CasaLeña opened its doors in August 2024, adding another gem to Jakarta’s culinary scene. A vibrant restaurant where architecture and design seamlessly blend with exceptional cuisine, CasaLeña offers a unique Latin American grill concept paired with an unforgettable dining experience. Here, flavours, aesthetics and sustainability converge to create a feast for the senses.
STORY BY Iman Hidajat | PHOTOS BY Mario Wibowo
Located in the vibrant South Jakarta area, CasaLeña is more than just a restaurant. It is a destination where food enthusiasts and design lovers come together to celebrate creativity. The menu is helmed by Chef Silverio Martinez Altamirano, whilst the space is sophisticatedly designed by Andra Matin.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a strikingly contemporary and mysterious front façade that draws the eye. As they step inside and descend to the lower floor, they encounter a semi-outdoor space designed to harness the natural breeze, with lush plants and a water feature that cools the air and balances the heat from the grilled dishes. To the left, the indoor dining area boasts high ceilings. It creates a cosy and homelike atmosphere.
CasaLeña exudes sophistication whilst maintaining a warm, inviting vibe—a reflection of its name, which combines casa (home) and leña (woodfire). “When I was still a child at home, I remember my grandmother was cooking with woodfire, with the leña – all the flavour is more authentic,” Chef Silverio remembered.
One of the standout features of the restaurant is its innovative lighting design. The strategic use of light and shadow enhances the overall ambiance, enriching the dining experience.
The Latin American Panache
“Our food is family style; you come with your family, and then you share, like at home,” Chef Silverio mentions CasaLeña food style. “Here, you share starters, Ceviche, salad, pizzas, and pasta,” he continued. “Don’t forget, we have good meat, one of the best meat is here in the restaurant,” the Chef conveyed.
Chef Silverio and his team utilise special grilling techniques to craft each dish. The Tostadas de Pulpo, for example, features a black corn tortilla topped with grilled octopus, slices of avocado, and chipotle aioli. Next, the Ceviche is served with crispy fish skin, a mix of nuts, onions, and fresh tomatoes.
A popular dish, the Hongos, is an Argentinian-style thin, smoky mushroom pizza. Another highlight is the Mafaldine Poblano Beef Cheek, a homemade mafaldine pasta paired with super-tender beef cheeks in a slightly spicy poblano sauce.
The Camarones al Ajillo features baked king prawns, corn tortillas, and chipotle aioli. The recommended way to enjoy it is by creating a sandwich with the prawns and aioli in a tortilla, though guests are welcome to enjoy it however they prefer.
But, beyond that, the signature dish from the restaurant is the meat. At CasaLeña, they just don’t make steaks; they craft an unforgettable experience by masterfully slicing and grilling premium cuts over a wood fire, bringing out bold, rich flavours with every plate. The perfect balance of smoke and skill presents an experience of enjoying steak the guests just can’t resist.
CasaLeña has earned rave reviews for its exquisite cuisine and attention to detail, offering a truly immersive dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Project Data
CasaLeña
Jl. Hang Lekir II No. 30 Kebayoran Baru Jakarta 12220
T. +6281196308196
Floor Area
Whole area: 1,700 sqm
Private room: 3 rooms
Karaoke Lounge: 2 rooms
Seating Capacity
Restaurant: 100 pax
Private room: 40 pax
Karaoke Lounge: 20 pax
Rooftop & Bar: 50 pax
Architecture and Interior Consultant
andramatin
Lighting Consultant
Capital
Interior Contractor
Gitalaras
Open
August 2024