Mantap food, but room-temp coffee? Is Zisel really worth it?
qponx
2026-03-06
Zisel in Cemara Asri, Medan, offers a cozy spot for friends to gather, but is the food worth it? This review dives into their menu, praising the authentic Western dishes. The homemade gelato, thin-crust pizza, and a surprisingly stellar granola yogurt bowl are definite must-tries. However, there's a catch for coffee lovers: the brews are a major letdown, often served lukewarm. The final verdict? Absolutely visit for the delicious food, but maybe get your coffee elsewhere first.
Every time I hear the slogan "#yourfriendlyneighborhoodcafe", my heart sinks a little, fearing it's just another soulless chain store.
I heard the quality at Zisel in Cemara Asri, Medan, skyrocketed after their renovation[1], so with an "I'll see for myself" attitude, I rushed right over. The lighting in the shop is dim, but the atmosphere is quite warm and cozy. Friends were sitting around in small groups chatting, and it really has that feel of a place perfect for friends to come and Nongkrong[2].
Taste Test: A Mix of Hits and Misses
Without further ado, let's get to the food.
🍕 Pizza & Gelato: The Signatures Don't Disappoint
It's no wonder Gelato is in their name, their homemade ice cream[3] is truly Mantap! The texture is dense and silky smooth, and the sweetness is just right. The pizza[4] was also a pleasant surprise. I ordered a Meat Lover, and it had the thin, crispy crust that I absolutely love. The toppings were generous, and you could tell the sauce was made from fresh tomatoes. I heard they also have durian and apple pizzas, Anjay! I have to try them next time.
🍓 Granola Yogurt: The Star of the Show!
But what surprised me the most was actually this unassuming bowl of granola yogurt[5]. Seriously, who gets it! I just ordered it on a whim, but I fell in love with it after the first bite. The richness of the yogurt, the fresh sweetness of the strawberries, and the crunchiness of the granola created such a rich texture profile. It's healthy and delicious!
☕️ Coffee: A Big 'Avoid'
Alright, enough with the praise, it's time to complain. You can tell they're serious about making authentic Western food[6], not the modified "Asian-Western" kind, which is a big plus. But! The coffee is really not good... The latte I ordered was served at room temperature[7], which just ruined half the experience. I asked my friends, and it seems I'm not the only one who's had this issue.
Blogger's Honest Take & Tips
So, is this place worth it? My advice is: Go for the food, you definitely won't regret it!
- What to Order: You can't go wrong with the Gelato, Pizza, and Granola Yogurt. Coffee lovers... emmm... I suggest getting your coffee elsewhere before coming here to Chill.
- Price: The price per person isn't particularly cheap, and some might find it a bit pricey[8], but I think for the quality of the food, it's worth the price.
- Occasions: Perfect for small gatherings with friends, family dinners, or if you're just looking for a comfortable place to have a proper Western meal.
- Practical Tips: They have both indoor and outdoor seating[9]. Friends living near Cemara Asri are in for a treat, as they also offer free delivery service[10]
- Handmade gelato is Mantap! Incredibly creamy, smooth, and perfectly sweet [1].
- Meat Lover pizza has a thin, crispy crust, loaded toppings, and fresh tomato sauce [2]. Durian and apple pizzas too, Anjay! Must try.
- Don't sleep on the granola yogurt! Rich yogurt, sweet strawberries, and crunchy granola make for great texture. Healthy and so good! [3].
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