Often overlooked, one of the most beautiful aspects of Cape Town are some of the old, colonial buildings which are scattered around the city – time capsules housing both the old and the new.

Villa 47 on Bree Street is one of those. Inside this historic three-story building you will find yourself immersed in authentic Italian food and culture.

Stuzzico, on the second floor of Villa 47, has brought the Italian tradition of aperitivo to life, with a little modern flair. Think of aperitivo as the Italian version of tapas – and let’s be honest, Cape Town has a bit of a love affair with the practice of reluctantly sharing bite-sized food.

A stop in at Stuzzico is the perfect way to end off the working day -– join up with friends to share a drink and a snack before heading out for dinner. The ambience is chilled and upbeat – intimate tables for two, comfy couches in the corner with a cozy fireplace for cold winter evenings. There are also long tables for large groups, or people just wanting to chat and meet new people.

Every Tuesday to Saturday from 16h00 you can experience your very own aperitivo. Guests who order an Aperol Spritz drink are treated to a small selection of nibbles. Expect to find revamped old Italian classics on the menu such as beetroot and feta arancini and authentically sourced Italian Parma ham wrapped around polenta chips. The menu offers an interesting mix of Italian and East Asian cuisine – the crunchy crispy tempura zucchini chips with a sesame and hoisin dip are a must-try.

If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, keep a look out for the gorgeous Italian chef Vittorio Bianchi (who works under head chef, Clayton Bell) – you may not understand anything he says but you may find him as mesmerizing as the food. The next time you’re in the area looking for a pre-dinner drink, pop into Stuzzico at Villa 47 and start your evening the Italian way.

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