When last did you tuck into a hearty bowl of pasta? For me, it was last Friday, when I quite literally stumbled upon the homiest, most gorgeous little authentic Italian restaurant that is Assaggi.
Hidden away in the Post Office centre in Illovo, I’d like to think of this spot as a hidden gem, but judging by the crowds when I arrived for dinner, I’d say it’s quite the opposite!
I arrived with my mom, who was up in Joburg for the weekend, and we were instantly greeted by the friendly, welcoming waiters. It was a cold and rainy evening, so we opted to take a seat at a comfortable table in the middle of the cosy little restaurant. The atmosphere was unpretentious and homey, which I just loved.
To start off our evening, we ordered up a bottle of red wine and deep-fried zucchini chips.
The zucchini chips were done in a tasty beer batter, and were simply divine. For our mains, my mom and I then both decided to go with the same dish, which came off the specials menu – homemade pasta pockets filled with buffala mozzarella, spinach, mushroom and ricotta, served in a napoletana sauce with a dash of cream.
Our pasta dishes arrived promptly, and they were simply glorious. The sauce was rich and hearty, and the pasta itself was as fresh as can be, made with quality ingredients that were abundant in every mouthful. Needless to say, my mom and I both cleaned our plates and were left feeling tremendously satisfied!
However, we weren't too full to try one (or two) of the decadent desserts on offer. We decided to order both the Zuccotto Al Masacarpone (sponge cake made with special mascarpone cream, candied orange, chocolate and Gran Marnier) as well as the Crema Catalana (a cream dessert topped with a flamed sugar crust) to share. Both stunningly presented, the desserts were simply out of this world. Rich, creamy and wonderfully moreish, they made for the perfect sweet ending to our memorable meal.
All I can say is that Assaggi is the perfect spot for an intimate lunch or dinner, so best you get yourself over there. During my time there, I really felt as if I was in the heart of Italy!
So, the next time you’re craving an authentic Italian meal, look no further than this romantic little place. They truly serve up some of the tastiest, most traditional home-cooked Italian food I’ve tasted. You’re sure to love it!
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