Since 1993, this classically decorated café have won the hearts of many.
Some fell in love with its ice cream, some with its nasi goreng (fried rice), and some simply with its atmosphere. There may not only be one romantically lit café in Jakarta, and for some the mere idea of it may even seem so passé. Nevertheless,Pisa café has loyal followers, especially the one near the Theresia Church, Sabang. Aside from this one, there is also a branch of Pisa cafe in Menara Matahari, Lippo Karawaci.
Pisa Café in Sabang with its nostalgic air gives you options on whether to eat outside, under the moonlight and electric lamps, or inside, where you could be entertained by bands or an a cappella group. As usual, you can request the songs. However, it is advised that you do not take a seat near the stage if you are meaning to have a deep, meaningful conversation throughout the evening as the volume could be overwhelming.
The food served is mainly Italian, but surprisingly, the fried rice receives generous compliments. The Chicken Cordon Bleu is satisfying and some visitors praise the seafood calzone. Delicious, or delizioso, as the Italians say. Portions are mostly generous, except maybe the ravioli.
Then, of course, there’s the ice cream and gelato. Pisa café’s ice cream is home made, the authentic recipe provided by an Italian gentleman, Matteo Guerinoni. The café boasts 50 flavors of ice cream but only 12 flavors are made to be served each day, the ones that are always available are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. In fact, the place started out serving ice cream per se. The Pisa Ice cream stalls that stays true to its ice cream-only origins could be found in many food courts and malls in Jakarta.
If you still believe in a laid back, or, possibly, romantic evening of indulging yourself and your dining partner with ice cream and Italian food at very sensible prices, almost none could beat Pisa café.
Pisa Kafe,
Jl Gereja Theresia 1
Jakarta 10350
Tel.: (62)(21) 3100151