You won't find any slices of pizza here, but you will experience a slice of yesteryear - life as we knew it more than 50 years ago. Harlequin Restaurant, established by Angelo Inzadi in the heart of Parow in 1965, is as authentic as it comes.
A time and travel capsule - straight to the sixties, and to Italy!
Not only is the decor basically untouched; even the style of serving has survived. Remember the good old days when friendly waitrons brought you a salad and some freshly baked rolls as part of the course? Well, then you will feel love it here!
A lot of people from all over Cape Town come for dinner at night when the atmosphere is old-school romantic with candlelight flickering against arched walls and an old-fashioned mural of a lake. There are even little Juliet balconies if you want to serenade each other. The parking area at the back of the restaurant also makes it easy to park.
Yet, I prefer to come here during the day, when the interesting characters are having lunch - in big noisy groups; for secretive meetings over shots of tequila or to sit at the big windows with your "boys" with its view on the street.
The food by Chef Americo Zucatto is authentic Italian, served in big portions. The prices correlate with that in other restaurants, maybe even less expensive. We had lobster tail and the Veal Piccata Angelo. There are also Osso Buco, Trippa all Milanese (tripe) and Rabbit Stew if you want to be more adventurous. Pastas are also plentiful: From Spaghetti Napoletana to gnocchi, canneloni and lasagne.
It was late afternoon when we left. The group of muscled young men were still staring out of the window, the sun filtered through the yellowing blinds like faded memories. In a corner, two old men were drinking tequila after a voluptuous meal.
Sophia Loren, who once said she owes her figure and beauty to pasta, would have felt right at home.
Highly recommended.
For lovers of old school and Italian food. Excellent value for money.
281 Voortrekker Rd, Parow