Italy meets Africa at Balducci's

The offerings from Balducci's Italian Chic in Africa menu include an onion zuppa garnished with an African macadamia nut pesto; carpaccio of venison or melanzane alla Parmigiano. The line-up of pizzas includes specialities like the white pizza with mozzarella, goat's chevin cheese, smoked kwaito (Gouda) and Parmigiano, with sautéed spinach and garlic on a béchamel sauce base (no tomato) or the osso buco, the Parma ham or game ragù and many more.

The emphasis is on providing good quality food that is simple, fresh, cooked with the minimum of fuss and served in style. The people who eat here are more interested in what is on the plate, than who is in the kitchen. Balducci's offers simple, elegant meals that are created to bring out the real flavours of the product. Of course, it helps that this all happens in such a beautiful space.

There is something deeply satisfying to sit in Balducci's, looking out across the harbour, breathing the aromas of a fresh plate of pasta de mer — a medley of fresh local mussels, black tiger prawns, calamari and line fish topped with an African-style arrabiata sauce. Or sample the African game Bolognaise, ostrich lasagne, slow-cooked oxtail and braised duck shepherd's pie, or a simple beef fillet, served with some thick cut fries and the house salad - lettuce, red cabbage, tomato, cucumber, onion, carrots, egg and feta sprinkled with the chef's dressing and some Parmigiano.

If you are not in the mood for Italian, you can opt for that all-time comfort food — the hamburger. Balducci's have gone back to basics and rebuilt the classic burger. Choose from a variety of 180g pure aged Karan beef sirloin and rump gourmet burgers served on a dense, lightly toasted fresh bun with caramelised onion, home-made deli pickled cucumber, coleslaw, thick cut fries and a secret relish.

Round off with the Balducci's special dessert of amaretti biscuits in liqueur with almond flakes, mascarpone and chocolate chips, served with hazelnut ice cream, strawberries and cream.

To go with these culinary delights is an extensive wine list ranging from the Balducci's house wines to Ataraxia from Walker Bay, Vergelegen, Hamilton Russell, Warwick and others.