Italian Chef, but onions in the Carbonara? I'm starting this fight for you
qponx
2026-01-23
Expatriate in Kelapa Gading serves up a cozy Italian vibe with some surprising twists. While the Pistachio Cream Fettuccine is hailed as an unforgettable, must-try dish, the Carbonara might shock purists with its inclusion of onions. This review breaks down the hits and misses, from inconsistent pizza to a very loud weekend live band. Discover tips on when to visit for a quiet chat and how to snag the best value with their Omakase sets.
Honestly, every time I hear"an authentic restaurant run by an Italian," my DNA just lights up. This time at Expatriate in Kelapa Gading, the head chef, Carmine, is indeed Italian[1], and the restaurant's vibe is incredibly cozy. Dim lighting with a retro feel, perfect for a nongkrong session. But when I sat down, opened the menu, and saw Carbonara, my heart sank a little... I had a feeling something was about to go wrong on this visit.
So, is this a gem worth visiting again and again, or a huge"photo scam"? Let's break it down.
First, let's talk about what absolutely blew my mind! Pistachio Cream Fettuccine (Fettuccine Cream di Pistachi)[2], you guys have to try it! The pistachio sauce is unbelievably rich, every single strand of handmade pasta is coated in it, a perfect blend of sweet and savory with a silky texture, truly Mantap in one bite! No exaggeration, this is definitely one of the best pasta dishes I've had in Jakarta, and I'd come back just for this!
Then, the main event, that controversial Carbonara[3]. How should I put this... Anjay! It's definitely very cheesy, but... it actually has onions in it! And the overall flavor is on the sweeter side. If you're a purist seeking the traditional Roman recipe (only egg yolks, Pecorino cheese, and Guanciale), you might want to flip the table on the spot. But if you think of it as a"localized, modified creamy bacon pasta," the taste is actually... not bad? 🤷♀️
Their Pizza[4] is also a hit-or-miss affair. A friend said it's the best in North Jakarta, with a thin and crispy crust. But the one I had this time, I felt the crust was a bit chewy, and the flavor was just unremarkable. Maybe it depends on your luck and the chef's mood that day.
Let's be real. The biggest pitfall of this place is the live band[5] on weekends. It creates a vibe, but the volume is so loud you basically have to shout to talk to the friend across from you. Friends who want to have a proper conversation should just stay away. Also, the service is in a Schrödinger-like state. Sometimes it's warm and attentive, other times you wait forever for your food, and they might even bring the wrong dish, which kind of ruins the experience.
TL;DR & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
Don't order à la carte. If you want to try a variety, go straight for their Omakase set[6]! For example, the 188k three-course set lets you taste the chef's surprise pairings and is amazing value for money. They also often have buy-one-get-one pizza deals or credit card discounts, so you can ask before you go.
If you want to chat, definitely don't go on a weekend night[7]! Unless you want a Jakarta Live House experience. Go on a weekday evening to sit quietly and chill, that's the best vibe.
Friends who want to try something new and aren't too hung up on the word"authentic," or those who are just going for that pistachio pasta, should give it a try. Hardcore enthusiasts seeking the ultimate traditional Italian flavor should consider with caution.
Remember to book in advance[8], it gets full easily during meal times. They also have a vegetarian menu and Shisha[9], so there are quite a few options.
- How to get the best deal?
- When to go?
- Who is this recommended for?
- Other Tips:
- Jakarta's rare pistachio cream pasta! Rich sauce, handmade noodles, sweet-savory bliss. Top-tier! [1]
- Just 188k for a chef's surprise 3-course Omakase set! Amazing value, you'll want to rush there! [2]
- Prepare for a "localized" Carbonara! Rich cheese, sweet onion notes. How "unauthentic" can it get? [3]
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