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I have to start this review with a question that always pops into my head every time I see an ad for a new Italian spot on social media: Do we really need another one in town?
Maybe not. But why not?
As someone who’s about to work in SCBD (and is already a weekend regular), I’m always on the lookout for places in the area that are actually worth coming back to.
Privy Hospitality—the group behind Sola—opened Mozzeria Café in July in the city’s current favorite upscale playground, SCBD Park. Technically, it’s not a brand-new opening, since it’s a rebrand of Jon & Lou at the same location.
I’d only been to Jon & Lou once. The pasta was nice, but overall, the place didn’t leave a strong impression. So when I heard it had been rebranded, I was curious: was it just a name change, or something more?
“Jon & Lou was meant to be a younger, more casual extension of Mozzeria, with a more affordable price point. Over time, we saw that people really came back for the quality and consistency they knew from Mozzeria. So the rebrand to Mozzeria Café just made sense. It brings the menu and experience closer to what people love about our flagship, while still keeping it fresh and approachable,” explains Michelle Santoso, Privy Hospitality’s Marketing Manager.
Mozzeria now has three other outlets: Mozzeria Deli and Pizzeria in Dharmawangsa, Mozzeria Deli and Caffè in Sequis Tower and Mozzeria Café in Taman Anda. The delis are more grab-and-go, while the cafés lean into a proper sit-down experience.
First off, I appreciate that this branch is a no pork, no lard space, which makes it accessible to a wider crowd. Alcohol is still on the menu if you need a midweek boost or a weekend sip. But let’s get to the food. I came in with zero expectations and left with a full belly and a happy heart. Here’s what I tried:
Mandarin Salad
Yes, yes, who goes to an Italian place for the salad? Well, I do sometimes. Maybe you do too, especially on days when you're still full from breakfast or saving space for dinner.
This Mandarin Salad fits the bill: light, healthy and surprisingly filling. It's got crunchy almond slices, fusilli, mandarin, broccoli, paprika, carrot, lettuce—a festive ensemble. I expected vinaigrette but it came with sesame dressing instead. Unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Fresh Ricotta Bruschetta
This starter was a sourdough toast topped with whipped ricotta and honey. Simple, like most home-style Italian food, and comforting. It felt like a soft hello that gently told me, “You’re about to have a good meal.”
Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Mozzeria is known for their sandwiches, and it shows. This one layers chicken katsu, tomato paste, pesto, and rocket leaves on crisp focaccia. Yes, it sounds simple, but that simplicity requires real technique.
The focaccia was toasted just right, not too chewy. The pesto was clearly fresh, not bottled (because yes, we can taste when the “green” has died). The chicken was crispy and thick enough to feel satisfying. This was a well-balanced dish, and a standout.
Baked Rice Bolognese
Doria, or baked rice dishes, is a newer offering at Mozzeria. This one looked humble, but tasted like comfort. Bolognese and cheese, when done right, rarely fails.
Instead of sharp tomato and salty cheese, this felt mellow and warm. The word that came to mind was “polite,” in the best way. After a rough day at the office, this would be a perfect reset.
The Patrick Quattro Formaggi Pizza
A four-cheese pizza is the kind of thing you order when you just need cheese and a little gluttony.
Thankfully, they serve it with honey—which is a must.
I'm guessing it's acacia honey because of how soft and balanced it tastes. I tried adding local forest honey to the leftovers at home, and it just didn’t hit the same. Too intense. This kind of attention to detail is something I’ve come to appreciate from Privy Hospitality’s spots.
Striploin
I got mine medium rare, and it came with a mushroom sauce that I didn’t need. I’m firmly in the “good beef doesn’t need sauce” camp.
The steak was solid, though not what Mozzeria is known for. I’d try the ribeye next time, as recommended by the waiter who also convinced me to change my order from medium to medium rare. He was right.
Final Verdict
Mozzeria Café isn’t trying to be a feast.
It’s a café, one that’s light, fresh and comforting in all the right ways. It’s not about indulgence or oversized portions. It’s about good food, thoughtful service and a vibe that fits the fast-moving rhythm of SCBD.
If you're looking for a place to recharge without being weighed down, Mozzeria is a solid pick.
