Capetonians have a new experience to look forward to, with the opening of Restaurante Belsol on the popular Camps Bay strip in Cape Town. Proprietor, Luis da Silva, has owned Restaurante Belsol in Maputo in Mozambique for three years, in which time he has taken the restaurant from being very good to excellent.
Da Silva says, “A deep passion for food results in great food and a great restaurant. We offer traditional Portuguese cuisine using recipes passed down in the family from generation to generation. Now that Belsol in Maputo is well-established, it is time to spread our wings to South Africa. I chose Cape Town because I love Cape Town and its people. Actually, I see Cape Town and Capetonians as ‘Europe in Africa’.
Although the focus is predominantly Portuguese cuisine, Belsol turns out a very good pizza. The ebullient Luís comes out of his kitchen often and walks around the restaurant to discuss his daily specials, leaving his kitchen in the capable hands of Chef Gustavo Alves, who was born in Lisbon and has been with him for three years.
Da Silva, who has travelled extensively to study international cultures and trends in cooking and was involved in the establishment of the first SA Chef’s Association, regularly cooks for Mozambican president, Armando Guebuza, his wife and friends, as well as parliamentarians and staff from various embassies in Mozambique. .He has also cooked for Frank Sinatra, Sir Cliff Richard and the Village People, not to mention a number of South African celebrities.
The extensive menu comprises of 18 starters, 41 main courses and a selection of eight desserts. The wine list is comprehensive and includes a good selection of SA red and white wines of varying prices, with some very quirky and interesting selections among them. The variety also includes French champagne and SA Methode Champenoise.
Interesting items on the menu include bacalhau, lagareiro do reino (cod fish with olive oil, garlic, onion and potatoes) and galinha Vasco da Gama (chicken with clams and calamari).
As quality and good service are vital, Da Silva hand picks his produce from the best sources. These include Namibia for oysters, Portugal for cod fish and sardines and sea food and spices from Mozambique. Staff are regularly trained so they have a full understanding of how dishes are prepared. He says what sets him apart is quality, flavour, atmosphere and portions. He is quick to point out that he serves traditional Portuguese cuisine.
Belsol is great for business or family lunches and dinners or relaxing sundowners with friends and family. If you have not yet found the ideal venue for a special Christmas lunch or an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration, Belsol is the restaurant to call.
OF NOTE
Where Promenade shopping Centre, Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Trading hours Monday to Sunday 9 am – 10:30 pm
Contact +27 21 438 6188, like them on Facebook