Restaurant review – Gabbiani’s

An intimate affair.
Gabbiani’s is located in the Balvista centre which has turned into almost the epicentre for the restaurants in Ballito.
I like the layout of the restaurant with the takeaway and sit down section divided into two separate areas. The menu is well balance with a good selection that will please most people.
We started off with an antipasto platter, which was very high quality and all the meats were fantastic. The gorgonzola was rich and creamy, although I did find the artichokes a bit soft and would have liked to have seen a bruschetta or mini focaccia with a dash of rocket. That would have really made it for me. The main course was exactly what I was looking for.
We had the spaghetti and Napolitana and a stunning fettuccini with tomatoes and artichoke sauce. All the sauces were wonderfully light without over powering the pasta and not being too bitter as some tomato base sauces can be. All pastas were al dente. They also have some amazing desserts. I enjoyed the tartufo* as it blended a few of my favourite things, Italian kisses and a slight flavour of rum and raisin ice cream.
Unlike a lot of meals I have had on the North Coast I finished the meal without feeling heavy and full, making it everything I look for in a meal.
The waiter was amazing and the service friendly and efficient. What really impressed me was when the owner Franco come out of the kitchen to check on the table wearing a chefs jacket. He does all of the cooking. The venue is small and intimate which I enjoy. In fact the entire bottom village really has the potential to be a food Mecca, and Gabbiani’s is a great addition.