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Some meals satisfy your appetite. Others become stories you tell long after the last plate has been cleared. Settebello's La Ciccia: The Butcher's Table is firmly in the latter category.
Returning for its third year, this monthly nine-course Italian feast celebrates the country's deep-rooted meat traditions through generous sharing plates, excellent wines and an atmosphere that turns complete strangers into dinner companions.
The Vibe
Hosted around one long communal table, the experience immediately feels different from a traditional restaurant visit. Instead of sitting at your own isolated table, guests share dishes, stories, wine and conversation with fellow diners.
And that's exactly the point.
It feels less like dining out and more like being invited to an elaborate Italian family gathering. The result was a dining experience that felt immersive, social and deeply enjoyable. Yes, the food was excellent. Yes, the nine-course menu delivered on flavour, craftsmanship and generosity. But what made La Ciccia special was its ability to create connection.
What elevated the evening from an excellent dinner to a truly unforgettable experience, however, was something entirely unexpected. As diners worked their way through the nine courses, the opening match of the World Cup played on screens throughout the restaurant. What began as a casual shared viewing experience soon evolved into one of those rare moments that can't be manufactured.
At one point during the evening, approximately 50 diners gathered around the communal table, stood together and sang the South African national anthem. For a few minutes, complete strangers were united by good food, football and a shared love for their country.
It was one of those moments that will live rent-free in my mind for years to come. Long after I forget exactly what was on every plate, I'll remember that room full of strangers singing together.
The food
Over the course of the evening, approximately 50 diners are taken on a journey through some of Italy's most beloved meat-focused dishes. The experience begins with whipped lard drizzled with honey and chilli, served on mini bruschette alongside cured meats, before moving through a series of beautifully prepared courses, including delicate beef carpaccio, slow-braised beef-filled supplì, handmade agnolotti finished in burnt butter and sage, and a rich ossobuco served with creamy risotto.
The grilled lamb chop with rosemary jus was a standout, while the pork belly paired with a fennel-and-orange salad delivered a beautiful balance of richness and freshness. The evening's centrepiece, a fire-grilled Florentina steak designed for sharing, arrived with all the theatre and generosity one would expect from a celebration of Italian meat culture.
Then came the surprise star of the evening.
A lemon sorbet palate cleanser arrived midway through the experience and instantly became one of the most memorable dishes of the night. Bright, refreshing and perfectly balanced, it provided a welcome reset between courses and prepared diners for the feast still to come. It was so good that before leaving, I found myself purchasing a tub to take home.
Which brings me to one of Settebello's most underrated offerings.
Beyond the restaurant, a charming grocery and deli space stocks products featured throughout the dining experience. Guests can purchase everything from wines and artisanal pasta to cheeses, pantry staples and, thankfully, that incredible sorbet. It's a thoughtful extension of the brand that allows diners to take a small piece of the experience home with them.
Why go
At R950 per person, La Ciccia isn't an everyday dinner. But considering the quality of the food, the generosity of the portions, the uniqueness of the concept and the memories it creates, it offers exceptional value for anyone looking for a dining experience that goes beyond what's on the plate. And honestly, that's a recipe that's hard to beat.