Last week, I attended the opening of Bocca, an upbeat, vibey restaurant situated on the corner of Bree and Wale street in Cape Town……
Bocca is the latest venture by restaurateur and sommelier Neil Grant and business partner Barry Engelbrecht of Burrata fame.
Informal, Italian-inspired fare is served in a vibey, contemporary space where you can expect tasty food and the freshest ingredients, including ‘the best Neapolitan style pizza in the city’ (and in fact, the only pizza on Bree Street). The pizzas have a thin, flavoursome base with their signature specked edges which not only add to the appeal but also the flavour and the pizzas. Barry Engelbrecht gladly took me through the technicalities involved in the processing of the bases. Fascinating stuff, I must say!
Executive chef Annemarie Steenkamp, who was responsible for sister restaurant Burrata scooping the EAT OUT Italian Restaurant of the Year in 2013, has created exciting new, modern Italian dishes for the Bocca menu, inviting diners to order a number of plates to share at the table.
Bocca Pizza
Bocca (meaning ‘mouth’ in Italian), is also known for its newly created ‘pizza sandwich’. If you happen to pop in there for lunch you have to try out their mouthwatering Panino – baked to perfection in the 485ºC pizza oven, the Pork belly, radicchio, fennel marmalade and celeriac remoulade.
Bocca Roasted Aubergine with goats pecorino smoked chilli oil & basil
At night the restaurant shifts gears to present a more sophisticated menu, while the deck turns into a cool sundowner spot overlooking the Bree Street action. It’s the perfect place to settle in and enjoy a glass of wine recommended by Neil, selected from his small, but creative wine list.
Barry Engelbrecht, Thuli, Chef Annemarie Steenkamp & Neil Grant
The dinner menu is divided into Spoons, Fingers, Knives & Forks, Pizza and Big Plates sections, as well as Dessert Jars to cater for all palates and appetites. Favourites include Roasted aubergine with goats pecorino, smoked chilli oil and basil; West Coast mussels with minestrone broth, and Orechietti with peas, crispy pancetta, ricotta and mint oil, to name but a few.
Bocca Orrechietti with crispy pancetta ricotta & mint oil
Bocca has lovely decor and one gets to see a stunning view of the city from the upper section of the restaurant. It’s a great venue to hang out or have lunch meetings. It is definitely worth checking out!
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday Noon to 10pm (closed on Sundays)
Tel: 021 422 0188
Twitter: @boccaCT
www.facebook.com/boccaCT
For more info, visit: www.bocca.co.za
info@bocca.co.za
Lovely evening trying out pizzas at the new @BoccaCT #HappyGirl #CarboLoading pic.twitter.com/fA1XWiOWPd
— Karisa Nicholls (@CTmylove) November 12, 2014
Cardias loading up the pizza oven @BoccaCT Bree Street pic.twitter.com/3zmm0v7BdL
— LusciousFood (@lusciousCT) November 12, 2014