dining areas. Designed by Bitte Design Studio with a biophilic approach, the contemporary interiors are grounded in the cream plaster walls, and natural lighting that give the restaurant its noticeable warmth, all extending into a flourishing outdoor garden.
Led by Chef Mike Lamtara, who laid the foundation of La Balena and further developed by Chef Ilham Fariz, the menu’s concept draws from the artisanal kitchen traditions of Italian cuisine. As such, 90 percent of the dishes are prepared in-restaurant, from their house-baked breads, freshly-made pasta and time-honoured stocks that become the base of many flavourful dishes. This ‘handcrafted’ direction has been their secret to serving meals that are both hearty and authentic.
The restaurant released brand-new specials in April, and whilst inspired by traditional cooking, these latest creations are modern and incredibly indulgent! Must-tries are the ‘Mafaldine con Manzo’, silk ribbons of fresh pasta in a rich pesto, topped with roast beef slices and sundried tomatoes; the ‘Picanha Gorgonzola Fondue’ elevates the usual steak experience with melted blue cheese; and the ‘Risotto ai Gamberi Piccante’ offers a spiced seafood take on an Italian staple. From classic antipasti (insalata burrata, calamari fritti) to fluffy, Neapolitan-style pizzas (made in-house, of course), classic and signature pasta creations, and hearty mains (ribeye, barramundi in Mediterranean sauce, petto d’antara seared duck), the menu at La Balena is varied but focused, presenting a very curated selection for each category. Without question, authentic tiramisu and gelato are featured on the dessert menu.
Together, the hearty food and homey space invite for long, lingering meals with friends and family – just as the Italians would have it! This was always the vision of Founder, Sherrine Budiman, who took the name from the Italian word for whale – a reference to memory and connection. As such, the restaurant has become a popular location for private events and gatherings and large family meals.
La Balena is open daily from 8am to 10 pm, serving a full menu starting from 10am onwards, early opening time for you to savour their house-made baked goods.
Whether it’s a leisurely family lunch on a Sunday, or intimate celebrations, La Balena welcomes guests and diners to have a ‘Whale of a Time’ in a place where the family-centric dining traditions of Italy continue to thrive.
For the latest information, follow them @labalena.jkt on Instagram.
La Balena
Jalan Duta 1 Blok TH No. 6
Pondok Indah, South Jakarta
+62 816-827-388
