Caffé Villagio is a Mediterranean coffee shop-restaurant situated in Sable Square Mall, on the border of Century City, and trades 7 days a week, offering an extensive all-day-breakfast range and specialises in Mediterranean cuisine such as shwarma (lamb, pork and chicken), homemade pastries, meze (tapas) and sweets. We sat down with them recently to chat about their mission, the coffee-shop, the influences that shape their menu and – of course – their love for good homely food!
Q: Can you introduce Caffe Villagio in a few short sentences?
A: We started Caffé Villagio in 2004 with one thing in mind: to be a positive role in people’s lives. We are not just a coffee shop. So, what is Caffé Villagio? The kitchen is Mediterranean-inspired, mostly Greek and offers quality, value-for-money, homemade fare. Nothing is better than eating or drinking something that contains only fresh, quality ingredients.
A basic cornerstone of our concept is making everything on site from scratch, as it is the difference between mediocre and striving for the best. There can never be shortcuts when it comes to food and beverage as it is in any industry, really.
Caffé Villagio is also a catering company. When it comes to organising catering for corporate meetings, home parties, a baby shower, kitchen tea or birthday, look no further than our quality platters.
So, let’s get back to the positive role we like to play in people’s lives. Apart from the awesome food and beverages we serve, the ambience is warm and welcoming. Our staff, who have been with us from the beginning work together with us to create an experience that is lasting and memorable. It is not just a job to them as they have understood and bought into our concept.
Almost six years down the line, we are doing what we are doing with the same passion and love as the day we started and might we add that the passion has grown. We are here every day and we are inspired by our patrons to continue offering the gastronomic selection that is on our menu and to constantly update and upgrade it. The experience and the attention to the small details make all the difference. Caffé Villagio is your meeting place, eating place, time-out place, hiding place. Whatever your reason to visit us, always be assured of GOOD FOOD MADE WITH LOVE™
Q: Where does the Greek influence come from? What other influences can be found on the menu?
A: The owners, Chris and Lilia are Greek, hence the love for Greek food. It is such an appealing cuisine to so many people from other nationalities. Our menu is also influenced by other Mediterranean countries such as Israel and Italy. Apart from our regular menu, every Friday we run a lunch time special called: ‘For the Love of Greek Food Friday’s’. It changes every Friday and it is true Greek cuisine.
Q: When entering the restaurant, one can definitely feel the very homely atmosphere. Does that also translate into the dishes that you prepare? Have you received any feedback from customers?
A: This is most certainly the case. Our food oozes love and homemade quality. Being in the food industry you cannot cut corners. It is like inviting someone into your own home and you want to show your guest hospitality through making him/her feel good. How do you do that? You prepare a meal that will not only fill him/her up, but also be tasty, colourful and want the person to have more! We have endless comments from customers who rave about our product, and that is why we have a very regular clientele that has been built up over our almost 6 year existence and Sable Square. We also have a lot of ‘word of mouth’ business, which is like gold. Attention to detail and consistency is vital to our concept and it is because of this that we were nominated for CapeTalk 567/Softline Pastel Small Business Awards for 2011 and finished as finalists.
Q: What is your favourite item on the menu? And Why?
A: It is so difficult to say because our entire menu is a representation of ourselves and our influences. But, there is one section and that is the Shwarma and Mediterrean cuisine section that stands out. It is made up of the following items:
– Lamb, chicken or pork shwarma (open-style or rolled up in pita bread)
– Falafel
– Moussaka
– Spanakopita
The photos speak for themselves.
Q: What other dishes are popular at Caffe Villagio. What do your customers rave about the most?
A: Without a doubt the breakfast menu. It is served all day and you can find many different options:
– Croissants
– Health
– French toast
– Crumpets
– Full cooked breakfasts
– Omelettes
The most popular breakfast is our R18.95 special served daily between 9-11am which is made up of eggs, bacon, tomato, fries, toast & coffee/tea/juice all inclusive.
Q: Tell us a little about your delivery options.
A: Most of our menu is available on a take-away basis and may be collected in-store.
Q: You also do catering! What kind of events do you enjoy doing the most and what have you done in the past?
A: Yes, absolutely. This is an arm of the business that we are passionate about. We have done plenty of catering for office functions, kitchen teas, baby showers and birthdays. We have catered for VIP events in Camps Bay and the CBD and the general Cape Town area involving international celebrities, prominent business people and royalty. We also cooperate with event management companies who need catering to be done for functions. We do anything from platters to buffet spreads.
Q: Any last comments?
A: ‘Quality is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.’
Directions to Caffé Villagio
Sable Square
Cnr Bosmansdam & Ratanga Roads
Milnerton
Tel: 021 5287577
Fax: 086 560 3720
Email: info@villagio.co.za
Web: www.villagio.co.za
