Review: Café del Sol Steyn City
A Culinary Journey from Humble Beginnings to Italian Excellence
From humble beginnings in an obscure strip mall in the north of Johannesburg to one of the city’s best Italian restaurants, Café Del Sol has carved its path to success with an unwavering commitment to authentic Mediterranean dining. Today, with their stunning new branch nestled in the swanky City Centre, inside Steyn City, this family-owned eatery continues to impress with its celebrated old-school Italian hospitality and charm.
Headed by a dynamic Italian family, Café del Sol is led by Mamma Luciana, daughter Chiara, and son Ryan. Their passion for Italian cuisine and commitment to delivering an extraordinary dining experience shines through in every aspect of the restaurant.
As we stepped into the welcoming ambiance of Café del Sol, we were drawn to the traditional Italian village look and feel that set the stage for an authentic Mediterranean experience. The restaurant’s calm and relaxed atmosphere assured us that we were in for a delightful culinary journey.
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Our evening began with an unusual yet enjoyable dish recommended by Mamma Luciana herself – a Focaccia Pizza, topped with herbs, fresh cheese, and firm grapes after baking.
For mains, we indulged in their signature pulled lamb penne pasta with lamb jus, rocket, and Pecorino, plus the black sesame-crusted Norwegian Salmon with avo purée, fennel, and grapefruit salsa. Every dish presented a jubilation of flavours and textures, leaving behind a lingering sense of contentment and an irresistible desire for seconds.
The chefs at Café del Sol mastered the art of proper al dente pasta, striking the perfect balance between slight chewiness and silkiness that complemented the sauce beautifully. And to elevate our dining experience, we accompanied these extraordinary dishes with a fine bottle of Terra Del Cape Sangiovese – a 100% Sangiovese grape wine that proved to be 100% delicious.
An elegant dining spot with exquisite views
Upon a recent visit to the newly launched Olives & Plates Ellipse, located in the Waterfall development’s Ellipse building, we literally got a taste of the high life.
A Fitting End to a Fantastic Evening
Finally, we couldn’t resist indulging in their homemade Gelato for dessert. Offering not one, not two, but three different flavours – Crème Brûlée, Nougat, and Caramel Macadamia – the Gelato was the perfect sweet ending to a truly fantastic evening.
Café del Sol’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of Johannesburg’s finest Italian restaurants is a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence. With the heart and soul of an Italian family ingrained in every aspect of their establishment, they have created a space where guests can savour the rich flavours of Italy in an authentic and inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant is open to non-residents, reserve a table on dineplan.co.za and hand your confirmation to security at either of Steyn City’s William Nicol or Cedar Road Gatehouses.
