A Taste of Col’Cacchio’s New-Look Store & Menu at the V&A Waterfront [Review]

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We all know and love Col’Cacchio for its gourmet thin-based wood-fired pizzas and hearty pastas but even the most loved brands need to shake it up every now and then. In July this year, Col’Cacchio proved that it is determined to stay relevant and keep up with both local and international food trends with the launch of its first Col’Cacchio Concept Store at the V&A Waterfront. This new store is the first of many to get a new look and a brand spanking new menu – don’t worry loads of your favourites are still on there in addition to some fabulous new menu items that you might not expect from the Italian inspired franchise. I popped into the new spot for a taste of the menu and to see just why so many Capetonians are raving about the new spot.

Boasting sea views and an incredibly stylish new look, Col’Cacchio at the V&A Waterfront offers hungry customers a chic spot for a casual breakfast (that’s right breakfast at Col’Cacchio!), lunch, or dinner. The V&A Waterfront store also offers a fancy-pants new Grab & Go counter with delicious small bites, lunch options, and coffee served to be enjoyed on the run. Conveniently positioned at the entrance of the restaurant, you can grab a quick salad, wrap, gourmet croissant, toastie, or coffee to go with no fuss. But that’s not all, Col’Cacchio has also launched a range of retail products from the Col’Cacchio Pantry, including some of their signature ingredients and toppings to spice up your cooking, so you can grab a few of these when you visit and try your hand at Italian cuisine at home.

Of course, if you decide to sit down and enjoy a meal then there’s so much more to be discovered at the new Col’Cacchio Concept Store. The new menu includes everything you’ve come to know and love about Col’Cacchio but with a few extra twists. Start your day the right way with one of their scrumptious breakfast options (which includes delights like filled croissants, omelettes, and fry-ups, all with an Italian twist) or enjoy one of the new light meals which includes options like a selection of Piadine Wraps (toasted, thin Italian flatbread in wrap form) and Toasted Piadine sarmies. I love the sound of the Toasted Piadine Makhani sandwich filled with butter chicken, crispy onions, and mozzarella (R75).

I went through for lunch and tried a few options from the menu. I was thrilled to find that their Italian inspired main meal options now also include all new fish and meat dishes to go along with the ever-popular pizza and pasta offerings. If you’re not keen on pizza or pasta then try the Chicken Milanese (crumbed flattened chicken fillet served with a creamy mustard sauce – R120) or the Filetto di Manzo (fillet steak served with a black peppercorn truffle infused sauce – R185). I decided to try something from the daily specials menu – fish of the day goujons served with matchstick fries – while my lunch partner opted for a classic Spaghetti Bolognaise served with Italian Parmesan Pangratto (R92).

My fish & chip special was divine and it was indeed a refreshing change to be eating a fish dish at Col’Cacchio. The fish goujons were just the right amount of crispy and the portion size was generous but not too over the top. I also stole a bite or two of the Beef Bolognaise and can safely say Col’Cacchio is still knocking it out of the park on the pasta front. If you love pasta then make sure you also sneak a peek at the Fresh Pasta room at the V&A branch where you can see all the pasta making magic happen right before your eyes. Here you can also choose from a selection of filled and long pasta to take home along with your favourite sauce to enjoy right away or freeze for when the craving hits.

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And, of course, you need something to wash all that great food down with so make sure you also check out the cocktail menu. The drinks menu still includes the famous Col’Cacchio Sangria served by the glass or jug as well as a few other fantastic options such as the Toblerone (Bailey’s, Monin Macadamia, Swiss white chocolate extract, and fresh milk – R50) and Green Apple Daiquiri (Bacardi light rum, fresh lime, green apple puree, and Appeltiser – R65). There’s also a great wine menu available as well as a mocktail menu for teetotalers.

Find the new look Col’Cacchio on the Upper Level, Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront opposite Top Shop. For more info visit the Col’Cacchio website or say Hi to Col’Cacchio on Facebook.