The Sunday roast you didn’t expect to find in Century City

Mention Century City, and it most likely brings to mind busy shopping scenes or school-holiday food-court activations inside the mall. Once upon a time, it was the good ol’ days of Ratanga Junction! Although more recently, the precinct has found fresh creative appeal as the new home of the reinvented Countess Zingara experience. 

For me, though, it now stokes flavours of antipasti, starting with an Amarula-infused chicken liver pâté and ending on a sweet note with a classic Italian tiramisù that's so moreish. That’s thanks to Gusto Urban Italian, which quietly launched a monthly Italian Roast Buffet this past Sunday, adding another compelling reason to see the area differently.  

The experience leans into generous, comfort-led fare with an Italian accent, while still feeling unmistakably South African. Head chef Chad Grahame explains that the Amarula twist was a deliberate local choice, a nod to Italian tradition, reworked for the Cape. The heavyweight flavour of the day was the beautifully cooked Tuscan-style roast leg of lamb.

Marinated artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, cured meats and a well-considered cheese board, although I would have liked a few more crispier bread options to go with the standout pâté  to round off the antipasti.

Another main hero was the mussels steamed in Pinot Grigio, adding a delicious coastal touch. The rest of the mains stayed in crowd-pleasing territory, such as baked penne with ricotta and pomodoro, pollo alla cacciatora, roast seasonal vegetables, and mushroom and sage risotto.

On the floor, hotel manager Renato Lardelli - formerly of the Cape Grace - is hands-on and present, checking in on guests and championing Century City as an easy, unexpected Sunday alternative for visitors.   

The precinct can be mistaken for a strictly business affair with its boutique Century City Conference Centre able to accommodate events for just under 2000 delegates, and the Urban Square Hotel and Bridgewater Hotel just steps away. Together they form part of the wider Rabie Property Group precinct, with restaurants like Gusto and Umami making a strong case for blending business, leisure and dining within the neighbourhood which has a distincly safe and secure, as well as walkable edge to it with the canal walkways and surrounding Central Park - which often hosts weekend events like the Chinese New Year festival this past Saturday.   

This monthly buffet, served on the last Sunday of each month, isn’t a flashy reinvention of Sunday lunch. What makes it especially appealing is that Gusto has been hiding in plain sight along the canals, all along — now stepping into the spotlight with a confident, well-executed reason to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Century City. 

Booking essentials

• Sunday Italian Roast Buffet
• R425 per person | Kids under 12 half price
• 12h00 – 15h00 | Every last Sunday of the month with the next one on Sunday, 29 March. 
• Gusto Urban Italian: Century City Conference Centre Precinct, corner of Energy Lane and Century Boulevard, Century City.
• Pre-bookings recommended