Critical to my evaluation of a restaurant is the food. There are other big factors, sure, but you can forgive some if the food transports you. With every bite of Massimo's thin-based, perfectly crafted pizza I am transported to Sunday afternoons at my Nonna. Only an Italian will understand how to make a pizza that can impress other Italians. You can taste the quality control; Massimo and Tracy are pedantic about their raw ingredients and ensuring they only have the freshest materials. Massimo is also extremely hands-on in the kitchen. The pizza oven is exposed and not hidden behind kitchen doors, so you can see Massimo and his team rolling the bases, shifting more wood into the back of the oven, and so on. More importantly, Massimo's very presence there allows him to experiment with new ideas and keep the specials' board as fresh as the ingredients. I highly recommend a Pancetta (R79), or Massimo's local version of a Salsiccia (R79). Those who like fresh, adventurous tastes should try the Coppa (R79) or the Pere (R68).
Of course, accompanying any meal is a good selection of drink, starter, and dessert choices. I can fully recommend the Piatto di Legno (R89) starter, as it is a selection of antipasti that would make any Italian mother proud. The melanzane is particularly delicious, and the platter is big enough for two people to share, comfortably. It also comes with some of Massimo's freshly baked breads. The wine selection is small but perfectly suited to accompanying the meal, and includes the Terra del Capo Sangiovese (R120), which is of an Italian cultivar of some distinction. For dessert you have a number of options, but I highly recommend the Tiramisu (R32), which truly is a "pull-me-up". To complete the experience, top it off with a shot of their home-made Limoncello (R18), which is served chilled and best sipped slowly over after-dinner conversation.
Okay, so what else separates the extraordinary from the herd? Service is one big thing and Massimo's has that in abundance. Tracy is on the floor the entire time, so if there is even the hint of a problem she's there and attending to it. Unlike most managers, she has a vested interest in the success of the restaurant, so she doesn't stop to take a 30-minute smoke break around the corner. She's always smiling and always helpful, and somehow manages to remember the names of all the regulars. The waiters and waitresses are well trained, friendly, and efficient. They don't hover around you so that you feel they're intruding, nor do they merely take your order. They suggest new items, are active in ensuring that your glass is filled, and are always happy.
Ambiance is also vital in ensuring that I have a good time. On that topic, it's important to understand the location and layout of Massimo's. With the amount of energy, bare-knuckled work, creativity and passion that Massimo and Tracy both put in to their restaurant, it is doubtful that they would be able to operate a lunch-to-late restaurant. Their focus is on dinner and, more specifically, they only operate from 5.30pm on Wednesdays to Sundays. With this structure, it makes no financial sense for them to have their own venue that would lie dormant for the majority of the week. They share a venue with Scarecrows and have a great working relationship with them. Somehow they manage to make the restaurant look and feel completely different in the evening, with the Italian music complementing the softer lighting.
In short, Massimo's Pizza Club is undeniably the best pizzeria in all of Cape Town. It is owned and operated by two people who love what they do and insist on only the best for their clientele. The prices are remarkably low for food this good. Do yourself a favour and get there for dinner as soon as possible; you won't be disappointed. For big groups (more than six people) book in advance, and go for the R140-a-head pizza feast. It is a tour of pizza flavours that is well worth it.
Click here to stand a chance to win a Piatto di Legno platter from Massimo's Pizza Club
Telephone: +27 (0)73 390 1373 or +27 (0)21 790 7906
Website: www.pizzaclub.co.za
Email:
Address: Massimo's Pizza Club @ Scarecrows, Oakhurst Farm Park, Main Road, Hout Bay
