Nothing sparks a heated debate in the food circles quite like the question "where makes the best pizza?" Don't get me wrong, I love talking about the skills and effort that go into high-end dining. I love talking about the intricate presentation of places like Jardine and La Colombe, and every real foodie will have their say on what makes a particular chef/restaurant their favourite. But it's the simple pizza that gets people really animated. People get defensive and quite bleak when you tell them their pizza place can't compare to yours. It's all pretty funny actually. Now, in my opinion, Carlyle's in Vredehoek makes Cape Town's best pizza. I used to go there often when I stayed in the area but since moving I have been looking for an excuse to go back. On Saturday night we met Vin D, Pocket Rocket, Shmici and Justice to see if it was as good as I remembered. It was even better.
What you want to do at Carlyle's is reserve one of the tables in the lounge area with the couches. Set up camp there, open a few bottles of red wine and get involved. The second thing you absolutely must do is to order half-half pizzas. It's the only way. I went with half prawn, chicken, coriander and cherry toatoes and the other half parma ham, rocket and parmesan. They killed it. Thin, crispy bases, the perfect amount of toppings with plenty of fresh herbs and not too much cheese. This is a big deal for me. Too many places put way too much cheese on and what arrives is a pizza dripping with grease. Not cool.
We all went with pizza but it is worth noting that they serve a mean lamb-shank and excellent salds if you are strong-willed enough. The bar is usually quite vibey too and is a good place to kill some time if you are waiting for a takeaway or have arrived without a booking. Service is really good considering how busy the place gets and is worth a mention. Kerryn was looking after our table and did a really good job, even joining us for a coffee Patrone. *lifts eyebrows while nodding slowly
For the best pizza in Cape Town give them a call on (021) 461-8787 or visit them at 17 Derry Street.
Cheers,
Jamie Who
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12 comments:
Col'cocchio?
Bacini's in Kloof makes a great pizza
Harry, Bacini's is TERRIBLE. I can't stand their rude service and average pizza.
Carlyle's has weird toppings that shouldn't ever be on a pizza. For toppings that you can taste, it doesn't get better than Massimo's Pizza Club. Awesome stuff and great service from Massimo.
L, I'm all for everyone having their own opinions and all but what is so weird about chicken on a pizza? Is it the prawns that are weird? I don't think it's the cheese that is weird. I'm confused.
Sorry, I'm just a bit of a purist in all things food and tend to go for a classic Regina or capricciosa.
'Thai chicken pizza' is a contradiction in terms to me!
Did you get yourself to Massimo's? Would be good to know your thoughts!
Though, as you say, pizza is a highly personal taste and I'm probably just being a snob.
Jamie...I could not agree more..Carlyle's was "OFF THE HOOK!"
give us a try.. we are just over the hill in Hout Bay... and from September 27 we are open also on Sunday evening... stop for a pizza after a walk on the beach or grab a take away and watch the sunset prom Chappies...
ciao
Massimo www.pizzaclub.co.za
Massimo, I accept your invitation and am looking forward to it! See you on the 27th for lunch!
Massimo, I accept your invitation and am looking forward to it! See you on the 27th for lunch!
Make it dinner Jamie... we only open Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm.
During the day the place is called Scarecrows, a cafe/deli, completely independent from us (we sub let it)
see you Sunday
Massimo
The best Pizza in Cape Town is definately at Yo-Mojo.Fresh thin crispy base, and i have heard this from many People including REAL Italians!!. Try it out! They are located on the blouberg beachfront opposite primi piatti.
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