Balducci, Cape Town’s iconic Italian dining institution, is back – and this time, in a brand-new incarnation. Welcoming its first customers on Sunday, 13 September, 30 years since Balducci first opened its doors in September 1996, the much-loved name returns as Caffé Balducci, bringing its distinctive spirit to the vibrant Piazza St John precinct in the heart of Sea Point.
A legend reborn
Open early until late, Caffé Balducci brings an irresistible all-day café culture to Piazza St John. From early-morning espresso to leisurely breakfasts, Italian-style lunches, sundowners, wining and dining, and late-night socialising, it is a place designed for every part of the day.
Laid back vibe
Just a short stroll from the iconic Sea Point Promenade and Atlantic Ocean, Piazza St John has all the ingredients for a vibrant neighbourhood social hub – with secure undercover parking conveniently located within the complex.
Sidewalk passing parade
The day begins with exceptional coffee and breakfast ranges from nutritious smoothies, power bowls, and granola with Bulgarian yoghurt and seasonal fruit to indulgent Brioche French Toast, Benedict Classico, the Royale of poached eggs, smoked salmon, trout, sautéed spinach, and Béarnaise sauce, and, of course, a traditional Balducci Breakfast.
Antipasto Platter
Later in the day, Italian favourites take centre stage with classic antipasti, including the Balducci Antipasti Platter, a tempting taste of Italy piled onto one platter designed for sharing, as well as Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Venison Carpaccio, and more.Then come artisanal Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted using imported Italian Caputo flour, with favourites including Puttanesca, Double Pepperoni & Chilli, Prosciutto, Smoked Salmon & Rocket and Flaming Prawns.
Fabulous pizzas
The pasta and gnocchi selection continues the Italian story, with linguine, penne, gnocchi and gluten-free tagliatelle paired with an enticing array of sauces and flavours. Favourites include Arrabbiata, Primavera, Pasta con Salmone, Butternut Ravioli, Ostrich Lasagne and Signature Mac & Cheese.
Beetroot roasted butternut salad
For lighter appetites, fresh, crisp and colourful salads such as Beetroot & Roasted Butternut, Blue Cheese & Avo, Burrata Salad and the Signature Four Tomato Salad, sit alongside Thai Chicken Salad and Balducci Japanese Salad for an Asian twist. Balducci’s popular Paninis provide a relaxed lunch or informal bite, served toasted or plain on freshly baked focaccia or a bagel until 5 pm.
Something for everyone
The burgers are serious business too, with 200g handmade pure-beef patties served with homemade pickles and the restaurant’s secret #6 sauce on a lightly toasted brioche bun. Choose between artisan thick-cut fries or sweet potato fries. Standouts include the Wagyu Burger and vegetarian Eastern Burger.
Brilliant sushi
For lovers of the sea, freshness is paramount. A distinctive Balducci touch is the inclusion of Mozambican shellfish, a rarity in Cape Town, adding another dimension to the extensive seafood offering. Fresh Wild Oysters, sustainably sourced, freshly caught Cape Linefish, Kingklip, Calamari, Queen Prawns, Grilled Crayfish, Norwegian Salmon and Balducci Prawn Curry all feature.
Go on–indulge yourself
Meat lovers are equally well catered for, with grain- and grass-fed beef dry-aged and matured by sister restaurant Belthazar. Choose from perfectly grilled steaks – Fillet, Rump, Rib-Eye, T-Bone and Tomahawk – and hearty favourites such as Lamb Shank, BBQ Beef or Pork Ribs and Scaloppine Di Vetello.
Thai style prawn noodles
The Asian Noodles & Sushi Bar adds a cosmopolitan dimension with an extensive Asian selection of wok-tossed noodles, Robatayaki, Tempura, Teriyaki and Poke Bowls, followed by what can only be described as sushi galore. Fresh, never-frozen fish includes 100% Norwegian salmon, with specialities ranging from Lemon Salmon Rolls to Tuna Crust, Tempura Soft-Shell Crab, Dragon Roll and Torched Nigiri, as well as generous sushi (including vegetarian options), sashimi and nigiri platters. The Balducci Royal Sushi Platter is the ultimate sharing experience.
WINE, COCKTAILS & MORE
The Italian art of eating invariably requires wine. You may get lost in the pages of the Balducci wine list, which showcases the Cape’s finest wines, Champagnes and Proseccos. The iconic wine bar, with its specialised nitrogen-infused tap unit, serves 60 premium wines by the glass, poured into Riedel glasses designed to enhance the wine-drinking experience. Not sure which wine to choose? Simply speak to one of the experienced sommeliers.
CAFFÉ BALDUCCI
Daily operating times: 8:30 – late / Booking advised
Caffé Balducci, Piazza St John, 395 Main Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Tel: 021 200 582I