La Masseria (Cape Town)

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La Masseria is the culmination of the Ciman family's passion for good, wholesome food. The fare is genuine, unpretentious Italian country cuisine prepared and nurtured, as recipes and traditions are passed down from one generation to another.

The charm of this family-run concern is the promise of an agri-tourist experience. Following on from the original venue in the Stellenbosch mountains, La Masseria Evertsdal is located within an old wine cellar on the original Evertsdal Estate established in 1680. The historical and agricultural heritage of the cellar suits the rustic appeal of the restaurant perfectly, making it a favourite for weddings and private functions. The agro-tourist elements are ingrained in the name "La Masseria", southern Italian for "the farmhouse". Almost everything served here is homemade - the fruits of the earth are gathered by the massaro, who ritualizes the process of growing, reaping and preserving. This is where seasons create the menu, simplicity is chef, and slow food is a way of life.

The pride of La Masseria is Nonna (granny) who still bakes her biscotti, bread and the like and has become a firm favourite to patrons. Everyday la famiglia comes together to produce fresh homemade pasta, bread, preserves, Italian meats (made by the inimitable singing host, Lorenzo Ciman), marinated goodies and, of course, the delectable Italian cheeses (handcrafted by Miki) from which the La Masseria legacy sprung 4 years ago. From time Miki runs cheese-making courses and cooking classes from an outbuilding next to the restaurant. This has proven very popular, because it's hands-on and a great way of meeting people and having fun and the classes are a good corporate team-building experience!

La Masseria invites patrons to experience true Italian hospitality in the 100-seater restaurant with open hearth (and Lorenzo bursting into song from time to time) and separate bar area, enjoy long lazy lunches in the al fresco area with breathtaking views over the Helderberg, or make that special party or function unforgettable with the help of daughters, Paola and Kiki and the extended famiglia.

La Masseria - where, "La vita è bella!"