Casa Labia is a special landmark on Muizenberg’s historical mile. After it’s restoration in 2010 by the Labia family, it re-opened as Cape Town’s foremost Cultural Centre.  Built in 1929 by newly weds Count and Countess Natale Labia to reflect the spirit of 18^th century Venice, the treasured national monument with its tranquil gardens and glorious sea views is now home to a contemporary South African art gallery, the afro-chic Casbah Design Boutique, and the celebrated Italian inspired café.

Casa Labia Café

Casa Labia Café is open for breakfast and lunch (Tuesdays to Sundays), with alfresco seating available in the courtyard, as well as on the terrace overlooking the aquamarine ocean at Muizenberg and St James.

Paying homage to the Labia family’s Italian heritage, it presents a fusion of Italian food culture and signature home-style cooking – simple, seasonal and fresh.

Director and granddaughter of Count Labia, Antonia Labia, says, ‘In true Italian style, our philosophy is to keep everything very simple and to use the best quality ingredients. This is our signature and is far more important than the complexity of dishes. Most of the dishes have Italian inspiration, but essentially it’s not an Italian menu. Regulars come back for the Casa Labia Club Sandwich, and during our popular afternoon tea, for our talented baker’s home-made cakes, cupcakes and sweet and savoury tarts.’

A breakfast dish to try is Eggs Pavarotti, as inspired by the Italian flag and a fitting tribute to the great opera singer: poached eggs served with spinach, pancetta and a red pepper Hollandaise sauce on sweet potato toast (R88).  Lunch options include Prosciutto with citrus fruit and Limoncello, Power Quinoa Salad of raw and steamed vegetables, and always fresh from the nearby harbour and fish market, Line Fish (SASSI approved) served with spicy potatoes and a poached egg. Ending on a sweet note is Double Chilli Chocolate Mousse with Pistachios, while Meringue Nests with Blueberries and Lemon Curd served with Mascarpone remains a firm favourite!

Weddings and Special Events

By prior arrangement, the Café and other Casa Labia venues are available for private dinners, weddings and functions. With a unique splendour that appeals to both the corporate and private sectors, Casa Labia effortlessly lends itself to the creation of special experiences and unforgettable memories.  A specialist internal events team will oversee every detail of your special event whilst recommending the best service providers available in terms of catering, décor and design, entertainment, lighting, security and photography.

Special Events to diarise this August
9 August 2014
Banting breakfast and talk by Professor Timothy Noakes
R270 per person including

9 August to 7 September 2014
Double solo exhibition opening – Anthony Abbott and Eric Judd
Open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am to 4pm

14 August 2014
Morning concert series, arranged and presented by George Hill
Thursday’s concert features Jacqueline Kerrod (harp), Jill King (viola) and Liesl Stolz (flute)
R70 per person, cash to be paid at the door on arrival

For more information visit Casa Labia, mail  or call 021 788 6068.

Words: Cara Lee Ruditzky, Fairlady fashion editor
Image: Casa Labia