1700 5-star reviews? What makes this Jakarta pizza place so special?
qponx
2026-01-25
Curious about a Jakarta pizza place with 1700 perfect 5-star reviews? This article uncovers the secret behind Il gusto, a tiny spot hidden in a residential alley. It’s an intimate "private kitchen" on a Roman chef's porch, serving authentic pizza with a legendary 48-hour sourdough crust. Discover what makes this experience so special, why you must book in advance, and get all the essential tips to enjoy this one-of-a-kind Roman pizza without a hitch.
When I saw nearly 1700 reviews on Google, all with a perfect 5.0 score[1], my first reaction was: Anjay! The fake reviews are way too obvious, right? With a skeptical"I've got to see this for myself" attitude, I set my GPS and headed straight for South Jakarta.
As it turned out, the road got narrower and narrower, and after a bunch of twists and turns, I ended up in a townhouse residential area. I almost thought my GPS had tricked me. If it weren't for the small"Il gusto" sign at the entrance, I really would have turned around and left. This place is so"hidden"!
A"Private Kitchen" on a Roman Uncle's Porch
Pushing open the small gate, I was stunned... This isn't a restaurant, this is literally Chef Max's[2] home! The shop is set up right on his porch, with only one or two tables in total. The atmosphere is super private and intimate, and it feels just like going to a friend's house to Nongkrong on the weekend.
Watching the enthusiastic Roman uncle knead the dough, sprinkle the toppings, and slide it into the oven right in front of you, with the air filled with the aroma of dough and cheese, that feeling... Mantap!
We ordered the signature Il Fungo[3] mushroom pizza and the classic Margherita[4]. The moment the pizza arrived at our table, I knew we had come to the right place. That crust[5] is the soul! It's said to be a 48-hour fermented sourdough, baked to be thin and crispy, with a delightfully chewy edge. It's so delicious you could eat it plain. The tomato sauce on top is sweet, tangy, and fresh, nothing like the taste of industrial sauces.
Some real talk...
To be honest, the prices aren't dirt cheap; a pizza is around 99k[6], which is similar to some chain restaurants. But if you're looking for that assembly-line fast food, this place might not be for you. Every penny here is spent on high-quality ingredients and that one-of-a-kind experience. Also, because it's so popular, waiting for a table during peak hours is the norm[7], so you'll need a bit of patience to get a taste.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Ordering Guide (Quick, take notes!)
If you plan to go, you must listen to my advice! Otherwise, you'll really make a wasted trip:
- You must book in advance via WA![8] Don't just show up! Don't just show up! Don't just show up! I'm saying it three times because it's important. There are really only a few seats, so showing up without a reservation is a waste of time.
- The road is narrow, don't drive a big car![9] Seriously, trust me, it's wise to drive a small car or just take a motorcycle taxi, otherwise, getting stuck in the alley will be very awkward.
- Pickup is better than delivery![10] Although they also support delivery, the golden window to enjoy this kind of thin-crust pizza is very short. Picking it up yourself ensures you get that perfect crispy bite. I saw someone get takeout from here all the way to Bekasi, and it was still delicious, which is a miracle.
- Ditch the ketchup, try the chili oil![11] This is Chef Max's secret recipe. He says eating Roman pizza with Ketchup is a 'No No,' and that pairing it with his chili oil is the right way to do it! I tried it, and it really opened up a whole new world
- Hidden deep in a residential area, Chef Max's[1] private porch restaurant boasts nearly 1700 5.0-star[2] Google reviews – almost too good to be true!
- The soul of their signature Il Fungo[3] and Margherita[4] pizzas is the crust[5]: a thin, crispy, 48-hour fermented sourdough that's delicious even plain.
- Forget tomato sauce! Chef Max's[6] secret chili oil[7] is the true soulmate for Roman pizza, one bite will open up a whole new world.
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