La Balena

La Balena was founded by Sherrine Budiman as a neighbourhood Italian in Pondok Indah, set in a converted house with a garden terrace that is lit up in the evenings. The idea is home-style cooking, with roughly nine in ten items made on site, including bread, stocks and fresh pasta. Chef Mike Lamtara built the original menu and Chef Ilham Fariz now leads the kitchen.

Good orders include mafaldine with pesto, roast beef and sun-dried tomatoes; spaghetti alle vongole with clams and razor clams; and a spiced prawn risotto. The picanha with gorgonzola fondue is the main to share. Neapolitan-style pizzas, a burrata and tomato salad, tiramisu and gelato complete the menu.

The relaxed pace and garden seating make it a good pick for families and weekend get-togethers. Doors open at 8am for coffee and house baked goods, with the full menu from 10am. It is closed on Mondays.