L'Aperitivo Brings Fresh Italian Flair to the inner-city

Good value-for-money lunch time dining at an intimate Loop Street cafe

For a true inner-city dining experience try Loop Street’s new favourite Lunch spot – L’Aperitivo. This little eatery might seem small – but it more than makes up for it with its Italian flavour and bustling inner-city vibe.

So, if you like your lunch set to the melodic sounds of Cape Town city traffic we suggest you sit down, have an ice cold drink, check out the menu and relax!

It’s only been there for four months (the eatery opened in late 2009) but you’ll instantly recognise L’Aperitivo by its bright red sun visor that provides shade for street-side dinners outside the café. You’ll find the interior is just as bright with red and purple walls and flamboyant art deco paintings.

L’Aperitivo seems to have filled a gap in the market for fast, fresh and tasty food in Cape Town’s City Centre. Judging from its success during lunch time it is most certainly delivering on its promise.

“My partner and I started L’Aperitivo four months ago because we struggled to find a spot that was sophisticated, yet not snobbish, that would serve good food at reasonable prices” says co-owner Steff Rau. “It’s about promising good service and a good quality product, without charging an arm and a leg.”

L’Aperitivo is always buzzing with regulars and those looking for a quick cup of coffee, a wholesome lunch or an ‘apertiv’ while they wait out the peak hour traffic between 4pm and 7pm.

The restaurant serves up a different menu every day, from fresh ingredients sourced from local fisheries, butcheries and bakers in and around Cape Town. Big chalk boards lovingly scribbled with that day’s finds can be seen on the walls in the restaurant and propped up against the sidewalk outside. “The food is fresh and healthy and made from things that we’ve bought that morning. It’s basic, healthy Italian food” says Steff.

We have yet to sample the food at L’Aperitivo but regulars at the eatery recommend you try your hand at making your own sandwich from a selection of fresh meats and salads on offer.

L’Aperitivo can be found at 70 Loop Street Cape Town.

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town, for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.