Light, airy, and luxuriously spacious, Moderna Café at Gateway Theatre of Shopping is a breath of fresh air infused with the rich, vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. Our party of four opted for an outdoor booth, where we could immerse ourselves in the late-afternoon uMhlanga rhythm while savouring a variety of exquisite cocktails and meals.
As far as signature sips go, we can confidently vouch for the refreshing bite of the coconut & chilli lime with Olmeca Silver tequila; the seductively sweet peach thyme sparkler with Aperol and sparkling wine; the delightfully fruity frozen mixed berry Bellini with Absolut Vodka and sparkling wine; or the passionfruit blossom mojito with orange juice for an alcohol-free option. The Spanish latte martini, a sweet and sexy elixir of espresso and condensed milk, with Absolut Vodka and coffee liqueur, is an ideal dessert alternative, especially for those looking for a pick-me-up before hitting the club.
For starters, we shared two flavourful vegetarian options – the cheese croquettes, served on a creamy arrabbiata sauce, and the spanakopita.
Moderna Café is one of the few restaurants that caters to every taste and does so with distinction. From seafood to pasta, pizza, grills or burgers, to salads, flatbread foldovers, and toasted sandwiches served with chips, this menu is guaranteed to put a smile on even the most discerning eater’s dial.
Pasta connoisseurs will appreciate that Moderna Café makes its pasta from scratch. We were impressed with the Pescatore pasta made with calamari and prawns in a rich Napolitana sauce, served with freshly made bucatini. On the owner’s recommendation, we also ordered the Hot Honey Pork Ribs, the Woodfired Prawns (eight queen prawns wood-fired in the pizza oven, basted with paprika, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, served with chips or green veg), and the Calamari Fritti (deep-fried calamari served with garlic aioli and chips or green veg). Executive Chef Sanele Gqele had outdone himself. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, the prawns perfectly cooked, and each meal’s carefully crafted flavour profile a gastronomic crescendo.
If you’re looking for more recommendations beyond what we were able to fit in, the Braised Beef Short Rib, served with creamy mash as a main course, and the panna cotta, served with mixed berries for dessert, also come highly recommended.
Website: www.modernacafe.co.za
Instagram: moderna.za
Tel: 031 210 0612
Words by: Jacqueline Herbst