Pesto Autentico

Pesto Autentico has been serving Italian food in Jakarta for well over a decade, and its main Jakarta dining room sits on the ground floor of Senayan City by the Crystal Lagoon. It is a relaxed, mid-sized restaurant aimed at families and shoppers, with some outdoor seating and a straightforward menu of pasta, pizza and grills.

The spicy spaghetti with fresh tuna, capers and black olives is a good choice, as is fettuccine carbonara with pancetta. Pappardelle al ragù and the mussels and clams are other reliable orders, and the bistecca alla fiorentina is the dish to share. Pizzas, vegetarian options and desserts cover the rest of the menu.

Prices are moderate for a central mall, so it works for family meals, a casual lunch between shops or an informal work catch-up. It opens until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are by phone. A second branch operates at The Breeze in BSD City, Tangerang.