Arlecchino: Sea Point's newest dining destination

The Tashas Group, known for offering a laid-back, chic and casual yet elevated dining experience, has opened its newest venture, Arlecchino, on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Located on Regent Road in Sea Point, Arlecchino by Tasha's offers a modern interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine tailored to fit Cape Town's dining scene and diners' palettes.

Natasha Sideris, the founder and CEO of Tashas Group, further highlights this, stating the central focus of the restaurant is, "Mediterranean at heart but guided by instinct rather than rules."

A dining experience tailored to Cape Town's coastal energy

Leading the menu development, Tashas Group Culinary Director Jill Okkers drew inspiration from the flavours, heart and essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

While the new restaurant may differ from the Tashas Group restaurants diners know and love, Arlecchino remains rooted in the group’s philosophy, offering an all-day, ingredient-driven dining experience.

With a dedicated breakfast offering served from 8am to 12.00pm, diners can expect everything from a classic brekkie of a three-cheese omelette to more decadent morning fare such as panettone French toast served with mascarpone, crème anglaise and amarena cherries.

Emphasising the restaurant's importance in creating a menu that speaks ot the rhythms of diners, Jill shares, "breakfast is where people decide how they want their day to feel. We wanted options that are both comforting and uplifting, without ever feeling predictable.”

The all-day menu echoes the foundations of Mediterranean cuisine, favouring generous portions, an unfussy approach and fresh ingredients that take centre stage.

The antipasti and insalata offering highlights fresh, crisp textures alongside vibrant and understated flavours that work together in tandem to create a wholesome dish.

From Creama di feta, whipped feta dip served with crispy salted hand-cut crisps to the Verde Salad with crispy artichokes, rocket, parmesan, fennel and dill.

The pasta options, which, in an attempt to forgo my bias (I will not), are cooked to perfection, al dente style, exude the classic Italian comfort of rich, balanced flavours in every bite. The Amalfi Lemon features the perfect balance of zest and cream, enveloping one's taste buds as the lemon cuts through the creaminess without losing the sauce's indulgent essence.

Heartier, meatier mains include the chicken parmigiana, served with Napoletana, basil pesto, parmesan crisps and rocket.

True to its coastal location, seafood plays a central role in the mains section, blending Mediterranean tradition with the Cape's oceanic bounty. Dishes which echo this include the Bazaruto Prawns with spiced cherry tomato and lemon butter sauce, served with shoestring fries.

While they currently do not serve pizzas due to a malfunction with their oven, the menu boasts classics including a margherita alongside Mediterranean-esque Pancetta with Italian cured meat Guanciale, bacon, garlic cream and onion marmalade. Paninis, Italian-style sandwiches, are available until 6pm, with options such as the Prawn Roll.

Curated around the experience of pleasure, the dessert offerings are no exception, with both decadent and light options.

This includes Tiramisú served with dulce de leche and mascarpone cream, all on a lady finger sponge madeleine, topped with cocoa nibs, to summer in a glass, refreshing, sweet and tangy, and the panna cotta with citrus coulis and grapefruit and orange sorbet.

Sips served 

The drinks menu features a range of cocktails inspired by Italian aperitivo traditions. Crafted by Tashas Group Beverage Director Krystian Hordejuk, diners can sip and savour a signature Arlecchino Spritz or a mini martini, Martini Minatura.

If hard liquor isn't your forte, the restaurant's extensive wine menu boasts standout South African and Italian producers.

Interactive dining showcase 

 With an interactive dining experience in mind, Arlecchino features a bar cart with live cocktail preparation service, as the talented in-house mixologists prepare a select number of drinks at your table. 

And this doesn't just apply to cocktails; other dishes, such as a selection of salads and desserts, are put together at diners' tables, offering a peek into the process and a chance to let your mouth water as you gaze upon the healthy dollop of dulce de leche smothered onto the lady finger sponge madeleine as your tiramisu order comes to life. 

The interiors

Careful consideration was given to the visual design and look-and-feel of the restaurant, weaving the core theme of Arlecchino throughout.

Emphasis on its coastal location is evident throughout the restaurant, with hues of green, deep blue, and gold lining the interiors, and beach-accented elements like wooden chairs and more. 

From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that the space carries the distinctive look and feel for which Tashas is known. 

With an interior and curb-side outdoor dining experience, perfect for those alfresco evenings or a casual cocktail on the weekend, the restaurant

Ishani ChettyArlecchino interiors

Need to know details: 

Address: 16 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town.

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 11pm. The kitchen closes at 10