Trying to find a place which has a relaxed and modern Italian atmosphere, a delicious food list, decadent cocktails and 1 of the finest Atlantic viewpoints within the town. The contemporary new Cape Town cafe Pepenero is the brain child of restaurateur Paul Kovensky and his style and design associate Christian Barnard – the particular pair behind distinguished Cape Town eating establishment; Paranga bistro operating in Camps Bay.
The companies hottest improvement to this clan, Pepenero, located at Mouille Point’s sea front – the restaurant’s wraparound window shop-front presenting unobstructed floor-to-roof seashore views. Italian meaning “black pepper’, Pepenero is known as a excellent, décor-driven restaurant with a kitchen that is as au fait with the help of home-style Italian dishes as it is with local (&imported) sea food delicacies.
Confidently lazing upon the banks of Africa, Pepénero is amongst the most notable bistro locations throughout the city. At the core of Cape Town, however upon the Atlantic beachfront, Pepénero is suburban style along with an oceanic twist presenting class Italian dining,. But first and foremost, Pepénero is appealing, it’s sultry, it’s classy, it’s relaxed – and it’s entertaining. Regarded as an remarkable eating venue just for hosting a party, mainly because the seating can easily be set up to create varied dinner table set ups. Next to the primary cafe is a second dining area that could accommodate about ninety clients, ideal for a proper sit down celebration with fixed menus or an informal “tea party” together with canapés.
Access a world which is lush, tempting and totally chilled. Whether or not you are taking an individual booth or an exposed meal table, enjoy a cosmopolitan dishes that includes an Italian influence and its focused on sea food which has a twist. Listen to the jazz, roam over to the bartender, take advantage of the total sensation… day or night. Pepénero is definitely distinguished not merely by the ambiance, as well as by the small details of subtle manner and service excellence. Inside the restaurant, the main bar’s impressive counter top provides a design center point: A colossal tree trunk (weighing 1 / 2-a-ton), makes up the bottom of the counter and supports the bar’s hard organic marble counter top. In the main eating area, textured, oblong fabric chandeliers heap together culminating down in a dazzling organic and natural art work item – and in addition soft back ground lounge songs establishes the mood.
Love the stunning suede button-cubicles in the rear of this diner – the press release jokily depicts these as distinctive seats “for the Mafia Don’s” .Every single cubicle will come full of its very own plush chandelier, scatter pillows and sweets-colored wall- to-ceiling cushioning.
Heading up Pepenero’s kitchen are internationally renowned culinary chefs, Carl Penn and Lana Doyle. Carl Penn came into Pepenero straight from London’s West End, at which this guy worked as Sous Chef at the internationally renowned diner, Ivy. South African conceived chef Lana Doyle possesses half a dozen yrs’ practical experience as private chef to Lady Margaret Thatcher, Mark Thatcher and Sir Dennis Thatcher. This woman also possesses a special mention from motion picture celebrity Leonardo Di Caprio.
Paul Kovensky (owner) has said: “Pepénero, that means “black pepper”, refers back to the spice we add to both the social and culinary scene. Our food is based on variety and simplicity.” Whether it’s the sexy sundowner-set fresh oysters, sushi, champagne and cocktails on the terrace, or treating lunch and dinner guests to seafood platters, aged rump, pasta’s and sumptuous salads – rounded off with a range of decadent desserts. All Pepénero meals can be complimented with wines and champagnes selected from an award winning list – served only in Riedel glassware and served only to perfection.”
Checking out the food list there isn’t any doubt that seafood showcases prominently plus the meal presentation is great. Pepenero’s massive leather-bound menus provide diners a contrasting choice of food flavours – that has an emphasis on traditional Italian and seafood meals which has a contemporary twist. To start try out a Alaskan snow crab along with rocket greens, or even a sizzling dish of mussels with white wine, garlic an onion. Main meal recommendations would be the Sole Pepenero (sautéed in honey, lemon and onion) and also the Tagliata – sliced up fillet topped with rocket, grated parmesan, olive oil, balsamic and avocado. Be prepared for taste fusions such as Crayfish Tagliatelle and White Cheese Pizza with Caesar Salad, alongside more common Italian favourites like spaghetti bolognaise plus macaroni and cheese. Vegetarians are adequately catered for with starters which include the parmesan crusted aubergine and the phyllo package of goats cheese and sundried cranberries, as the main course option, try the spaghetti with a delectable mix of asparagus, spring onion, pea and mint. Beef addicts will be able to tuck in the restaurant’s signature Fillet Pepenero with crushed black pepper together with mustard seeds. Between pizza, pasta, seafood and steak, there is actually a choice for anyone. Best choices lie in the sea food aspect of your menu. Sushi is good, the same as the prawns, yet the winner is the crab and crayfish ravioli – pockets full of flaked crab meat and poached crayfish tail, drenched in a tomato and parmesan bisque. There are several magnificently creative seafood options available and also a few meaty Italian food staples to accommodate folks who would prefer something a little different.
It’s seriously not easy to think of a better spot for hosting a special occasion – in which a host of different likes and financial circumstances has to be accommodated. From top notch sushi and yummy seafoods to simple but delicious) pasta’s or simply a burger, Pepenero is definitely a hit in anyone’s ‘language’.
With regards to the dessert selection the emphasis is certainly upon delicious chocolate, along with numerous wickedly rich selections such as the white Lindt chocolate cheesecake and Lindt chocolate & banana beignets. Along with the majority of the usual suspects showcase: crème brûlée, tiramisu, chocolate parfait, chocolate brownie and a few extras.
Their wine list is nicely picked out with a good batch of localized wines together with quite a few Italian classic wines and a bit sparkling alternatives. The substantial wine and drinks selection fulfills all budgets and preferences – featuring an impressive variety of vintage champagnes and foreign spirits in the higher end on the range. An even more than good choice of high street wines throughout a range of variety, and in addition some bubblies, cognacs and grappa. By using Pepenero’s boastful Italian heritage, it’s hardly a big surprise to come across chilled Peroni on tap, together with a large host of fine Italian wines, aperitifs and liqueurs. Whisky is an additional specialty on the town – which has a comprehensive single malt choice taking care of every age, styles and districts. Cocktails are an evident option within a environment along these lines, and at only R21 for a Martini, Daiquiri or Cosmopolitan etc, you probably can be very crazy. There’s also a assortment of cigars within the food list.
Flawless customer service increases the experience, so does the stunning scenery the Atlantic from cozy cubicles decorated with luxurious supple suede. Jolts of incompetence plus slowness are often the exception to this rule as opposed to the rule. Generally things are very pleasant.
Fabulous views and comfy chairs make for an upmarket yet relaxed vibe. The Cape Town restaurant has excellent sea views and a lavish sundowner terrace. When making a dinner reservation at Pepenero restaurant, you ought to make the most of the restaurant’s expansive sea views and arrive early – to linger outdoors on a cozy cushioned bench and watch the sun sink into the ocean, cocktail in hand? Pepenero’s sumptuous bar area really raises the bar in terms of decor, ambience and service levels. Lavish leather couches, marshmallow-soft armchairs and rich, dark woods call to mind the posh and ageless grace of the exclusive VIP lounge, or bush lodge.
The only thing that really stands between you and the finest liquors in Africa is the deeply, cigar-coloured slab of exquisite italian granite propped upward utilizing a massive, gnarled chunk of aged driftwood. The patio is evenly well-equiped and airy – offering a variety of cozy seats and reclining options. While Pepenero’s opening working hours and versatile food selection leads to every day, whenever eating, the spectacular seashore location and ambience contain the word “sundowner” penned throughout it. Additionally, the suggestive cocktail collection will make a timely disengagement hugely unlikely.
Pepenero offers all of this plus more. It’s the ideal spot to visit for picture perfect views together with a dish in the excellent menu. Pepenero is an upmarket eating place so expect superior assistance, excellent meals and pretty high rates.
Several restaurants have that amazing ability to haul anyone to another place, another time frame, another level of being altogether. Pepenero. achieves all that… plus more! A self-indulgent taste of Italy awaits you at Pepenero. Cape Town’s latest up-market dining location – Pepenero’s in Mouille Point – is really worth a trip. Capiche?
Tags: cape town, italian, seafood, vintage
South African Restaurants 