Meloncino - Going Italian style

It is so refreshing to find yourself in an authentic trendy Italian Restaurant in Cape Town.  All too often locals try replicate Italian cuisine and style and never quite succeed, not even close. There are many authentic pizzarias run by Italians who make fabulous Italian food, but I am talking about a trendy and contemporary restaurant - somewhere you would want to be taken out on a date.

Meloncino is in an ideal location and has one of the best views the V&A Waterfront has to offer. Set apart from the commercial tourist restaurants on the plaza, this Italian hot spot is ideally situated upstairs on the deck with gorgeous views across the harbour and of Table Mountain. Night time is particularly special with the glittering lights across the water, especially if you have someone special to share it with.

We had actually planned on going for Mexican but decided to talk a walk across the plaza and see what fabulous winter specials I could suss out for you. I had often been to Meloncino after work for their half price cocktail special  (4 - 6pm) and their comfy white couches but never for dinner as yet. We met one of the owners, Paolo, who was so welcoming and friendly that we decided chilli poppers could wait. They have the most fabulous VIP card system for their Local is Lekker campaign which really is worth it. Most locals, including ourselves, avoid the V&A Waterfront restaurants as the prices are generally targeted at the tourist market and the quality doesn't always match up. This card gives you local VIP treatment including a free meal with each main meal ordered. They also have a points system where a percentage of your total bill gets put on your card in the form of benefit points. This sounds like an excellent deal and we intend on making the most of it while it lasts!

Along with our VIP treatment we were offered a delicious welcome drink, home made by our hosts. You've obviously realised by now that I am a total pizza fan and as expected we both ordered pizza. This is one of the first restaurants I have been to in a while that gives the option of thick or thin base. Their pizzas are delicious and there is a great range of toppings and combinations to choose from. Their meat and fish dishes also looked amazing - we eyed the plates as waiters passed our table... They have a great wine list as well as offering suggestions for food and wine pairing for the true connoisseur. The decor is very trendy and fresh with their comfy white couches that just invite you to relax after a long week at work. For a refreshing after work cocktail try their signature - Meloncino - fresh and fruity, it can almost convince you any day is Friday.

Meloncino is one of those restaurants you will keep coming back to. The service is great, although cocktails can take a while, and the owners really make an effort to make you feel welcome.

SPECIALS:

·         50% off all cocktail everyday between 4-6pm.

·         10% discount for senior citizens.

·         VIP card - 15% gets accumulated onto the card and can be redeemed (discounted) on your next visit

·         Local is Lekker campaign (VIP card holders only): For every 2 main courses the cheapest one will be complimentary

·         Look out for their Groupon specail in September: R99 for any two pizzas/pastas

Tel: +27 (0)21 419 5558

http://www.meloncino.co.za

Italian Restaurants Cape Town - Il Leone... A true taste of Italy

Il Leone must be one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants. Hidden away in Green Point and within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront, this quaint Italian Restaurant is a must if you are passionate about real pasta.

When it comes to Cape Town Italian restaurants, specifically pizzas and pastas I'm a snob. Yes I admit it, I'm a total pasta snob. Pasta needs to be cooked to perfection... al dente. Si! Not soft not raw but al dente... Throw it on the ceiling if you need to but make sure its right.

 

Il Leone must be one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town and one its best kept secrets. I first discovered this delightful little place on a business lunch – I.e. an excuse to escape the office, pretend to talk about important things and drink real Italian wine. Our waiter had an authentic Italian accent, a good sign until I spoke Italian with him and he stared blankly back at me - born and bred South African – our falso-italiano. He did however have an amazing talent at choosing our dishes for us; and choosing exactly what we wanted to order. For me he selected the Tagliatelle ai Porcini (yes- fresh porcini mushrooms in Africa!) in an olive oil and garlic sauce. The world around me ceased to exist - wow. All I can say is that it was perfetto. The perfect combination of flavour and texture and I even had some takeaways! He also chose the Penne Gamberetti and Scallopine di Vitello con Porcini (veal escalopes) for the others. Being the addict that I am I obviously sampled these too and have to admit that they also were fabulous. Il Leone definitely falls under my top restaurants in Cape Town for atmosphere and great food, and the Tagliatelle ai Porcini as one of my favourite dishes.

 

This quaint Italian restaurant is located in Green Point, not far from the V&A Waterfront and Beluga. The ambience is lovely - It’s cosy and quite smart, and always seems to be busy. They could also add a few cheaper wine options to the menu but otherwise its fabulous! Service is also great. I recently took my ladies there for our monthly girls night and by the end of the evening they all walked out converts. Our tradition is to explore a new restaurant or bar once a month and they’ve been begging to go back for seconds. Two dishes that also took my breath away in pure deliciousness were the butternut ravioli in a 4 cheese sauce and the giant artichoke and ricotta panzotti in a butter and sage sauce. Wine: we recommend the Italian Frascati. Absolute perfection and you don’t even need to go to Italy. This is definitely one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants!