Traditionally, a Japanese restaurant is not what you would think of when hearing about the three wise monkeys. You’d probably think of the classic proverbs “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”—or the WhatsApp emojis 🙊🙉🙈 . Now you’re going to have another thing to think about: a Japanese restaurant and bar at Senopati area, Jakarta.

3 Wise Monkeys boasts a cool, laid-back vibe that encourages people to sit down just a little longer. The huge windows let in plenty of light in the afternoon, perfect for photo enthusiasts. Expect open-ceiling design, gorgeous hanging lights, monkey decorations, and randomly placed blue chairs that pop out nicely against the white walls.

The decoration reminds us of those minimalistic-modern type restaurants that are spreading rampantly around Jakarta. Simple furniture, cement flooring, and wooden floor make us feel pleasant sitting for hours. Leaving out the toilet’s condition (yes, they seriously need to renovate the toilet soon), the restaurant is overall quite comfy. If you choose to sit on the second floor, you can see people’s activities on the first floor through the void—in our case, there is a loud birthday party!

Japanese food lovers would surely love coming to 3 Wise Monkeys! The restaurant serves a long list of classic sushi and innovative rolls options—and overall they’re quite yummy. One thing we’d like to note is 3 Wise Monkeys’ wasabi is not too strong, perhaps they are using wasabi powder?

Chawan Mushi (IDR 35k)

3 Wise Monkeys’ Chawan Mushi is definitely one of the best we’ve had in Jakarta. The steamed egg custard is seasoned perfectly, giving a smooth texture and savoury flavour that complements other ingredients—salmon roe, shrimp, mushrooms—beautifully. Two thumbs up!

Salmon Lava (IDR 58k)

Whoever loves salmon would surely love Salmon Lava! *raising our own hands enthusiastically*

Tuna Avocado Tartar (IDR 68k)

Tuna Avocado Tartar dishes up diced maguro slices mixed with tangy tartar sauce. We really like the freshness and slight acidity of this dish, although the pungent tartar sauce is admittedly not for everyone’s palate. 

Aburi Salmon Truffle (IDR 55k)

Oishii! Love this dish! The salmon is fresh and the creamy mayo on top gives a little heat.

3 Wise Monkeys Special Roll (IDR 72k)

True to its name, this roll is among 3 Wise Monkeys’ signature dishes. We really like how the salmon, kani stick, and mayo blends inside our mouth. Yum!

Salmon Skin Roll (IDR 40k)

Although we’re a bit unsure about this dish at first—the presentation is a bit messy, to be honest—it turns out okay! The salmon skin is fried nicely, giving a satisfying crunch that you can hear when you bite the sushi! 

Matcha Shiratama Parfait (IDR 45k)

While matcha and ogura (red beans) are quintessential Japanese dessert ingredients and should be a recipe for foolproof deliciousness, we have to say that this particular dish has a couple of shortcomings. The dish is as pretty as a picture—the green matcha ice cream contrasts beautifully with the red jellies, and the pocky sticks are so darn cute—but it’s kinda small for the price. And the red beans could be sweeter? Perhaps this is a bad batch of red beans. Oh well.

As it’s too early for sake, we decide to try a glass of iced latte and some of 3 Wise Monkeys’ mocktails: Kiwi Mocktail, Ganbatee, and Lychee Mocktail. The mocktails taste general, but quite refreshing indeed. Iced Latte is what you would expect of coffees in a Japanese restaurant, not too strong.

Latte (IDR 35k)

Kiwi Mocktail (IDR 40k)

Fresh kiwi, lemon juice, kiwi syrup, sprite

Ganbatee (IDR 40k)

Banana, orange juice, fresh lime juice, vanilla syrup

Ganbatee in Japanese means semangat, so we believe this drink should give you that extra oomph to get through the day. It doesn’t. The sliced banana is too ripe and thus has gone too soft, which is a shame because the combination with other ingredients is actually pretty nice.

Lychee Mocktail (IDR 40k)

3 Wise Monkeys has become one of our favourite sushi places in town! Although the service could have been better (the staffs are quite slow and can’t remember our order right; but then again perhaps they’re understaffed because of the huge birthday party on the first floor), we have hopes that it’s going to improve. We’ll be back!

Dearest Pizzeria Mozza Singapore’s Lime Pie,

A wise man once said, “To be someone’s first love may be great, but to be their last is beyond perfect”. But what if you found your first and last love with the same person? Wouldn’t it be absolutely beautiful? As a matter of fact, I’m not actually talking about a person. I’m talking about my love for lime pie. The lime pie. Pizzeria Mozza’s Lime Pie. You.

I vividly remember the day I had a first bite of you. The sun was shining brightly; it was my last day of travelling around Singapore in May 2014 with my friend Monica. We went to see the Dinosaurs Expo at the ArtScience Museum, got completely famished, and decided to dine at Pizzeria Mozza at Marina Bay Sands Singapore simply because we were huge fans of Joe Bastianich. Total fangirls, I know. 

While the home-made Grapefruit Soda was an utterly refreshing beverage and the Margherita Pizza was heads and shoulders yummier than any other Margherita Pizzas I had tasted in my life, it wasn’t until you came out that we had a total eye-rolling, ooh-aah-ing, out-of-this-world-so-good moment. You were, pure and simple, delicious.

Ever since then, I fell in love—hard—to all sorts of citrusy pie.

The fact remains that none of my citrusy pie conquest tastes as wonderful as you. This is why I jump at the opportunity to revisit Pizzeria Mozza. This time with my mom, my fellow citrusy pie enthusiast.

I must admit that I pay little attention to the pizza—Prosciutto di Parma, Rucola, Tomato, and Mozzarella—or the pasta—Fazzoletti with Beet Greens, Ricotta, and Mushroom Besciamella. My heart is pounding so fast, waiting for you to finally present yourself to me once again. When you do, oh boy, what a treat.

You, my dearest lime pie, are as gorgeous as how I last saw you; the bright yellow colour of your fillings contrast beautifully with the almost-black blueberries, complemented with the vine-like placement of candied lemon zest. The dollop of cream on the side simply begs me to dip my spoon into it and have a feast. I take a little bit of everything and slowly savour the burst of flavours and sensation assaulting my palate: the wonderful acidity from the lime, the crunchy pie crust, the watery sweetness of blueberries, and the creaminess of cream that ties everything together. I feel like shedding a tear from your perfection. My mom loves you too, by the way.

When will I get to see you again?

My lime pie, you will remain my one true love. Although I can’t promise that I would not try for relationships with other citrusy pies, I promise you that I would always love you. That, and I will be back someday. Wait for me. 

With love,

Sandra

P.S. My dearest lime pie, why do you have so many yummy dessert friends? I must admit that your friend, Caramel Copetta, is kinda cute too. Her combination of marshmallow sauce and salted peanuts are deadly delicious. Please send my love to her.

Pizzeria Mozza Singapore
Official Web / Facebook / Instagram / Google Maps
Address: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Phone: +65 66888522
Opening Hours: Daily Noon - 11:00 PM