Although the brand has been around since 2001, Cappello is relatively new to the Pietermaritzburg restaurant scene having only opened in the KwaZulu-Natal capital a few months ago. I recently popped in for lunch to see what they had to offer and was rather impressed with my findings.
Originally developed as a coffee shop the brand is now a cocktail café and a rather swanky one at that. The attractive décor and stylish interior finishing’s are indicative of an upmarket venue and although I felt distinctly under dressed for the occasion, I managed to pluck up the courage to make an entrance.
Well-groomed business people of various descriptions sat chatting at their tables, enjoying their drinks and the delicious food that was available. Restaurant manger Rudi was quick to offer me a table near the bar area and I accepted without hesitation.
Musa was my waiter for the afternoon and he promptly took my drinks order followed by my ‘mains’, a light meal of char-grilled chicken breasts with Mediterranean spices, olive oil and lemon, served with the option of chips or salad.
I selected the salad which was rather appetising thanks largely to the delicious and tangy salad dressing that accompanied it. The chicken breasts were cooked to perfection, exceptionally tasty and at R56, undoubtedly represented value for money when compared to similar offerings elsewhere.
The Cappello menu is quite extensive offering a selection of cooked breakfasts, light meals such as the aforementioned chicken breasts, salads, burgers, pastas, ciabatta, pizzas, combo meals, platters and a range of delectable desserts such as blueberry malva pudding, chocolate brownies and apple pie.
That’s a full house in most people’s books and therefore it’s highly unlikely that you won’t find something to tickle your tastebuds, no matter how particular you may be.
With an average main meal price of R90 eating out at Cappello is also reasonably affordable which taking into consideration the plush setting, is actually quite surprising. Given its location, intended target market and rather varied menu this is a restaurant that should do rather well in Pietermaritzburg.
Young businessman and women will like the upbeat vibe, attractive furnishings and the well-equipped bar area while the more fashion conscious will appreciate the overall, upmarket appeal.
Sporting 22 stores in five provinces around the country Cappello is a brand that’s certainly making headway in South Africa and judging by the quality of the food and the high degree of service I received, it’s not hard to see why.
This eatery certainly holds true to its slogan of ‘Food, passion, people’ and consequently is well worth a visit.
Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 342 9354
Physical Address: Shop 1, Maritzburg Arch, 45 Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg
Useful Links:
- Pietermaritzburg Attractions
- Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
- Hotels in Pitermaritzburg
- Hotels in KwaZulu Natal
