Literally got choked by an Italian restaurant in Jakarta.
qponx
2026-01-24
This brutally honest review of Pippo in Jakarta paints a love-hate picture of the Italian restaurant. While the mushroom truffle ravioli and quattro formaggi pizza are hailed as divine, there’s a major catch. The article gives a heads-up on the overwhelmingly smoky atmosphere, hit-or-miss food quality, and slow service. It’s a spot with incredible highs and frustrating lows, so get the full scoop before you decide if the amazing pasta is worth the risk.
Girls, take my advice, sometimes the filter on these influencer-hyped spots is thicker than a brick wall!
I was originally drawn to Pippo because of its location in Senayan City, thinking it would be another picture-perfect date spot. When I walked in, the decor really had a certain vibe—warm lighting with dark furniture, looking all cozy and upscale[1]... until I took my first breath of air.
Anjay! I thought I had stumbled into some old-timer's cigar bar. The whole restaurant was filled with smoke, so thick it made my eyes water[2]. I asked a waiter where the non-smoking section was, and he just pointed. Good grief, it was just two areas in the same hall, separated only by imagination. The smoke flowed freely between them with no difference at all. The meal hadn't even started, and my lungs had already 'tasted' it for me.
The Dishes Are Like Opening a Blind Box, Hit or Miss
Thankfully, the arrival of the food pulled me back from the despair of secondhand smoke. I have to admit, some of their dishes are genuinely good.
That Pansotti Mushroom, Truffle and Ricotta[3] (creamy mushroom truffle ravioli), the sauce was so rich I used the complimentary bread to wipe the plate clean, not wanting to waste a single drop. One bite and it was truly Mantap! The Quattro Formaggi Pizza[4] was also top-notch. The blue cheese flavor was strong enough to make any cheese lover go wild.
BUT! Friends, the highlights end here. Please don't make the same mistake I did: that steak[5], which cost almost 500k IDR, was ordered medium, but came out as tough as rubber. I was so done... And the Eggplant Parmigiana[6] was a mushy, flavorless mess. Is this quality control, or are they just playing with our hearts?
A Love-Hate Relationship, and a Hurting Wallet
Honestly, besides the smoke and the Schrödinger's dishes, the service here also left a lot to be desired[7]. The waiters had a poker face the whole time, pretending not to hear us no matter how many times we called. The food came out so slowly you'd think they went to Italy to pick the tomatoes fresh. The three of us spent almost 1.5 million IDR[8], and the experience really wasn't worth the price.
At night, the music is also super loud[9]. You have to shout just to have a conversation. It's nothing like the cozy family atmosphere[10] they advertise, but more like a noisy after-work Nongkrong spot for Jakarta's youth.
A Guide to Avoiding This Place (From the Bottom of My Heart)
To sum it up, this is a place with extremely polarizing pros and cons. So before you go, see which category you fall into:
So, would you endure a room full of smoke for those few amazing dishes? Let me know in the comments! 🤔
- If you have zero tolerance for smoke, I'm begging you, don't go! The so-called"non-smoking area" is a joke[11], and you will regret it.
- If you just want a quiet meal or date, don't go! The music at night is as loud as a club[12], and all conversation requires shouting.
- Order carefully to avoid the duds! Whoever orders the steak[13] and the Eggplant Parmigiana[14] will regret it. Go straight for the mushroom truffle ravioli[15] and the Quattro Formaggi Pizza[16]!
- Want to try it but scared of the risks? You could try their lunch set for around 110k IDR[17]. It's better value for money, and it's less crowded.
- Service is basically self-service. Lower your expectations and mentally prepare yourself, or you might get angry enough to have a heart attack[18].
- Pansotti Mushroom, Truffle and Ricotta[1] pasta? Sauce so rich, you'll want to sop it all up with bread. Instant Mantap!
- Cozy yet upscale[2] decor, but so smoky[3] it's suffocating. The contrast for a date spot is wild!
- Menu's a mystery: nearly 500k IDR steak[4] is tough, but some dishes are amazing. Quality control's a gamble!
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