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