Trying new places for dinner is something I absolutely love to do and it’s even more fun when you’re with a group of people and there is a birthday celebration. A few evenings ago I found myself enjoying all three of these at Pepénero on Beach Road in Mouille Point.
This has been an area I have not visited in quite a while and while I have been to Bravo, Café Neo and Wakame I had not yet been into Pepénero. From the outside it looks warm and inviting and buzzing with activity and when you walk in it confirms your first impression.
I particularly like restaurants that have a variety of seating options and areas to choose from and Pepénero does not disappoint. They have fabulous bar area that is warm and inviting with a big screen television, a covered outside area with lush couches that look like you could sink into an sit for hours while catching up with your friends with a few cocktails.
Moving into the restaurant there are a large number of tables set on two levels which would be able to accommodate any size group with ease. After scanning through the crowd to find my table I found them at the far end of the restaurant and they were already settled – coming from the Southern Suburbs I always misjudge time and so sheepishly arrived late with gift in hand. Thankfully it was a relaxed group that was not phased by my tardiness.
Couples should not be put off from this bustling restaurant as there are gorgeous booths that will provide a bit of privacy for a special night out.
After settling down I was told that there were a number of specials running. Oh how I do love Winter in Cape Town, specials galore. I decided that I would start off with a cocktail, a select few were on special at R21 each. I’m not the biggest cocktail fan because they tend to be sweet so I opted for a Passion Fruit Margarita which was a perfect balance of sweet and sour. Think classic shaken margarita with a passion fruit burst of flavour.
Choosing my dinner was slightly more difficult as the menu is extensive and as you read through the menu each dish starts sounding more mouth watering than the next. As they are an Italian and seafood restaurant you can expect decadent pastas and rustic pizza’s, sushi and a number of seafood dishes. Meat eaters don’t fear they also serve top notch burgers, steaks and grills so one can find something for every palate on this menu.
The specials menu was not only one or two dishes as is often the case with winter specials, this menu offered Karoo lamb chops for R99, spaghetti bolognaise for R59, a 250g sirloin steak for R79, 1kg of prawns for R99, selected sushi at a 50% discount and a seafood platter for R129 and fresh oysters at R9 each. So much choice… What else was I to do but order a lot, I was hungry after all.
I started off with salmon roses which were absolutely delicious and for my main I ordered the seafood platter. This came with chips or rice (I had the rice which was very tasty), 125g of linefish (that night it was Kingklip), 3 New Zealand mussels smothered in a creamy sauce, 150g of grilled calamari and 6 prawns.
When my food arrived I could see the rest of the table had what I call order envy as the plate looked and smelt delicious. It was a huge portion and I wasn’t sure I would be able to get through it all. However after one bite I knew this wouldn’t be a problem. The food was cooked to perfection and there was a perfect match between the natural flavour of the seafood and the spices used.
Bar a couple of pieces of calamari I cleaned my plate of everything and was completely satisfied after that. I need to sit back and enjoy the evening. I couldn’t possibly fit in a dessert but I was able to squeeze in a hot chocolate to round up the meal and the evening.
Everyone enjoyed the meal and we all decided we would definitely be back to try some more of what Pepénero had to offer. It was a completely enjoyable evening and even though the restaurant was humming and every table full the service was great and always with a smile.
So the next time you’re feeling like something decadent and delicious or if you’d like to take advantage of the winter special get dialling and make your booking today.
Mouille Point Links:
- Mouille Point Attractions
- Things to Do in Mouille Point
- Mouille Point Accommodation
- Cape Town Accommodation
Contact details:
Pepénero, No 1 Two Oceans Beach, Bay Road, Mouille Point, Cape Town
Telephone: +27 (0)21 439-9027
