Rani Permata
May 12, 2026
STUDIO BILLY: A New Listening Bar & Modern Bistro Debuts in the Heart of Senopati
Amidst Jakarta’s ever-evolving lifestyle landscape, Billy’s Block introduces Studio Billy, a listening bar and modern bistro that seamlessly blends music, dining, and urban culture into an intimate, personal space.
Located on the second floor of Billy’s Block (which first opened its doors in 2023), Studio Billy is designed to evoke the warmth of a lived-in apartment belonging to an urban host—full of character and soul. It is a space where guests come to engage deeply with music, share curated food and drinks, and spend their evenings without the pressure of a rush.
Drawing inspiration from global listening bar culture, city bistros, and apartment-style hospitality, Studio Billy features a curated music program delivered through a high-fidelity sound system, complemented by crafted cocktails and a social, relaxed approach to dining.
According to Ghaniya Kartasasmita, Co-Founder of Billy’s Block, Studio Billy was born from the need for more personal social spaces in Jakarta.
"We wanted to create a place that feels like stepping into a friend’s apartment—the kind where the conversation never stops. Studio Billy isn't just about food and drinks; it’s about how people connect with the music, the space, and each other."
Meanwhile, Gupta Sitorus, Co-Founder of Billy’s Block, views Studio Billy as an evolution of the Billy’s Block brand, which has been rooted in community and cultural exchange since its inception.
"We have always believed that modern hospitality is no longer just about the dining experience, but about building spaces and energy that make people want to return. Studio Billy was built with an approach that resonates deeply with Jakarta’s contemporary urban culture."
On the culinary front, Studio Billy is led by Chef Bayu Mahajaya. Drawing from his previous career in Melbourne, Chef Bayu brings a modern city dining approach that is produce-driven and designed for sharing.
"The menu at Studio Billy is designed for communal enjoyment. We play with comfort food but in a more refined, ingredient-focused way. The Melbourne influence is quite evident in how we build flavors and the overall dining experience."
The beverage and bar program is helmed by Mo Akbar, who also brings extensive experience from the Melbourne bar scene. Studio Billy offers a thoughtful and relaxed approach to mixology, perfectly synchronized with the room's atmosphere and the music program that serves as the venue's core identity.
More than just a restaurant or bar, Studio Billy is positioned as a new gathering hub for the creative community, media, hospitality players, and musicians, as well as a venue for Jakarta’s tastemaker pop-ups.
To celebrate its launch, Studio Billy hosted “A Night at Studio,” an intimate evening in Senopati bringing together media representatives and key figures from Jakarta’s creative and lifestyle industries.
