Chef Giorgio Nava is at the helm of some of the most respected Italian restaurants in Cape Town and has spread his winning recipe and Milanese flair beyond the Central Business District with the opening of 95 at Parks in Constantia.
The third restaurant in his 95 Collection, 95 at Parks offers the same classically prepared, northern Italian fare as the original 95 Keerom which opened in 2003, with a few additional pastas, salads and meat options ideal for light lunches and more substantial dinners.
It’s authentic Italian food made from the best quality produce for an intimate dinner, a light lunch with friends, or a lazy Sunday family luncheon.
“We believe 95 at Parks fills a need for authentic Italian cuisine in Constantia and that our extended menu appeals both to our lunch time clientele, as well as meat lovers with our wide choice of prime cuts,” says Chef Giorgio who has transformed this period homestead with his unbridled passion and signature eclectic style.
Chef Giorgio Nava - Pic Guy Lerner
Botanical elements from the garden frame the relaxed country house feel with fresh greens and soft, light hews.
Sleek Milanese accents of uncluttered furnishings and giant 1930’s murals inspired by futurist Fortunato Depero set a modish tone.
The bar and sun filled conservatory is the place to be for pre-dinner Prosecco or Aperol spritz; or for a change of scenery, to end your meal with espresso and dessert.
Stand out salads unique to 95 at Parks include ultra-crispy baby calamari, quinoa with pomegranate, avocado and kale from the garden, steamed lentils with fresh greens, and a deconstructed caprese with creamy burrata mozzarella.
Other must try dishes are the delicious steamed mussels in tomato and white wine, home-made pasta with rich, hand cut ragout, and Asian inspired grilled tuna coated in toasted sesame seeds.
Carnivores will have a field day choosing from the array of meat dishes from classic Fiorentina T-Bone, fillet, sirloin, Karoo lamb, liver with caramalised onions and pork cutlets on the bone, to the more hearty slow cooked beef short rib and traditional Osso Buco.
The stars on the dessert menu are without doubt Chef Giorgio’s signature chocolate fondant with its molten lava of decadent dark chocolate, and delicate meringue wrapped in luscious Marsala Zabaglione crème.
In addition to the à la carte menu, 95 at Parks offers a 6-course Italian Experience tasting menu of showstopper dishes,, as well as a daily chef’s choice of seasonal gems.
Constantia wines take pride of place amongst the fine selection of South African wines, with well-known Italian wine growing regions also well represented on the carefully curated wine list.
Pic Guy Lerner