Good, basic neighbourhood
restaurant ... Alimentos
Sometimes all you want is a restaurant that’s close by, where you can enjoy a good meal and some lovely wine and not break the bank. And if you live in the Parkmore, Benmore, River Club area, that’s what you get at Alimentos. It’s not the south (you really do have to travel for the best Portuguese food!), the decor could do with a helping hand, and there’s a brilliant outside area that’s not being very well utilised at the moment (bring in some tables and a little greenery, guys). But it’s hearty, basic Portuguese-style fare ... think prawn nacional, Portuguese steak, flaming chourico, espetada. The crowd is varied ... tables of 30-somethings celebrating a birthday, a family of four, an (obvious) first date ... and everyone very jolly and relaxed. Prices are excellent - beef pregos R45, trinchado R59, and half a kg of queen prawns costs R60. Service was exactly what you want in a cosy family restaurant. All in all... seriously enjoyable. Alimentos should do well with the locals ... it deserves to. Details: 011-783-5432.
il Tartufo ... authentic
ristorante italiano
Tucked away in Hutton Court, Hyde Park, you’ll find not your average Italian cucina. An unexpected gem, the restaurant is beautifully furnished and upmarket. It’s a 60-seater which is a perfect size for a twosome or a table of eight. The enthusiastic maitre d’ welcomes you warmly with his ‘buona sera’ and the staff are friendly, well trained and attentive. il Tartufo’s menu boasts authentic Italian fare. Think vitello tonnato, a seriously delicious starter of veal in a tuna and caper sauce (R68). For mains, home-made gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce (R70), or pappardelle pasta with truffle sauce (R130) - not an Alfredo in sight! For those opting for meat there’s the traditional saltimbocca (R95) or a fillet with herbs (R120). All the dishes are beautifully presented (along with edible flowers!) The desserts offered were a little too different for our liking – strawberry sorbet with extra virgin olive oil or almond ice cream and fresh coriander. Although newly opened, the restaurant mid-week was busy - a good sign. As it’s quite pricey, you might like to save this one for a special occasion. Closed Mondays. Details: 011-788-8948.
Mezepoli tapas bar in Melrose Arch is hip, hot and oh-so-happening
Eat. Love. Live. The recently opened Mezepoli offers cool diners a wonderful, relaxed Greek way to enjoy an evening out. Part of the fabulously successful Plaka family, Mezepoli offers chic, no-fuss, urban dining at its best. Simple, fresh, contemporary food is served the Mediterranean way. Mezepoli means ‘world meze’, so you know what to expect - mostly Greek, but also exciting flavours and colours of Spanish tapas and dim sum of the East. Everything’s served as starters ... so you sit and nibble a vast selection of dishes along with your glass of wine or cocktail ... all very cosmopolitan and social. Signature dishes include feta and Gruyere croquettes (R39), calamari stuffed with feta and peppers (R45), keftethes - mama’s home-made meatballs - (R36), as well as a wide range of sushi. This cool white and Mediterranean blue spot in Melrose Arch’s Piazza is this month’s hottest new destination! Details:
011-684-1162.
