Some restaurants make a big first impression. Others quietly win you over. Perched along Sir Lowry’s Pass with sweeping views across False Bay, Adriatico falls firmly into the second category. It’s relaxed, welcoming and the sort of place where lunch easily turns into dinner because nobody is watching the clock.
Its motto, “Two coasts. One kitchen,” perfectly sums up what you’ll find on the menu. The restaurant brings together the fresh produce of the Western Cape with the flavours and traditions of Puglia, a region in southern Italy that’s often overlooked in favour of Tuscany or Sicily.
If you’ve never tried food from Puglia before, this is a good place to start. The region is known for making simple ingredients shine. Fresh vegetables, quality olive oil, handmade pasta and locally sourced produce take centre stage, with every dish proving that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Thanks to the Cape’s Mediterranean climate, many of the ingredients that thrive in Puglia grow just as happily here, making the pairing feel natural rather than forced. The setting certainly helps. Malbec vines surround the property, while the views stretch all the way towards False Bay. As the afternoon light softens, it’s easy to settle in with another glass of wine and forget about the rest of your plans.
This isn’t somewhere to rush through a meal. Adriatico encourages you to slow down. Start with an aperitivo, share a few small plates, enjoy a leisurely main course and, if you’re lucky enough to grab a table near the fireplace, stay a little longer.
The menu is designed to be explored rather than conquered. Instead of pages of familiar Italian classics, each dish feels thoughtfully placed alongside the next, encouraging you to try something different. If you’re unsure where to start, ask for recommendations. The chef is passionate about the menu and happily guides guests through it — especially when it comes to dessert, which is well worth saving space for.
The food itself is beautifully presented without feeling overworked. Every plate feels carefully considered, allowing quality ingredients to do most of the talking. Rather than relying on unnecessary flourishes, the dishes celebrate honest flavours and thoughtful cooking.
Adriatico isn’t the place for a quick weeknight dinner before heading home. It’s somewhere to linger. To order another glass of wine because the conversation is flowing. To share a few extra plates. To watch the sun dip behind the mountains before reluctantly asking for the bill.
If you’re looking for a meal that feels both familiar and a little different, Adriatico is worth adding to your list. Just make sure you leave room for dessert.
- Instagram: @adriatico_cucina_mediterranea
- Facebook: Adriatico Cucina Mediterranea
- Capeland Wine Farm Address: 3 Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Rd, Somerset West, South Africa, 7130
- Capeland Wine Farm Landline: +27 (0)71 400 2073
Reservations are recommended.
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