Rated 4.6 on Google, but am I gonna get jumped for saying it's not Italian?
qponx
2026-01-24
Curious about the 4.6-rated LIBERTÀ Kitchen & Bar? This review dives into whether it lives up to its Italian hype. While the Steak Sandwich and Tiramisu are praised as must-try hits, the pasta and pizza might leave purists wanting more authenticity. It’s a chic spot for a casual get-together, especially with its unbeatable lunch set deal, but those seeking a true taste of Italy should see this verdict before booking a table.
Every time I pass by this place at Pavilion, seeing its high 4.6 score on Google, I always feel like it has something special. But my Italian friends are always a bit hesitant to talk about it...🤔 Curiosity killed the cat, so today I finally came to check it out for myself—LIBERTÀ Kitchen & Bar.
Nice Ambiance, but Where's the Soul?
Walking in, the red brick walls with warm lighting during the day create a really cozy atmosphere, perfect for coming with your besties to Nongkrong and chat all afternoon. But at night, when the metal fixtures on the ceiling light up, the whole space feels big and empty. It feels like it's missing that warm, 'homely' feeling of a small Italian trattoria[1], which is a bit of a shame.
As for the food, well, it was a massive"song of ice and fire" 🤣.
👍 The Good List has to include their:
👎 The Misses List (not exactly bad, just a bit Anjay…):
- Steak Sandwich[2]: Honestly, this might be one of the best steak sandwiches I've had in Jakarta! The ciabatta bread is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, wrapped around juicy steak and arugula. The aioli is the perfect finishing touch, making every bite super satisfying!
- Libertà Tiramisu[3]: The dessert to finish things off didn't disappoint. It's rich in layers, and the balance between the moistness from the coffee liqueur and the richness of the mascarpone is great. It's a proper Italian dessert.
- Pasta: How should I put this... the pasta was cooked al dente, but the seasoning... it surprisingly tasted like a high-end version of Bakmi[4]. It's delicious, for sure, but if you ask me if it's authentic? I can only shake my head.
- Pizza: It was made too 'perfectly', so round it looked like it was measured with a ruler, which made it lose that rustic, fire-kissed feel from a traditional oven[5].
Let's Have Some Real Talk
To be fair, the service is also hit-or-miss. Our experience was okay this time, but I've heard friends complain that some staff only smile at foreigners[6], and the serving speed is like opening a blind box. When it's crowded, you could be waiting forever for your main course.
In terms of price, a casual meal for the two of us cost almost 600k[7]. As for the portion size, I personally found it a bit delicate[8]; guys might need to order extra.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money (Get your notebooks ready!)
For the girls who've read this far, you're in for a treat. Let me highlight the key points; here's the right way to enjoy this place👇:
- ✅ Go for the lunch set! Come on a weekday for the Lunch Set, which is around 150k[9]. It includes salad, soup, a main course, and dessert—the value for money is off the charts! It's an absolute blessing for office workers in the city center.
- 🎂 Birthday surprise! If you're celebrating a birthday, make sure to call and arrange it in advance! My friend came here for her birthday, and the restaurant gave her a whole birthday cake for free[10]—so generous!
- 🤔 To sum it up: If you're looking for a place in the city center with a nice ambiance for a business lunch or a small get-together with friends, coming for the lunch set is definitely Mantap. But if you're a foodie specifically looking for an authentic Italian soul, you might be a little disappointed. You be the judge
- Jakarta's rare steak sandwich: crispy ciabatta, juicy steak, garlic aioli – one bite is pure bliss! [1]
- Weekday lunch set for ~150k: salad, soup, main, dessert included. Unbeatable value downtown! [2]
- Birthday surprise: they generously give a whole birthday cake! Who can resist such a treat? [3]
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