Last weekend, my husband had to work, so I took my girls out for dinner on Saturday night. It was an easy decision as to pick where to dine. I picked “aTavoLa” in Kemang Selatan (South Kemang), Jakarta. aTavoLa is a cosy Italian restaurant in Jakarta with delicious Italian dishes that offers reasonable prices (big plus). That’s hard to come by in Jakarta, believe it or not. The homely atmosphere of aTavoLa makes you feel welcomed and I felt like as though we were at someone’s house.
I was introduced to this restaurant by one of my friends and the mother of my daughter’s friend about two weeks ago. She and her husband had birthday celebrations at aTavoLa and I am grateful that they picked aTavoLa. I love Italian food and the reasonable prices make it very approachable and appealing to the general public for casual dining in Jakarta. I liked it when I went there for the first time, so I decided that I would go back to take photos in order to write about it on my blog.
What I love about aTavoLa is the ambiance, food and price as I wrote above. It was satisfying to our bellies as well as our wallet. I also love looking at the antique decor that aTavoLa restaurant has on display. They are so photogenic. The decorations on the wall and shelves created the romantic atmosphere which I love about the space in the restaurant. As a parent of two young children, it is also ver nice to know a restaurant where you feel comfortable bringing children. Actually Indonesians love children, so I have never felt uncomfortable taking our girls at any restaurant. I think this restaurant was easy to manage my kids and my girls loved it.
We ordered what you see in the photos. I also ordered a desserts; a crepe with ice cream. I split it with my two hyena girls and it disappeared from our plate.
aTavoLa Italian Gourmet
Kemang Selatan Raya No.125.
Jakarta Selatan 12730
Indonesia
TEL: (021) 7179-3580
Kaho, I notice you take pictures of stores and restaurants a lot. Do the owners ever get upset about that? I have started to take a few pictures with my phone camera, but I always feel awkward and as though I’m doing something wrong!
I noticed in one of your blogs that you said you asked the proprietor if you could take photos, but do you always do that? Have you ever had someone say no?
Hi, Mia. Yes, I always do. Yes, I have been turned down many times, but I get permission as often, too. I started asking every single time I take photos inside stores and restaurant, because before that I sometimes asked and sometimes I didn’t and I have been stopped a couple of times in Jakarta in the past. Since I live in a foreign country, I did not want to do anything against the rules, so I started asking all the time. It just happened that I took an online blogging course called “Blogging Your Way” around the same time and I learned there that one should always ask to take photos inside stores and restaurants. Outside is a public property, so it’s okay. That made sense. It’s actually better. I usually take photos inside a store of small business, so I speak with the owner or manager and I have made connection with them which is fun and I find it beneficial for my blog. I hope this helps. Thanks for asking a great question!
Oh my, this post has made me SO hungry!! I wish we were having Italian food for tea – that gnocchi plate looks amazing! I like all the items displayed in this restuarant, it has a real homely, welcoming feel to it.
I also wondered the same thing Kaho. and I love how you mention the owner of the business and you get to know something about them. I usually don’t take photos of indoor business but maybe next time I will follow your advice and ask. I ran across another blog and the gal is living in Denmark, she showcases all the shops she visits and takes photos. I think it’s great you do that, because it gives us (bloggers, readers) an idea of what shops/restaurants are like, without having to go to a review website.
this restaurant reminds me so much of the place where I celebrated my birthday this summer. all the memorabilia on the walls. it looks very cozy and family friendly and you had crepes! yum.
have a wonderful weekend!
PS. currently Beli’s fav toy is that plastic sheep you saw and a very tiny squirrel on the other side. I tell you combinations of two!! LOL
That looks like such a nice restaurant! I’m a huge fan of Italian food…and I love the feel of this