If you’re craving the authentic taste of Italian pastries in Cape Town, you’ll find it at Trecastelli in the unlikely location of Bloubergstrand, just across the road from the beach. Eat Out critic Lynda Ingham Brown goes for pastries and pizza with a view of Table Mountain.

A post shared by Trecca Riccardo (@trecastelli_bakery_capetown) on Mar 31, 2017 at 11:13am PDT

Fast facts

Cost: Average price main course is R75
Best for: A relaxed sweet treat while you soak up the view
Serves: Italian baked goods
Star ratings: Food 4, service 3, ambience3

Food

The focus here is definitely the pastries, which are displayed in a glass-fronted case so you can make an informed selection. You’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. There are so many on offer that they’re divided into categories – soft, crunchy, shortbread and fresh confectionery. The soft selection includes croissants served with Nutella or jam; bomba, round doughnuts filed with vanilla cream, Nutella or jam; and ciambella, which are similar to ring doughnuts.

The crunchy category includes parigina, which are similar to mille feuille, filled with apple or jam, ventaglio (pig’s ears) and strudel. The highlights for me were the cannoli. The traditional Sicilian variety, lined with chocolate and filled with sweet ricotta was a favourite: crisp, crunchy pastry encasing a smooth, creamy filling. There are also others filled with vanilla cream or Nutella.

A post shared by Eileen (@ms_marmite) on Jun 24, 2017 at 2:58am PDT

The shortbread are self-explanatory and come in numerous varieties: chocolate, Nutella, berry or jam.

If you’re after something a little more substantial, there are tasty Italian pizzas, both rossa (with a tomato base) and bianca (no tomato base), with good classic toppings. Think Napoletana, amatriciana, Roma (Parma ham and smoked provolone), a vegetarian option of Genovese (cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, artichokes and pesto), among others. They’re oblong in shape, served on boards, and bases are at a good, in-between thickness: not super thin, but not deep or cakey either.

There are also two antipasti platters, one with meat only, and one also including cheese and pickles. Both are served with foccacia.

Drinks

Good Italian coffee (no flat whites here; cappuccino only), soft drinks and milkshakes. Try the Black Banana – a banana and chocolate milkshake – or the one made with strawberries and fresh cream.

Service

Friendly and warm.

A post shared by Trecca Riccardo (@trecastelli_bakery_capetown) on Jun 18, 2017 at 7:24am PDT

Ambience

Rustic and homely, with some tables outside with a great view of Table Mountain.

And…

Also visit the Trecastelli kiosk at the food market at the V&A Waterfront.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

Have you visited Trecastelli in Blouberg? Give them a star rating and write a quick review to put them in the running for the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries. Get writing now.