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Step into the Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront just about any day of the week, and you’ll find that one of the busiest kitchens is the one tucked way back in the corner, as hungry fans flock to CARNE for a taste of chef Giorgia Nava’s meat-forward Italian plates.
Now Nava is flexing that flavour profile into frutti di mare with Pesce, a new seafood-focused pop-up that has launched at Time Out Market Cape Town.
The name means, simply, ‘fish’ in Italian and the menu does what it says on the tin: fish (and seafood) in all its forms, given the same level of care and attention as you’ll find at CARNE.
Here you’ll find the same unfussy confidence that has long defined Nava’s cooking in Cape Town, whether it’s at the original 95 Keerom (sadly now closed), CARNE in the city, or his brand-new Temaky bar in Heritage Square. There are no overbearing sauces, no heavy-handed heat, and nothing to detract from the unfiltered flavour of quality seafood, served with a sprinkle of Mediterranean flair.
“Cape Town has such wonderful seafood that it really deserves a place at the Market,” says Nava. “So when a space became available for a pop-up kitchen, of course, I immediately said yes.”
As with Nava’s other eateries, the menu here starts with top-quality produce, from the fish to the shellfish to the olive oil. It’s about seafood first and foremost, served without the need for any distraction. And, to fit the market, the plating is simple and stylish; quick enough for a Market lunch, but generous enough to linger over with a glass of wine and a table full of shared plates.
Behind the simplicity lies a menu with proper depth, though. While the fish burger or a plate of fried baby calamari tossed in salt and pepper is perfect for a quick bite, delve a little deeper, and you’ll find some seriously impressive seafood plates.
Spaghetti with prawns comes tossed with baby tomatoes and fresh herbs – a dish ideal for those sunny mid-winter days – while a hearty bowl of steamed black mussels, served with fries of course, will be my order when the rain rolls in. Whole grilled line fish is a showstopper plate that will have your fellow diners giving you the side-eye with order envy, and it definitely needs to be shared.
“I have made sure there is something for everyone at Pesce,” says Nava. “You can come for a simple plate of calamari, or order the amazing whole line-fish to share. What’s important to me is that people get to discover and enjoy the incredible flavour of fresh seafood that is cooked simply, but perfectly. For me, it’s always all about quality.”
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