Another visit to an MDA Restaurant Group, another mind and palate blown. This time, we tried the mesmerising Mediterranean place, Animale Restaurant, with its wood-fire oven and countless handmade pastas. Always striving to push boundaries of well-established global cuisine, Animale certainly answered the challenge – and more.
Animale Restaurant promises an immersive culinary adventure, combining progressive Mediterranean cuisine with a modern American flair. Located on the 11th floor of MD Place, the restaurant provides a full-service dining and bar experience, inviting guests into a space that tantalises all the senses.
From the moment guests step into Animale, they are greeted with the enticing aroma of the wood-fired oven, hinting at the gastronomic delights to come. The restaurant embraces a social dining concept, encouraging patrons to enjoy shared small dishes that highlight the versatility and creativity of modern Mediterranean cuisine. This focus on shareable plates fosters a convivial dining experience, perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
The wood-fired oven, a central feature of the dining room, allows guests to watch as their meals are prepared, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. This transparency and engagement with the cooking process are part of what makes dining at Animale so memorable.
The menu at Animale is crafted to surprise and delight, with signature dishes that showcase the skills of Chef Andri Dionysius and his team. Highlights include the Sardinian gnocchi with bone marrow, the impressive short rib Tomahawk and the innovative Oops Cheesetart dessert, which blends gorgonzola and camembert cheese into a delightful bite. The in-house cured charcuterie, dry-aged steaks and house-made pastas, with over 20 different varieties, further demonstrate the restaurant’s dedication to quality and originality.
In addition to the main dishes, Animale’s grill menu features a variety of original recipes, including dry-aged steaks and wood-fire pizzas. The house-made pastas are another standout, with each type carefully crafted to deliver a unique and satisfying flavour. The restaurant’s in-house cured charcuterie, boasting more than 10 varieties, showcases the team’s dedication to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.
The interior of Animale is designed to take guests on a journey through different habitats. Upon arrival, diners are welcomed into the ocean section, setting a serene tone for the evening. Moving further into the restaurant, the land area features warm surroundings with raw stone materials, wooden slats and ambient lighting, creating an inviting and comfortable environment. For those who prefer an open-air setting, the al fresco mountain-themed area serves as a smoking section and offers a magnificent view, adding to the overall dining experience.
Animale offers three distinctive dining areas to cater to different preferences and occasions. The bar/lounge is an ideal spot for casual drinks and light bites, while the main dining room provides a more formal setting with 40 seats available. The al fresco area, with its semi-outdoor ambience, seats 24 guests and is perfect for those who enjoy dining under the open sky. For private gatherings, Animale features three VIP rooms, with seating capacities ranging from six to 12 seats, offering a more secluded and intimate dining experience.
Whether you are enjoying a meal with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a new culinary adventure, Animale promises to deliver a memorable and delightful dining experience. With its innovative dishes and commitment to quality, it is no surprise that guests are drawn back to Animale time and time again.
Asia Dreams Volume 52
Animale
MD Place
Jalan Setiabudi Selatan
Jakarta 12910, Indonesia
T: (+62) 87772646253
E: info@animalejakarta.com
W: mdarestaurants.com/animale
IG: @animalerestaurant
