Ragusa Es Italia — Restaurant in Jakarta

BAD SERVICE. The old lady working in the cashier is very rude. Came here to try the legendary ice cream, but what I got is a bad experience and not so special ice cream. In the past, their ice cream might be one of the best as they use modern machines at that time. However, it doesn't taste so special now.

The menu is not in the language that I know, I don't know it is in Dutch, French, or some language that they use to name their ice cream. Whenever you ask the lady who works in the cashier what is the flavour for this ice cream, etc. She keeps saying "just order, why kids nowadays can not read the menu". If you explain it in your menu, I will not ask you for more explanation. Your menu only shows the low-quality picture of the colourful ice cream with no explanation at all.

I remembered there is green coloured ice cream. As my friends and I were not so sure what is the flavour of that green ice cream, we asked her what is the flavor. And, she still angrily said the same answer "LOOK AT THE MENU!!". So, you expect us to taste the ice cream by looking at the picture of the ice cream? Nonsense. And for the sake of trying the legendary ice cream, my friends and I bought the ice cream. And guess what, we assumed that the green coloured ice cream is mint flavour, green tea, bubble gum, matcha, or other greenish things, it ends up the green ice cream is NOUGAT flavour. It's quite shocking to know that the common colour for nougat is green.

However, my experience might be different from other people who enjoyed this ice cream for a long time ago and have a nostalgic experience when eating this ice cream. I assume the cashier in the past is different from the current cashier (or owner, maybe). Also, as I mentioned before, in the past, this ice cream shop uses a modern technique, which is now is not considered modern anymore.

Despite the bad service. I might say the ice cream is edible. For the taste, I might say the ice cream is just like other ice creams...

If you’re looking for ice cream with an authentic taste and a dash of old-school charm, Ragusa Es Italia on Jalan Veteran is the place to be. Established in 1932, this isn’t just an ice cream parlor—it’s a living piece of Jakarta’s history.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported back in time. The rattan chairs, vintage tiles, and high ceilings give off a classic colonial-era vibe. There’s no air conditioning, no fancy decor—just a simple, nostalgic atmosphere that feels both warm and genuine.

Now, let’s talk about the ice cream. The crowd favorite? Spaghetti Ice Cream—a quirky but delicious twist where vanilla ice cream is pressed into spaghetti-like strands, topped with chocolate sauce and crushed nuts. It’s light, not overly sweet, and has that fresh, homemade feel. Other standout flavors include Rum Raisin and Nougat, both rich in taste and texture.

Don’t expect modern café service, though. Everything here is old-school, from the service style to the fact that it’s cash only. But that’s part of the charm—this place is unapologetically itself.

Ragusa isn’t just about ice cream; it’s about the experience. Perfect for those wanting to slow down and savor a bit of the past, right in the middle of the city. Best enjoyed in the late afternoon when the heat isn’t...

Stepping into this place is like take a trip down memory lane. This shop is almost a century old known for selling their traditional ice cream. It's a short walk from Istiqlal Mosque and I visited on a weekend afternoon it was rather crowded. Didn't know what to order but the staff recommended me to try the ice cream which had all 4 flavours, the Cassata Siciliana. And I also ordered a lemon tea. After paying and collecting the receipt, you walk to the pick up counter and pass the receipt to the staff and they will process the order. Mine was pretty quick, they took the ice cream out from the freezer and and then went to get me a cup of lemon tea. The ice cream is really very old school, very nostalgic, reminds me of the times where some old man would sell them on a motorcycle. It has 4 flavours and one of them contains nuts, which I think is the nougat one. There is also something which tasted like bread and they called it chiffon cake. Out of the 4 flavours I loved the chocolate most and it might not be the kind of ice cream everyone likes as it is more of the "icy" kind. Worth visiting to try how the olden days ice cream tastes like. Nothing fanciful...