South African restaurants tend to fall into two broad categories – the self-consciously “special” place (even if the food is plain, it believes it’s special) and the franchise for dining at moderate prices. There are very few true neighbourhood restaurants where eating goes hand in hand with some conversation or a glass of wine; and the meal could be long or short, casual or more formal. Less structured, in other words, where the waiters don’t push you along the drinks-starters-mains-etc track with a relentless eye on the bill. The popularity of SA Italian and Portuguese restaurants is, I think, a function of the fact that people like the less mannered places.
This preamble introduces L’Aperitivo, a new place that certainly falls into the elegant-casual, come-anytime style of European eateries. It’s set on a city corner with lots of passing parade, alongside an art gallery and below a nightclub. Not a big place: bold block colours on the walls, screeded floors, dark brown bistro tables, a prominent bar counter. Streetside tables certainly add to the European feel, and as it happens the owners are Swiss and Italian with clear experience in operating a restaurant, plus they’re on hand and running the show.
The wines are listed on a blackboard, a good selection and most by the glass, good beers too. Similarly, the blackboard menu offers the choices – notable for having no pastas on the day I was there. Instead you can make up a sandwich, or have a caprese (good); seared tuna with roast veg (ok, though the cut of tuna too thin to make seared sing); veal saltimbocca (robust flavours, veal touch dry); or chicken parmigiana; fritatta; etc. Fresh pastries daily, and the almond tart we tried was very good, as were the coffees.
Other notable features are their good cocktails and the cocktail hour from 5-7pm when snacks are served. Prices range from R55 for a salad or snack to R85-95 for a main, so mid-range, but with hearty flavours and very good service this spot is a great addition to the inner city. (Wi-fi also available).
70 Loop Str. Mon to Sat 9 to late. 021 426 1001
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3 Comments
I can only agree, with the addition that the steak (w roast veg and a salad) was medium rare, just like I ordered, and delicious. Plus, we got to taste three other white wines “just for fun”, even though we ‘d just ordered a bottle of wine. Plus 2, we got a complimentary dessert wine with our coffees. A fantastic place, with fantastic service.
just returned from a great lunch at L’Aperitivo, one of the best we’ve had recently. Tasty kudo carpaccio with good olive oil, followed by saltimbocca of veal & the duck main course. My duck breast was perfectly tender (I could have had it pink but this was not an issue as it was SO tender) We concur withn JP on the veal – not so dry but could have been thinner with a bit of sauce, however these are hardly criticims! And the bed of vegetables each main was served on was delicious. A glass of buttery Hartenberg chardonnay followed by the Rickety Bridge red blend were a lovely accompaniment to the food. And please try the almond tart – it was a delight. Hubby had the affogato which went down very well. Nice to find a place where the owner is present to oversee everything & give you a warm welcome. Needless to say, we’ll return.
I stumbled upon this place soon after it had opened and just knew it would/should be good. Well it has taken me some time to actually eat here but I have to say it was a wonderful experience. The loin of tuna (now thick and just seared – and actually far too much for a portion) was perfect and the roasted veg were also tasty and the service so very personable. The vibe was terrific – Loop Street rocks! This is La Boheme on steroids. As you can tell – I enjoyded my dining experience!