Kate Liquorish

The Café Del Sol brand is renowned for its eclectic Italian cuisine that’s bold on flavour and generous on portions, and Café Del Sol Classico is where it all started 11 years ago.

Food
Expect comfort food with panache – a taste of Italy with an eclectic twist, taking classics and reimagining them with flair.

For starters you can’t go wrong with any one of the three carpaccios: smoked salmon, springbok or beetroot, although if you’re not a fan of reductions (balsamic and the like), ask for them without. Notable too are the creamy sage and mustard chicken livers and the crumbed squid heads served with a roasted garlic mayonnaise – delicious.

For mains the stuffed calamari, balsamico fillet and lamb rack are favourites, as are any of the freshly made pastas and decadent risottos – always perfectly al dente and dripping in luxurious sauces. Another standout is the porcini mushroom chicken with porcini and pea risotto; it’s a dish that tastes of home (anything made with this much butter is guaranteed to please), the chicken breasts are served on the bone, cooked to perfection and paired with a creamy and sultry risotto. And, if you’re looking for a value-for-money option, the simple pasta napoletana is an absolute treat.

For dessert, look no further than the central counter bourgeoning in freshly made, dense and voluptuous cakes – the cheesecake and chocolate cake are musts. The salted caramel crème brûlée, served with popcorn ice cream, or any one of the homemade gelatos are certain to hit the spot.

Drinks
An ample list of varietals, both local and international. There’s something for every palate as well as every wallet, and a comprehensive list by the glass means perfect pairings with a quick lunch or supper. There’s also the added touch of Veuve Cliquot and Nicolas Feuillatte champagnes by the glass, for those in the mood for a mini celebration.

Service
Service is on point: hands-on management and knowledgeable waiters work the floor as a team. If you visit them more than once, they’ll be sure to remember your name and favourite fancy.

Ambience
It’s fresh and inviting, with quirky quotes and a host of awards decorating the walls. The open-plan kitchen takes centre stage, energising the space with the buzz of pots and pans and the smell of melting butter. During the day it’s frequented by ladies that lunch and business folk alike, whilst dinner sees mostly couples and families enjoying an evening out.

Best for…
Business lunches and romantic dinners.

(2018)

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