Blog

I remember thinking “Where are the rest of the toppings?” when my pizza arrived at our table in Venice a few years ago. The base was thin and perfectly light, just the way I like it, but it looked as if there were far too few toppings.

After taking my first bite or two, I realized that this is exactly what an authentic Italian pizza should taste like. We may not have been eating it in Naples, the modern birthplace of pizza, but it sure was damn delicious. I realized then that we’ve been eating it all wrong in South Africa. Of course, each person has their own preferences, but for a taste of real, authentic pizza in Cape Town, you simply must go to 95 Keerom.

In the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant CBD, you’ll find a sumptuous slice of Italy at this landmark restaurant that dates back to 1682. Originally housing the stables and slave quarters of the Company Gardens, the modern and elegant décor of 95 Keerom harmoniously combines original elements such as the façade and brick walls, which were saved during the restoration process.

Transport your tastebuds to the trattorias of Italy with Chef Giorgio Nava’s real Italian pizza. Known for his impressive Milanese cuisine, he has set out to create real Italian pizza using only the finest authentic ingredients.

I recently joined a media group at 95 Keerom for a delicious pizza tasting on a balmy Friday afternoon. It may have been winter, but it was one of those sunny and warm days that usually follows a cold, wet spell.

The afternoon was off to a sparkling start with a glass of crisp Bottega Prosecco. Beautiful memories of our Italian summer holiday came flooding back with one sip of those gorgeous bubbles. Of course, I had to have more than just one sip!

• 

• 

So what is Chef Giorgio’s secret for making real Italian pizza? Cooking with love and passion is one of them. The main secret is that he uses only the finest authentic ingredients. This includes using a 150 year old mother dough which is left to proof for 48 hours. He says “Resting the dough for two days makes the pizza much easier to digest and will never leave you feeling bloated”. I can personally attest to that.

Italian tomatoes and the finest fiordilatte mozzarella are the basis of all the toppings. We had the pleasure of tasting our way through favourites such as the classic Margherita, while The Siciliana added just the right amount of saltiness with anchovies, olives and capers.

• 

• 

There are two ham pizzas which were also a delight. The Prosciutto Crudo with Parma ham and rocket and the Prosciutto Cotto with delicately cooked ham. Vegetarians can tuck into the Orto Pizza, which is lightly topped with olives, grilled broccoli (so yum!), spinach and mushrooms. I picked up a little tip from a fellow foodie – add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to your pizza. The flavours really stand out with the addition of this liquid gold.

• 

• 

Prices range from R100 to R140, and are available for dinner Mondays to Saturdays at 95 Keerom and at 95 at Parks in Constantia for dinner, Mondays to Saturdays, and for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays. 95 Keerom is the perfect place to enjoy a cosy dinner for two.

For those who fancy a night in AND no cooking, 95 Keerom is listed with Uber Eats and Mr Delivery.

If you’re a BIG pizza fan like I am, you need to treat your tastebuds to these utterly delish and moreish pizzas.

• 

• 

If you enjoyed reading this article, please let me know in the comment section below. You can also hit the Like button and share it with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter. Follow me on Instagram too. Want to read more about my travel, food and wine adventures? Head on over to my website and subscribe for blog updates (no spamming, I promise).

Yours in Food & Wine
xoxo

Disclaimer – I was #hosted by GC Communications. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Feature image and images shown with an asterisk are courtesy of 95 Keerom.