OK, go ahead and accuse me of favoritism — it’s true, I do have favorites and love to share them with people. Some places really deserve repeat visits and after my visit here on the weekend there is no doubt in my mind that the very best Italian restaurant in Cape Town, and possibly in the whole of the Western Cape, is Il Leone in Green Point. The restaurant was packed to the hilt inside and outside and included a party of 30 guests upstairs.
Table set for12 lucky guests
The service is impeccable, the wine list is extraordinary, if somewhat pricey, with some magnificent imported wines and superb examples of our famous wines.
Magnificent carpaccio di manzo
I started with one of the main reasons I love going there, carpaccio de manzo, with the beef sliced so thinly you can see right through it, anointed in superb olive oil, some rocket and shavings of superb parmesan.
Rich gluten-free penne pescatore
For a main course I chose gluten free penne in a superbly rich Pescatore sauce, packed with baby clams, fish of the day and prawns, magnificent. The other starter was equally marvelous carpaccio di Pesce—excellent tuna, deliciously dressed.
Melt in the mouth gnocchi
The second main course was their brilliant gnocchi in a rich four cheese sauce, irresistible, with the gnocchi melt in the mouth perfection.
Fabulous panna cotta
The other main reason why I go here is for their one-of-a-kind panna cotta, offset with a tangy dressing –yummy. So, do yourself a favor, when you want to have a really special occasion that is truly memorable, get yourself there and indulge spectacularly!
My Il Leone cane–not a gift from the restaurant, my own!!
IL LEONE MASTRANTONIO GREEN POINT CAPE TOWN PHONE 021 421 0071