A friend and I went for a Friday lunch at Amare in beautiful Bantry Bay in Cape Town and were excited immediately upon entering. The restaurant boasts stunning decor throughout, and the staff exude warmth and enthusiasm, creating an inviting atmosphere right from the start.
We were seated inside at the window, and while our wonderful waitress, Storm, brought us some water, we browsed the menu. We decided to start with a round of cocktails—an old-fashioned for me, elevated with a hint of caramel, and a classic Aperol spritz for my companion. Both of these cocktails set the perfect tone for the meal ahead.
With a menu full of enticing options, choosing our starters proved to be quite a challenge. We eventually settled on a wonderfully simple yet impeccably executed charred focaccia with fresh tomato and garlic. Each bite was a masterful balance of flavours. Alongside it, we had a lightly crumbed piece of feta cheese drizzled with honey and served on balsamic cabernet grapes with fresh oregano. The contrast between the salty feta and sweet honey and the herbaceous and acidic elements left us thoroughly impressed.
For mains, we again found ourselves spoiled for choice. My companion opted for a linguine with prawns, olive oil, and chilli—an unpretentious yet deeply flavourful dish that transported us straight to the southern coast of Italy. The pasta was cooked al dente, and the marriage of garlic with rich local olive oil was simply sublime. For my own main, I chose the Beef Milanese accompanied by a crispy caper salsa. The meat was perfectly crispy without being dry, and the capers added a great acidity that elevated and lightened the flavours. As a side, I couldn’t resist the crispy potatoes served with sage and burnt butter, which were faultless—each bite yielding an audible crunch. I also had to share the white kidney beans, a Mediterranean staple executed to perfection. The garlicky richness, loaded with parmesan cheese, made them a standout accompaniment.
Dessert continued the trend of simplicity done exceptionally well. We had to try our waitress Storm’s favourite—the lemon posset with mint and lemongrass granita. It was a light, refreshing, and subtly sweet dish, perfectly complemented by a generous biscotti packed with nuts. Additionally, I couldn’t pass up the Manchego cheese and fig plate, which was a fittingly indulgent end to the meal.
Amare’s approach to Mediterranean cuisine is all about elevating simple, high-quality ingredients with extraordinary skill. There are no unnecessary flourishes—only clean, well-balanced flavours that speak for themselves.
After lunch, we had a look at the upstairs jazz lounge, which has breathtaking ocean views and seems like the perfect spot to watch the sunset while enjoying live music, for which they host a Jazz evening every Thursday and Friday night.
One aspect that truly set Amare apart for me was the exceptional service. Every member of the staff we interacted with displayed a genuine passion for their work. It felt as though each person had a personal investment in the restaurant, bringing a level of care and attentiveness that is rare to find.
A particular standout was Managing Director Roberto Morretti. From the moment he greeted and welcomed us in, we felt like part of the family. He checked in with us throughout the meal, ensuring everything was perfect, and his interactions with his staff demonstrated remarkable leadership. Just from overhearing snippets of conversation, it was clear that Roberto is one of the most caring and dedicated managers I’ve ever encountered. His passion for hospitality is infectious.
Whether you’re looking for an elevated artisanal breakfast, a long leisurely lunch, or an elegant evening meal, Amare is committed to delivering an unforgettable dining experience.