George’s Caspita Mediterranean Restaurant is a firm favourite with both locals and visiting tourists.
It may not be in one of South Africa’s major metropoles but it certainly punches above its weight. Owned by Nicolo and Natalene Zampieri, this popular Western Cape establishment made the Top 10 in the inaugural Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge last year, beating tough competition from restaurants in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.
Caspita opened as a small family oriented eatery three years ago and has since become one of the city’s hotspots.
Says Zampieri: “Making the Top 10 was an extremely proud moment for us, as we had only been open a short period. George is also quite small compared to some of the bigger cities in South Africa, so we were very chuffed.”
Caspita is once again competing in the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge, and this time aiming for the top spot, so we sat down with Zampieri to ask about pizzas including that much debated question about whether or not pineapple belongs on a pizza!
What makes your pizzas so special?
We use imported, high quality ingredients and we believe that the secret lies in our pizza base.
What is your signature pizza or best-seller?
The Amore, which is bacon, avocado and feta.
What is your definition of a good pizza?
It all lies with the base, thin and crispy with the right amount of stretch to it.
Would you say South Africa has some of the best pizza you have ever tried?
Yes, having travelled to Italy, the home of the pizza, we’re definitely not far behind.
What’s better, a thin crust or a thick crust?
Definitely thin, is that a question?
Your favourite toppings on a pizza are?
Keep it simple, you can’t go wrong with a traditional margherita or focaccia with cheese.
Is there anything that should never be a pizza topping?
Pineapple and banana
What wine varietal do you drink when eating a pizza?
Merlot or Pinotage.
The Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge runs from July 1 through September 30, 2022, with the Top 10 and Winner being announced in mid-October. The challenge is open to any restaurant offering pizza on their menu and holding a valid liquor license.
Consumers dining at participating restaurants will notice point-of-sale containing a QR code that prompts them to the voting platform. For more information and to vote via the website, please visit: www.votepizza.wine
Each week, a lucky voter will be drawn to win wine from Porcupine Ridge and an EarthFire Pizza Stone & Cutter. A grand prize winner drawn at the end of the challenge will receive wine from Porcupine Ridge, an EarthFire Pizza Oven as well as pizza to the value of R2,000 from their favourite pizzeria.
For more on Porcupine Ridge, please visit: www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/porcupine-ridge
Caspita Mediterranean Restaurant, N2 Victoria Heights, George, tel: 071 578 1055
Social media details:
- Facebook: Caspita Mediterranean Restaurant
Instagram: @Caspita Vic Heights
