#HighburyHearsYou – we at Cape Town Etc are passionate about getting local restaurants back and booming in business. As part of our #HighburyHearsYou initiative, we’re dishing out the deets on some incredible restaurants in and around town.
South Africa’s hard lockdown was implemented in late March 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, throwing various industries into chaos and turmoil. While lockdown restrictions have since eased, the devastating effects of this decision can still be felt a year later. Nowhere has this devastation been more apparent than with the food and drink industry, which has seen countless doors close and owners scramble to keep their heads above water.
Da Vinicis is one such restaurant. A family-owned business situated on trendy Kloof Street, it has become a favourite amongst locals and pizza-lovers. They’ve amassed a long list of loyal supporters, some of which have been around for nearly ten years. Unfortunately, this has done little to ease the hardships that the pandemic has plunged them into.
The first Da Vincis opened its doors in 1993, and after almost 26 years of blood, sweat and rolling pizza dough, former owner Chris Parsley thought it was time to say arrivederci. In 2019, the restaurant was infused with new life and energy, in the form of Carli and Steve. These two incredible human beings decided to ditch their 9-to-5, choosing to do something that would provide them with the opportunity to enjoy the company of people, food and a new, exciting career.
“We had promised the old owner to keep the name and the wonderful staff and to build on a successful model. We had so many plans – renovations, new menus etc and we had started to make some amazing headway albeit learning the trade at the same time, getting to know our loyal customers,” Carli says.
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But enough faffing over these incredible and resilient new owners, let’s talk about Da Vincis.
Walking into this restaurant is like stepping into your best friend’s home. The cosy and friendly atmosphere are two characteristics that make this restaurant stand out. And let’s not forget the bright smiles that eagerly greet you at the door and usher you to your table.
Their mission is to be remembered as a restaurant that serves great food, offers excellent service, and a relaxed atmosphere that everyone will enjoy – something they’ve undoubtedly achieved. But what about the food?
Every heavenly bite of Da Vincis’ famous thin-based pizza will have you feeling as if you’ve been transported to Rome. The best part? On Mondays, they offer an all-day pizza special for only R99 – yum!
Pizza isn’t the only thing on the menu – juicy burgers, hearty salads, and mouth-watering spare ribs are all done to perfection and should not be missed. They also have several specials available during the week, so make sure you check in with your cravings before heading out to dinner. Here are a few of their famous specials.
With great food and friendly service, there’s no question that Da Vincis should be the next stop on your culinary bucket list.
Da Vincis is open seven days a week.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – Closing times between 8 – 8:30pm
- Thursday & Sunday – Between 8:30 to 9pm
- Friday & Saturday – Between 9:30 – 10pm
Make sure that you contact them to book your table: 021 424 7504
Picture: Da Vincis Instagram