Everyone calls Levant a Jakarta bakery legend, but I have to roast their mains.
qponx
2026-01-23
Is Jakarta's legendary Levant Boulangerie worth the hype? This review says yes—if you know what to order! While its Southern French bistro vibe is a hit, the article reveals a major split in quality. The pastries, like the famous Brioche French Toast and Canelé, are heavenly. However, the main courses can be a disappointing miss. Get the essential guide on what to order (and what to avoid) for the perfect visit to this trendy spot.
If you're talking about a place in South Jakarta that's so popular it's Anjay, Levant Boulangerie is definitely on the list. Especially on weekends, it feels like all the trendy people and expats in Jakarta come here to Nongkrong. I made a reservation in advance and still had to wait 20 minutes, which just goes to show how popular it is[1].
The moment you walk in, you get that Chill vibe of a small Southern French bistro. Sunlight streams through the green plants into the courtyard, and lazy French songs play indoors, setting the atmosphere to the max.
Their bread is truly"legendary" level[2], especially the sourdough, which is used in many of their sandwiches—the quality is undeniable. But today, my target was the legendary Brioche French Toast[3]! Honestly, the moment it was served, I knew I'd made the right choice. The toast was pan-fried to a fragrant, crispy perfection on the outside, while the inside was as soft as a cloud. Paired with cream cheese and a sweet and sour berry compote, every bite made me so happy I wanted to spin around. An absolute Champion!
After the meal, I ordered a Canelé[4], which many have praised as"the best in Jakarta." The caramelized outer shell was fragrant and crispy, while the inside was incredibly soft and moist. It's simply Mantap with coffee! Plus, their portions are quite generous; one salad is enough for two people to share[5], gotta give them props for that.
Just when I thought the meal was flawless, the main courses arrived… and the vibe completely changed. 🤷♀️
I heard from long-time fans that after the restaurant's renovation, the quality control for the main dishes has been a bit inconsistent. The seafood pasta I ordered this time was… emmm… how should I put it, the shrimp and clams didn't taste fresh and had a bit of a fishy smell[6]. My friend's main dishes also seemed pretty mediocre. For a meal with six dishes and three drinks, the bill came to 930,000 IDR[7]. Honestly, if that money was spent on the main courses, my wallet would be crying.
My Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls (You're welcome)
So, is this place worth visiting? Yes! But you have to know what to order.
- 🥖 Ordering Strategy: Key takeaway! Please save your budget and stomach space for the pastries and desserts! The French toast[8] and canelé[9] are no-brainers; you absolutely can't go wrong. As for the main courses… you know what I mean, choose cautiously and don't have high expectations.
- ⏰ Time Planning: They don't take reservations on weekends. If you want to have brunch, it's best to arrive before 11 AM, otherwise, the wait is at least half an hour. It's a lot more Chill on weekdays.
- 🚗 Getting There: The shop is on a small street, and parking is tight. I recommend just taking a Gojek/Grab to save yourself the hassle. If you must drive, they do offer valet parking for 30,000 IDR[10].
- 🪑 Choosing a Seat: The outdoor courtyard is lush and green, great for photos, but it can be hot during the day and there are mosquitoes at night[11]. The indoor area can get very noisy when crowded, and the AC isn't always strong, making it feel a bit like a wet market.
- 🙋♀️ Service: During peak hours, the staff is super busy, so service can be slow. You'll need some patience or to proactively wave them down[12].
- South Jakarta's Anjay-hot spot. Rich South French bistro Chill vibe. Weekends, trendsetters Nongkrong here [1].
- Signature Brioche French Toast: crispy outside, cloud-soft inside. Cream cheese, berry jam – pure bliss [2].
- "Jakarta's best" Canelé: caramelized crisp shell, soft moist interior. Mantap with coffee [3].
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