Caffé Balducci, Sea Point’s new all-day social destination

BALDUCCI, Cape Town’s iconic Italian dining institution, has made its highly anticipated return. This September, the legendary name re-emerged in a brand-new incarnation: Caffé Balducci, opening in the vibrant Piazza St John precinct in the heart of Sea Point.

A modern-day ode to the glamour, energy and effortless allure of classic European café society, Caffé Balducci combines the signature Balducci soul with the buzz, diversity and creativity of contemporary Cape Town.

Open from 8.30am until late, it brings an irresistible all-day café culture to Piazza St John. From early-morning espresso and ceremonial-grade matcha to leisurely breakfasts, Italian-style lunches, sundowners, wining and dining, and late-night socialising, Caffé Balducci is designed for every part of the day. Two alfresco terraces and tables spilling into the piazza create the perfect setting to soak up the sunshine, meet, mingle and be seen.

And so, a new chapter begins for a restaurant that has held a special place in the hearts of Cape Town diners for three decades. From its glamorous harbour-side V&A Waterfront home, Balducci became part of the city’s social fabric – a place where generations celebrated birthdays, shared first dates, enjoyed family lunches, toasted milestones and simply stopped by because it was Balducci. Forced to close during the pandemic, its absence left a distinct gap in Cape Town’s dining scene.

Now, Caffé Balducci is filling this gap. 

While the address is new, the spirit remains unmistakably Balducci: a passion for Italian food and the freshest ingredients, a deep love of wine, slick service, stylish interiors and that inimitable Balducci magic. Expect acclaimed favourites and Italian classics alongside flavour-packed noodles and fresh sushi from the Asian Noodles & Sushi Bar, trendy café favourites and other exciting new additions.

Caffé Balducci is a place to eat, meet, linger and return to. Somewhere between the first sip of coffee, the first plate of pasta and the last glass shared around the table, Cape Town can rediscover exactly why it fell in love with Balducci.