Italo’s: An Italian Deli-Restaurant in Newlands (That Loves Dogs)

Conveniently located on Kildare Circle in Newlands, in the former home of the erstwhile Melissa’s, Italo’s is a welcoming family-owned locale for those seeking a laidback taste of Italy in the southern suburbs.

Taking pride of place on the corner of Kildare Road and Main Street, Italo’s was born in January 2020 (just before our first hard lockdown was announced) by Vivian Bruni (whose late husband Italo Bruni is the inspiration behind the name) and her trusty team. The deli-restaurant majors in old-school Italian hospitality, with a slew of varied offerings attracting visitors from near and far.

Deli-siozo!

Italo’s deli section is literally and figuratively at the heart of this business, flanked by the restaurant on the right, and Gogo’s free-range butchery in its own cosy section to the left. Outside, a series of mini piazzas, with tables and chairs, invites diners to enjoy a ventilated, socially distanced coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Oh, and it’s pooch-friendly!

The deli is stocked to the brim with high-quality pantry staples and Italian products, including pasta, freshly baked loaves, quality cheeses, antipasti, readymade meals, baked treats, vinaigrettes and relishes and an array of wines. It’s also a great spot to pick up a (last-minute) gift, such as Italian nougat, traditional biscotti and artisanal chocolates.

Bay of Biscotti

A map of Italy takes centre stage in the restaurant section, but this is no ordinary map. On closer inspection, you’ll notice Italy is South Africa and vice versa; Sardinia has been named Newlands; Sicily is Sea Point and the heel of the boot, Constantia. “The map is a reminder that we need not just look to Italy for top-quality produce,” says Vivian. “There is a host of local artisans and purveyors making amazing equally good – if not better – products right here.”

There’s also a Sea of Gastronomy, Gulf of Garlic, The Great Pasta Reef; Channel of Cheese; Bays of Biscotti and Plenty and a Coffee Current.

Italo’s is primarily a coffee shop and breakfast spot. The drawcard is undoubtedly the all-day breakfast. Who doesn’t love a midday Eggs Benny? Other breakfast favourites include smashed avocado toast, omelettes, toasted croissants, soft polenta porridge and so on.

The restaurant is also open in the evening. Whether you’re after a pizza, pasta, panini, salad or a hearty soup, Italo’s prepares them all – fresh! We popped in for an early dinner and I enjoyed a satisfying penne carbonara, my son wolfed down a paper-thin Margherita pizza with olives and my husband enjoyed a herbed-chicken panino – all delicious – served by friendly, efficient staff.

Gogo’s

This small family-run operation has been purveying the best-quality grass-fed biltong (and fish and poultry products) to Newlands locals and lovers of real food for over a decade. When the opportunity presented itself for Italo’s to incorporate this well-loved butchery and grocer into its offering, it was a no-brainer. Now you can, quite literally, pop into Italo’s for your morning coffee and croissant, swing by the deli for some pantry staples, and round off your outing with a visit to Gogo’s for some lamb chops, droëwors, quail eggs (if they’re not sold out), duck, and so on!

Specials + semifreddo + more

Italo’s always has a special or two on the go. On the night we visited it was two pizzas for the price of one! Check Italo’s social media for updates, as specials change regularly.

Oh, and do not leave without trying the semifreddo ginseng! Don’t let the Roman-Zen name put you off. It’s an utterly delicious iced coffee that has the taste of a well-made espresso and the antioxidant benefits of ginseng. You’ll be morphing your tongue into all sorts of shapes to get the last bits out of the cup!

Bring the kids: there’s an ice-cream van outside selling the best gelato on the block!

View the menu

Opening times Monday – Saturday, 7.30am – 9pm
Sunday, 7.30am – 3pm
Contact 021 683 6949, ciao@italos.co.za
Where to find it 51 Kildare Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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