Pasta Café

After a recent trip to Italy, I have become reluctant to order pasta dishes when I eat out. I think this is largely due to the fact that I know they will not measure up to my Italian experience! True Italian food is simply prepared, using only the freshest local ingredients.

When the invitation to try out the Pasta Café Green Point, popped into my inbox, I was intrigued to see if they lived up to their promise…

Pasta Café offers an authentic Italian experience that is on-the-go. Our pasta is prepared fresh, daily and we take an average of 6 minutes per meal preparation from flour to the palate. Using only the freshest ingredients, each dish is prepared with that secret ingredient only a true Nonna can add – Love.

With the promise of pasta just like Nonna’s, we set off to Green Point to experience it for ourselves.

The Restaurant ~ 

The Pasta Café Green Point is located on the popular strip in Green Point, on Somerset Road. Nestled in the shop front of the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel, it is within walking distance of the Cape Town stadium and other CBD attractions. Pasta Café is cozy and quaint – definitely more of a café than a restaurant.

The lack of good authentic, home-made pasta was the motivation for the concept behind Pasta Café. The owner, Tyron Pillay, who hails from Johannesburg, felt there was a definite gap in the market for a store that made fresh pasta daily using only the best ingredients.

Everyone has nostalgic memories of their favourite meals from their childhood. This is exactly what Pasta Café wanted to bring into their menu. Good authentic rustic Italian fare with a restaurant quality meal that is on-the-go. From this concept, “Just like my Nonna’s was born”.

The Chef ~

Head Chef Martin Van Der Walt, grew up with a strong French influence, from his grandmother. He learnt from a young age how to enjoy great meals, made from scratch using locally sourced seasonal fruit and vegetables. Having such a great foundation from his paternal grandmother helped to shape him into the chef he is today.

Once he left school he was fortunate enough to work at Italiano in Johannesburg, under the mentorship of Hugo and Maria from Bologne. Martin was given a wonderful foundation in the basics of making authentic Italian fare, just like their Nonnas made it. His love for cooking was awoken once again and he decided to make it his career.

When Martin was approached to work for Pasta Café he jumped at the opportunity, excited to be involved in this unique concept. Finally Martin was able to use his wealth of experience and knowledge, to put together a great menu incorporating the essential elements, which make Pasta Café such a wonderful Italian experience.

The Experience ~

While perusing the menu we snacked on beautifully fresh bread, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar – so simple yet so yummy!

Martin, the head chef, suggested trying six different dishes off the menu and sharing. Giving us all the opportunity to try a variety of dishes.

My hubby Grant loves Carbonara, so this was his first choice. Carbonara is a combination of fresh cream, egg, pecorino cheese, parsley and bacon. This was a huge hit!

The dish on the menu which caught my eye, was the Lamb Thyme Agnolotti – pasta filled with garlic, lamb, thyme and ricotta. It was absolutely stunning and definitely my favourite.

Next up is a firm family favourite! Pasta Alfredo – a combination of oak smoked bacon, mushrooms, cream and pecorino cheese. I loved the smokiness of the bacon!

We decided to try one seafood option and went for the Salmone. This Pasta Salmone, was a bit different to the ones I have had before, which tend to be quite creamy. The Pasta Café Salmone combines smoked salmon, white wine, fresh chillies, red peppers, leeks, lemon zest and parsley. I would say this is the perfect dish if you are watching your weight and don’t want anything too heavy.

My daughter loves Pesto, so naturally we had to try that. I on the other hand, am not a lover of pesto but the Pasta Café’s version is lovely. Fresh basil pesto, parsley and fresh cream – very simple but very tasty!

Lastly, on Martin’s recommendation, we tried the Roast Butternut Agnolotti. A stunning combination of roast butternut, pistachio buts and burnt butter. This was probably my second favourite out of all of the dishes {it is difficult to choose they were all that good!}. I think the addition of pistachio nuts, is what makes this dish special.

The Pasta Café offers the option of a single or double portions, as well as a great new family size meal! You can opt to sit down or take-away, with an choice of 6 different pasta types, all freshly made. They also offer one gluten free option, which changes daily.

Another great offering is being able to order bigger dishes for a dinner party at home or a special birthday. The bonus is you do not need to cook but can still impress your friends and family! Simply order ahead of time and collect on the day of the party.

Check out the Pasta Café Menu for more info on all the dishes they have on offer. Call Pasta Café on 076 089 9174, to place an order or book a table or email them.

Location:  Shop 1 Cape Royale Luxury Hotel, Green Point, Western Cape

Disclosure Ranking:4