There are countless synonyms for astounding in the English language — and the La Dolce Royal show at The Royal Countess Zingara embodies every single one of them.
A closed affair, open only to those brave enough to book an audience with the Countess herself, this is no ordinary evening out. We stepped through her front doors and into another world — bold, beautiful, and breathtaking. From the outside, it may look like just another doorway, but once you cross the threshold, you realise it’s a rabbit hole — and you’re about to fall deep.
Once inside, we made our way to the famous Aperol Spritz bar for none other than a mouth-watering cocktail bearing the same name. The scent of citrus and laughter filled the air, and along the way we met fellow adventurers — Zingarians, as we ourselves came to be known — each more delightfully entranced than the last. Along the way we passed a woman reclined in a giant Aperol Spritz glass of her own, smiling knowingly as she had already glimpsed the wonders that awaited us.
It wasn’t long before we were ushered into the Mainstage area — a sprawling arena of tables arranged around a central stage, where lights pulsed and smoke drifted from unseen corners. The energy was electric, an intoxicating mix of anticipation and curiosity. While the performers prepared to dazzle us, another kind of magic unfolded around us.
The service staff, far from being mere attendants, were performers in their own right. Dressed in strange and wonderful costumes — part dream, part fantasy — they glided through the space with precision and flair. Pirates and poets, jesters and gentlemen, each one embodied their role with infectious enthusiasm.
Our own server, a pirate named Toasty, was extraordinary. With quick wit and perfect timing, he ensured our glasses never ran dry, all while managing to make us laugh between sips. But beyond his humour and charm was a level of professionalism that could only come from deep rehearsal and dedication. Watching him and the rest of the Zingarian crew serve nearly 400 guests, delivering multiple courses with seamless coordination, was as impressive as any feat on stage.
After my Aperol I dove into a burnt orange whiskey sour that tickled my tastebuds with citrusy notes that warmed my chest.
Then, the lights dimmed — and the Countess’s world unfolded. The show evoked emotions that transformed the evening from a spectacle into a celebration of human creativity, art, and ability. Acrobats soared and twisted through the air, storytellers spun tales of mischief, contortionists moved like liquid, and singers filled the air with voices that seemed to shimmer. Each performance was as astonishing as the last, in ways you didn’t realise were possible. Our hearts stopped at death-defying moments, and in others, time seemed to slow down to a single breath.
Meanwhile, Toasty and his crew stitched the meal effortlessly into the performance. We began with knotted bread and butter — simple, soft, and comforting — before diving into a generous mezze platter of breadsticks, dips (hummus, baba ghanoush, and labneh) and a velvety zucchini and spinach soup shot, earthy and sweet, served with a flourish that made it feel like part of the act.
Our primi piatti arrived at the Countess’s leisure: delicate ravioli, perfectly balanced and beautifully presented. Then came the grand performance of the evening — for me, a tender fillet of beef with the Countess’s signature chilli-chocolate sauce, and for my companion, a herb-crusted salmon. Both were superb, rich in flavour and executed with precision. The real marvel, however, was how the kitchen managed to deliver that quality, simultaneously, to hundreds of guests — another act of theatre in itself.
I couldn’t help but have a Don Julio Margarita with our mains, and the spicy/salty punch made the chilli chocolate sauce sing all the more loudly.
Dessert arrived as a trio: malva pudding, crème brûlée, and a dreamy berry mousse. Why three? Because at Countess Zingara, if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing. The Countess doesn’t deal in restraint; she deals in wonder.
When the final curtain fell, it didn’t feel like the end. In fact, that’s when the real show began. Guests and performers alike flooded the floor for an afterparty that blurred every boundary — laughter, dancing, singing, and pure exhilaration. For a brief moment, everyone belonged to the same spell.
Countess Zingara isn’t just dinner and a show; it’s an escape — a vivid plunge into a world where fantasy feels real and indulgence is a virtue. Give yourself the chance to experience the Countess’s embrace and let her remind you what excitement and style truly mean. You won’t regret it.
La Dolce Royal takes place Tuesdays to Sundays from at Century City. Grounds open at 6pm, doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets costing from R1150 per person include a welcome drink, a five-course dinner and the performance. Booking is through dineplan.com via www.zingara.co.za