Café Mozart now under Madame Zingara’s wings

A lovely refurbished day-time restaurant next to the antique market in Church Street

'She' is everywhere in Cape Town. She, meaning the mysterious Madame Zingara. She is taking over our foodie city not as a chain restaurant but as a series of individual and cosy little spots where people can feel the love and, of course, magic. Her new baby Café Mozart re-opened in September 2010 and after some love-renovations and dreamful decorations in the antique corner of Church Street tourists and locals are sure to return to this magical space.

Café Mozart has been around for more than 35 years with different owners and in the old days one could listen to live classical music. The vibe of it's dreamy interior and staff is love, nostalgia, different times and cultures all coming together. Beautiful antique cups hang from the ceiling and the Maneki Neko Cat with the moving arm peers down from the shelf. God Ganesh... you are free to think what you want with Madame Zingara's presence all around you.

An essence of love and magic

The Bombay Bicycle Club, the Sidewalk Café, Café Mozart and new addition Café Paradiso are all from one magic family of which Peta is a part of. Peta moved from the Sidewalk Café to manage Café Mozart and says "We aim to provide a sense of welcome, a home away from home and an essence of love and magic. We revamped what was and want to take Mozart back to what it was. We kept a lot of the old staff and we want people to appreciate the space."

Food is one of the best reasons to visit with breakfast served till 12 including yummy omelettes, French Toast with halloumi, Pancake Steak, Muesli and many more options ranging between R20 and R48. Gourmet Sandwiches are filled with meat and vegetarian delights like the Open Bobotie Sandwich on whole wheat molasses bread or Roast Vegetables, mozzarella and pesto (R30 – R45). Expect warm toasty options like sausage, egg and tomato served with salad (R26 – R31).

Mozart Royale is highly recommended

I'm at Café Mozart for lunch and highly recommend the Mozart Royale Burger. "The chef is an artist" says our lovely waitress and it certainly looks like a piece of art served on a long white rectangular plate, the burger on one side, the artistic mix of sauces on the other with some super crispy fries to boot. I will certainly return for the Mozart Royale which is a feast for the eyes and super yummy.

Other lunch options include a buffet that changes daily, which I also have a nibble on, and lovely salads with seeds and different tastes (a regular plate costs R40). A board is inscribed with a choice of soups, salads, a mussel pot, fish and chips, Bobotie, pies, quiche, Schnitzel and aged sirloin at affordable prices. Plus, if there’s still space in your stomach, have a slice of lemon meringue pie, scones, brownies or another yummy dessert.

This place is delicious, inside and outside, for the eyes and for the soul. Enjoy.

By Antonia Heil

PS: You can chill out and work here with free Wifi! Bargain! Plus you can enjoy the yummy delicacies as take aways. There is also a private dining room upstairs with a 12-seater table and a comfortable seating area which is ideal for meetings or functions.

Madame Zingara is back in Cape Town.

Café Mozart
37 Church Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 424 3774

Opening hours:Monday-Friday:7am – 4.30pm, Saturday: 8am – 3.30pm, closed on Sundays

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