IL Postino in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa | Restaurant

A certain sign of renewal in a city precinct is when up-market eateries feel confident to set up store. Despite many cautionary tales of foreboding, the owners of IL Postino seized the opportunity to utilize the dusty, majestic gloom of the vacant Muizenberg Post Office building.
They have created a venue that encapsulates what could easily be the motto of the long awaited renaissance of Muizenberg, namely, â??Hope for the future through respect for the pastâ?. All the grand old 1930â??s elements of teak, brass and antique brickwork were maintained. Out went plastic bulkheads and garish 1980â??s branding. In came deft touches of lighting and décor, carefully chosen to compliment the value of what came before.
The food is almost universally praised, because although innovation and interpretation abound, it is never at the expense of quality, taste and wholesomeness. No seawater sorbet fads or de-constructionist ego projects are allowed in this kitchen. The chefâ??s are visibly passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. As you watch them work, it is plain that they care about what they put on your plate. No clock watching curmudgeons or pimply faced plate packers are tolerated on this team.