Whats hot and Whats not

La Masseria invites patrons to experience true Italian hospitality in the 100-seater restaurant with open hearth (and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time) and separate bar area, enjoy long lazy lunches in the al fresco area with breathtaking views over the Helderberg, or make that special party or function unforgettable with the help of daughters, Paola and Kiki and the extended famiglia.

We have gone to this restaurant for romantic dinners and lively birthday celebrations and believe me there is absolutely no way you can ever be disappointed with anythings there. The service is extraordinary and the vibe and ambiance is truly captivating.  The food is phenomenal and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time makes you really feel you have been captured in Italy with a true warmhearted boisterous Italian family. The food is well priced the drinks are the same and for a great experience this choice of restaurant will never fail you.

About them from their website : La Masseria is the culmination of the Ciman family’s passion for good, wholesome food. The fare is genuine, unpretentious Italian country cuisine prepared and nurtured, as recipes and traditions are passed down from one generation to another.

The charm of this family-run concern is the promise of an agri-tourist experience. Following on from the original venue in the Stellenbosch mountains, La Masseria Evertsdal is located within an old wine cellar on the original Evertsdal Estate established in 1680. The historical and agricultural heritage of the cellar suits the rustic appeal of the restaurant perfectly, making it a favourite for weddings and private functions. The agro-tourist elements are ingrained in the name “La Masseria”, southern Italian for “the farmhouse”. Almost everything served here is homemade - the fruits of the earth are gathered by the massaro, who ritualizes the process of growing, reaping and preserving. This is where seasons create the menu, simplicity is chef, and slow food is a way of life.

The pride of La Masseria is Nonna (granny) who still bakes her biscotti, bread and the like and has become a firm favourite to patrons. Everyday la famiglia comes together to produce fresh homemade pasta, bread, preserves, Italian meats (made by the inimitable singing host, Lorenzo Ciman), marinated goodies and, of course, the delectable Italian cheeses (handcrafted by Miki) from which the La Masseria legacy sprung 4 years ago. From time Miki runs cheese-making courses and cooking classes from an outbuilding next to the restaurant. This has proven very popular, because it’s hands-on and a great way of meeting people and having fun and the classes are a good corporate team-building experience!

La Masseria invites patrons to experience true Italian hospitality in the 100-seater restaurant with open hearth (and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time) and separate bar area, enjoy long lazy lunches in the al fresco area with breathtaking views over the Helderberg, or make that special party or function unforgettable with the help of daughters, Paola and Kiki and the extended famiglia.

La Masseria - where, “La vita è bella!”

Popularity: 23% [?]

ShareThis

The ambiance on the second floor is totally dull and not enjoyable at all, we were seated right at the stairs and the seats were super uncomfortable. Their food is fine but not worth the bill we ended up paying and the waitress not super excited to be there. We could have the same amount of food and drinks for the same price at La Masseria and believe me for the food and the service, entertainment and ambiance it is worth the trip to Durbanville. So I would never go back !

I am not entirely impressed with this Canal Walk franchise of Col’Cacchio so instead of totally slandering them herewith a little something about them :

“All our dishes are lovingly made to order.  Relax and enjoy your time with us while we prepare the perfect meal for you.  Arrive hungry and dress comfortably - lunches have a habit of turning into dinners here. For the health conscious and vegetarians, the salad selection offers 20 enticing, colorful combination’s, and Pasta lovers will enjoy the more unusual Fresca dish or Lamb Tortellini. We offer 50 outstanding combination of pizza on our menu (each with its unique Italian name). The more exotic combination’s include the Tre Colori with smoked salmon, sour cream and caviar, and the Fantasia with caramelized onion, Brie, and sesame seeds.”

Popularity: 23% [?]

ShareThis

The Polana: The cocktail section at the Polana restaurant in Kalk Bay is literally built on the rocks. Sit on the cushioned window-sill and watch the waves lapping at the rocks while sipping on a ‘Jam Jar’. Where? Polana Kalk Bay, Cape Peninsula. We went there for a friends birthday and the setting is absolutely beautiful. There was a live band and although the quitarist was really rude to my request of a birthday wish to a very good friend it was great to have them play while we partied the night away. Just dont order snacks there, they werent worth the R 115 and not really that great. Otherwise the menu is quite expensive but the drinks are pretty reasonable. The fire place makes it worth it and of course like I have mentioned the waves lapping at the rocks right in front of you. Apparently at full tide the waves crash against the window-sill. If you are in the area and you have been to the AMAZING CAPE TO CUBA before this is something to try out.

From their website : http://www.harbourhouse.co.za/mainp.html .The Polana Restaurant is situated in Kalk Bay Harbour, and is owned by the same team who operate the successful Harbour House Restaurant.The Polana is on the ground level of the harbor house complex, and features a beautifully appointed cocktail lounge built on the rocks, only meters away from the crashing waves. Relax on luxurious leather sofas and sip a cocktail while soaking up a view of unsurpassed beauty. In winter a log fire roars in the lounge, as huge flocks of cormorants trek across the bay. From September, whales are often seen from distances of as little as fifty meters, while playful seals frolic in the kelp beds all year round.The interior of the restaurant is decorated in an elegant colonial style with African, Indonesian and Portuguese elements. This is reflected in the cuisine, which features dishes from Africa, and especially Angola and Mozambique. Angolan chef Claude Alfonso makes every dish a culinary coup de tat. Savour delicious Cabrita No Forno, Morroccan Lamb stew, Espetada de Marisco or Espetada de Carne.

Situated as we are in a working fishing harbor, the Polana has daily access to a wealth of the freshest possible line fish.The restaurant is served by our own fishing boat, which sells its catch exclusively to our restaurants. Other menu highlights include. Mabanga (mussels in chilli and garlic with chorizo sausage), grilled goat’s cheese salad,tiger prawns and crayfish. After dinner, the lounge remains open for drinks until late, and every Friday night, the venue is geared up for a party that lasts until dawn.

Popularity: 24% [?]

ShareThis

Bloemendal has a Restaurant with a buffet menu right on top of the hill of the Winefarm with beautiful panoramic views of table mountain. Breathtaking views, sunsets and venues for weddings. I have not been to this restaurant but one or two reviews I have read was that the service was very terrible.

There is however another venue with an Ala Cart menu right at the entrance of the farm. Wonderful for kids as they can run around entertaining themselves in the open air on the play gym and a fountain to keep them interested. There is always live entertainment and a sushi chef too. Winetasting can also be enjoyed here and although the food is truly amazing the service was not great when we were there. I would go again because of the great setting and wonderful food but I will be weary to go there with friends that I want to impress. For a lazy sunday afternoon lunch its perfect but you have to book in advance! Also if you are a dry champagne lover, their Brut is really great!

Directions

Traveling on the N1: Take the turn-off for Route R302 (Willie van Schoor Avenue/Durban Road). If you are traveling north towards Paarl, turn left from the off-ramp onto the R302. If you traveling south towards Cape Town, turn right from the off-ramp onto the R302. Travel up Durban Road (R302) until you reach the intersection. Immediately before the Tygervalley Centre (ie. Tygervalley Centre is in front of you, on the left-hand side of Durban Road). At this intersection, turn left into Bill Bezuidenhot Avenue and travel down to the T-junction/traffic lights. Turn right into Carl Cronje Drive (T/V Centre on your right-hand side). Travel for approximately 3.5km’s until you reach a second T-junction/traffic lights. Turn left onto the M13 - Racecourse Road.

Popularity: 13% [?]

ShareThis

So you are driving around in the Vaal looking for a night club, a restaurant to eat at. And you are despondent as you get lost in a little suburb called Risiville. You think oh my gosh where have i ended up and where am i going to eat. You stumble upon a little cafe/restaurant and you think, mmmm…. doesnt look like much. You walk in and the people look different to what you are use too. This is a small town and everyone knows everyone and everything. The locals look at you like you are from somewhere else but they make you feel welcome.

You look at the menu with a sour face and you want to walk out when you get your bill and your beer cost you R 7. You think no way am i eating here if things are so cheap imagine what the food must be like. And you have another beer and another and the bill is really cheap. You have settled in nicely now and the atmosphere is so relaxing, so no nonsense. You decide to give the menu a shot and you cannot believe that things are so damn cheap. Something has got to be wrong with the food. You see prawns on the menu and decide not to take the chance. You order the R 65 special. The quarter chicken, two rib racks and sirloin steak will be way to much to eat but you want to see the portions to prove to yourself that something is wrong. The couple next to you order the prawns and your eyes are wide open as you see the delicious steamy prawns pass you. Your order comes and you are amazed that your plate is overflowing, the portions are enormous and the quality fabulous. These people should have a prime spot in every town in South Africa. Their food is absolutely phenomenal and not only does it taste ridiculously good their prices are ridiculously low as well.

So whenever you are in town and you are looking for great food, cheap drinks and great company. Go to Roy’s Pub in Risiville Vereening. If you cant get it on the map, comment on this blog and i will find it for you.

Popularity: 26% [?]

ShareThis

Fabulous venue, perfect setting and wonderful service. What more would you like ? Maybe a blanket carried out to you on the terrace while you have dinner ? Well you can get all of this and more at the Kitchen Bar in Fourways.

The menu is expensive but there are affordable meals on it and its all worth it. You will go back for more. This is a great restaurant in a great area with a wonderful buzz.

From Dining Out : Trendy, chic, sophisticated, dynamic are all adjectives which spring to mind when describing the Kitchen Bar. It’s not just the location which is impressive, but the restaurant itself has much to offer whether you are looking for a casual breakfast, business lunch or elegant dinner venue. With a private dining area for 30, a function bar, separate smoking bar, lounge area with feature fireplace, and ample seating both indoors and out, the Kitchen Bar is indeed a supremely versatile in its dining appeal. There are 14 plasma screens strategically located throughout so business presentations and product launches can be handled with ease.

Popularity: 20% [?]

ShareThis

Excellent ambiance, wonderful lighting, specials that are truly satisfying, service really great and layout of entire restaurant truly magnificent. With the wonderful view and lights inside it truly set the backdrop for a romantic evening or just a wonderful atmosphere to dine out with your mates. I definitely want to go  back.

I was truly captivated by the entire experience.

Popularity: 32% [?]

ShareThis

Durbanville Hills

The @ the Hills restaurant situated on the first floor of the cellar offers spectacular views of Table Mountain and Table Bay coupled with exquisite cuisine. The restaurant is known for providing bountiful feasts with colour and flair and the fresh and inspiring menu is designed to compliment each meal. Your wedding will receive the cellar’s personal attention and with the experienced team at your service, you are guaranteed a magical time.Absolutely phenomenal venue, food, service and wine. The menu is fabulous and the food tastes even better. Famous for its award-winning wines and spectacular views, Durbanville Hills Winery stands proud in the Durbanville wine area a mere 20 minutes from Cape Town. Located on the slopes of the Tygerberg from where it overlooks Table Bay and Robben Island with Table Mountain providing a majestic backdrop, Durbanville Hills offers one of the most romantic settings in which to celebrate your wedding.

I would absolutely refer this venue for a wedding. It is romantic and can only be successful.

Popularity: 27% [?]

ShareThis

Canal Walk Restaurant, Western Cape | Cape Town

Located in the large and diverse shopping mall Canal Walk, Century City, Primi Piatti welcomes the centre?s shopper, guest, business person or nearby resident to savour the passionate service and tradition of serving good food in generous portions for which Primi Piatti is renowned. Set alongside the canal itself, Primi Piatti promises to provide an experience that one will never forget as the restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, delicious Italian recipes, electrifying energy and overwhelming vibe.

The staff have set themselves very high standards to provide you with efficient service and quality robust authentic meals from traditional Italian recipes. The espresso style cooking method creates food of distinction from scratch on order. Specialising in pasta, pizza, focaccia, anti-pasta and a variety of meat, fish and chicken specialty dishes, Primi Piatti use strong taste combinations and the freshest and best quality ingredients. Primi Piatti strives to create a consistent x-factor through the quick delivery of service and food that is unparalleled.

Primi Piatti Canal Walk features a Primi Studio ideal for private functions or relaxing on the couches before or after your meal.

View the Primi Piatti Menu here

I join a friend here often for Mojito’s after work and the Manager Andra and her team are phenomenal. Outside on the terrace, a perfect spot to see the sun go down after a hard days work. We enjoyed it so much here after hours that we have booked a farewell function for one of our employees at our company.

The manageress Andra is accomadating making you feel anything is possible, for you the client. And she is full of smiles and super effecient.

I would recommend this to any tired shopper , worker or even a director looking for a meeting spot.

I also enjoy the one in Blaauwberg, definitely has the best view of the ocean and table mountain. Always a happy customer there.

Popularity: 17% [?]

ShareThis

 Ferryman’s Tavern - Waterfront

Argus afterparty hotspot - we had an amazing time here last night with the live band and the friendly service and happening vibe. Tired bodies strewn across and bicycles everywhere. This is always a cosy hangout in the Waterfront. Go check it out.

Popularity: 11% [?]

ShareThis