There’s a comforting truth to the adage, “they don’t make them like they used to.” La Bodega stands strong as the witness of the vast changes of Jakarta’s F&B landscape, providing a home to rekindle with the old times.
Trendy cafes and bars rise and fall with the fickle winds of fashion in Jakarta nowadays. But amidst the quick wave, an old establishment like La Bodega Restaurant & Bar in Cilandak stands as a reassuring exception.
Opened in 1978 by the artist couple Frans Tumbuan and Rima Melati, La Bodega transcends the typical restaurant experience. It offers a space for older generations to reminisce and for younger generations to immerse themselves in the genuine vintage atmosphere.
Packaged in a cosy gathering spot on the first floor and a speakeasy old English pub bar on the upper floor, the place has everything you need to unwind from the bustling days of Jakarta. It has a strategic location nearby the apartment, hotel, and an international school makes this place fitting for expatriates within Pondok Indah area.
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An experience through the night of the old schools, booze up in the cosy accompaniment of legendary songs.
Arriving just in time for dinner, our team was greeted by a friendly waitress who recommended several standout dishes. We chose to share a comforting bowl of Indonesian oxtail soup, the signature Jaya Pub nasi goreng, a nostalgic tribute to its sister restaurant, and a fulfilling Caesar salad. The oxtail soup delivered on its promise: a rich, spice-forward broth that perfectly depicted Indonesian cuisine.
The nasi goreng kampung was everything you’d want in a plate of fried rice—deeply savoury, perfectly textured, and unapologetically authentic spices combined with the smokey traditional satay ayam (chicken skewers). Meanwhile, the salad, with its fresh greens and tangy house-made dressing, provided a refreshing counterpoint to the bold flavours of the other dishes.
After dinner, we ventured upstairs for the main event. The upstairs space, with its intimate lighting and laid-back vibe, was alive with chatter and laughter. As the live music started around 9.30 PM, guests were spotted sipping on light drinks like brees, house wines, and margaritas. We also did not miss the chance to hop in with a glass of La Bodega’s signature cocktail, the “Supernova”. A bold concoction of eight different spirits packed a punch as the first chords of the live band reverberated through the room.
The crowd settled into the groove with spirits lifted by the smooth listening to the honeyed tones of R&B classics, wrapping itself around the evening like an old, familiar embrace.
“We introduced Wednesday nights to add a midweek escape for our guests,” explained owner, Ardhi Airlangga.
“It’s a chance to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy something different before the weekend rush.” The new addition has been warmly received, offering a casual yet vibrant midweek alternative for the expat and local communities who frequent La Bodega.
For Jaya Pub regulars yearning for a more intimate setting, a new venture by the same owner beckons. This speakeasy-inspired establishment offers a seamless transition, allowing patrons to experience Jaya’s renowned delicacies and attentiveness in a hushed, exclusive environment.
La Bodega and Jaya Pub
When you speak of The Jaya Pub, its legacy extends far beyond the clinking glasses and dimly lit corners of an old-school bar. It was, and remains, an incubator for Indonesia’s music scene, a space where notes and lyrics found their rhythm against the hum of Jakarta’s nightlife. Riding the wave of this cultural renaissance came La Bodega Restaurant & Bar, a sister establishment born to expand that very vision.
“In the ’70s, Jakarta’s nightlife was a desert of options,” recalls Ardhi Airlangga, the current steward of La Bodega. “There were places like The George and Dragon and Tanamur Discotheque, but none offered the intimacy and creativity of a pub with live music. My parents saw a void—and more importantly, an opportunity to nurture local musical talent.” With the support of Ciputra, the legendary developer and businessman, they secured a location in Cilandak, and La Bodega took its first breath.
As the second F&B venture of the artist couple behind The Jaya Pub, La Bodega became an instant media darling. In a flash, it was the place to rub shoulders with Jakarta’s socialites, drawing celebrities, artists, and expats together under the warmth of shared experiences.
It was no surprise that Rima Melati, a cultural icon in her own right, infused the space with a magnetic charm. A celebrated model, actress, and singer, she was a member of the famed ’50s girl group The Baby Doll (later renamed Boneka Dara by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno). Her presence lent an air of artistry to the venue, making it as much about the people as it was about the food and music.
Today, La Bodega continues to channel its founding spirit. With its unpretentious ambiance, a menu that blends comfort and elegance, and a music lineup that tugs at the soul, it serves as a time capsule in a city obsessed with reinvention.
La Bodega Bar & Resto
Address: Jl. Terogong Raya No.28 15, RT.2/RW.10, Cilandak Barat, Jakarta 12430
08.00 am – 01.00 am
Phone: (021) 7656931
