Rich, cheesy melanzane parmigiana, thin, crispy pizzas and creamy gnocchi gorgonzola: Alida Ryder finds a little slice of Italian heaven at Capeesh? in Pretoria

Food

The food at this neighbourhood Italian joint is a wonderful mix of crowd-pleasers and old-school Italian favourites. For starters, the melanzane parmigiana is rich and cheesy with the tangy tomato sauce bringing the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness. The carpaccio, though fresh and flavourful, was overshadowed by the amount of fresh mushrooms it was topped with. Another favourite at our table was the calamari con paprika. While perhaps not authentic Italian, the calamari was tender as could be and well-seasoned.

When it comes to mains, you’ll be spoiled for choice with everything from thin, crisp pizzas topped with traditional toppings to pastas a-plenty and wonderful meat, chicken and fish dishes. The gnocchi gorgonzola is a must-have. Light and fluffy pillows of potato simply melt in your mouth while the gorgonzola sauce is fragrant and flavourful, without being pungent. The veal saltimbocca is delicious. Served with a brown butter sauce, sautéed potatoes and steamed vegetables, it makes for a substantial main meal.

For dessert, the Affogato with its bitter espresso and Amaretto sauce atop creamy vanilla ice cream is delightful and though you’d not expect it from an Italian restaurant, the crème brûlée is one of the best I’ve tasted.

Wine

Capeesh? has an award-winning wine list and I was very impressed with the wonderful South African wines they showcase.  I also liked that there was a Proprietor’s selection that lists a few unique wines for the true connoisseur’s enjoyment.

Service

Service was friendly and efficient. The restaurantwas relatively quiet when we were there, but nevertheless we didn’t have to wait long for our food and our glasses were kept topped up throughout our meal.

Ambience

The interior of the restaurant is warm and inviting with a decidedly old fashioned feel to it. The deck outside has a lovely view of Brooklyn circle and is perfect for dining Al fresco in summer. During the day, expect to find business men out for a quick lunch. At night, the candle light flickers in the breeze and the mood shifts to romantic and intimate.

And…

Good food, great wine and friendly service. Only a few reasons why Capeesh? has been on the Pretoria food scene for years and won’t be going anywhere soon.

By Alida Ryder

Photograph: Courtesy of the restaurant

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