Eating Out in Cape Town: Club Kloof

There’s a fabulous new Italian – ish eatery that’s just opened on Kloof Street in Cape Town.

Last week I attended the media launch of Club Kloof, a new eatery located in a fully restored heritage building on Kloof street.

I love the art décor inspired interior with its bold scarlet hues, upholstered seating in sumptuous suede and leather, and crisp white tablecloths.

You’ll find a hidden bar in the back courtyard – reminiscent of a back street in Portofino with its yellow and white awnings and marble topped round tables. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail.

Club Kloof is the brainchild of chef Shayne Schutte and Michael Carter. Their shared love of food and eating with friends led to the opening of a small spot on Kloof Street, which evolved into the hugely popular Our Local. “Although neither of us is Italian, a love of travel, Italy and the Mediterranean has influenced how we cook, entertain and eat,” says Michael.

“Club Kloof is Italian-ish, but really, it’s more about the dishes you know and love – but with a hint of modern playfulness. The menu is inspired by the Italian food scene; it’s diversity from region to region, and how Italian food is eaten and enjoyed in and out of Italy”

The eatery’s focus is on flavour, great local produce and celebrating Shayne’s talent for uniquely layering flavours. The dynamic duo roped in Motherdough and their 113-year-old starter called “Fransina” to help perfect their sourdough recipes and processes in their small bakery, all inspired by classics you’d find in the heart of Milan.

The daily Pizza Teglia (pizza slices) are baked in a special tray to ensure a crunchy base. The toppings include whatever is fresh and in season. There is a meat option and a vegetarian option (pictured)

Enjoy a Pizza Teglia with a glass of wine at the restaurants gorgeous bar.

I like how the menu allows people to curate their dining experience, versus having to commit to a single dish. Choose from a great selection of Pizzette’s (small Pizzas). The Mozarella Pork Sausage mince Fennel and Red Cabbage (R118) was utterly delish.

I also LOVED the Heirloom tomato, stone fruit and goat’s cheese with mint and wine balsamic dressing (R120)

I do love Arancini (small balls of rice stuffed with a savory filling, coated in breadcrumbs and fried). So obviously I had to try the Pork Fennel stuffed olive Arancini (R55). One word describes it: Mouthgasm!

I can’t resist a good old beef fillet, and when I saw these three words: TRIPLE FRIED WEDGES, my mind was made up. The fillet was soft and succulent and the herbed butter, infused with rosemary, added a lovely taste sensation (R120). The triple fried wedges were among the best I’ve EVER tried. If you’re a meat eater, I can’t recommend this dish enough!

There are also some delectable dessert options. On offer are daily pastries, decadent chocolate mousse (R65), Blood Orange and Campari Almond cake with mascarpone (R70). I highly recommend the Tiramisu for two (R75).