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There’s something incredibly special about discovering a restaurant that instantly makes you feel at home — and that’s exactly what we experienced at Lievita.
Having opened just over a month ago, this beautiful Italian eatery is already making waves in Stellenbosch, and after our recent lunch visit on Workers’ Day, it’s easy to understand why. Although the restaurant is known to be especially busy during dinner service, lunch was equally vibrant and buzzing with energy, with almost every table filled.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were welcomed into a warm and inviting atmosphere. The crackling fireplace added the perfect cozy touch, creating the kind of ambiance that immediately slows you down and makes you want to settle in for a long, leisurely meal. We were warmly greeted by Eunice, whose friendly nature set the tone for the rest of the experience.
Our waiter, Bella, was absolutely wonderful — attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. She guided us through the dishes, offered recommendations, and made us feel completely at ease despite the restaurant being so busy.
At Lievita, they pride themselves on staying true to the time-honoured traditions of Italian cuisine, and that dedication is evident in every detail. From locally sourced ingredients to imported Italian specialties, every dish feels thoughtfully curated and deeply authentic.
The Food Experience
We started with the Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca e Calamari, a comforting yet bold pasta dish layered with flavour. The combination of classic puttanesca elements — San Marzano tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies — delivered the perfect balance of richness, saltiness, and acidity. The calamari heads added a delicate seafood flavour that elevated the dish beautifully. Every bite tasted deeply authentic, like something you’d find tucked away in a little trattoria along the Italian coast.
Then came the pizzas — and honestly, this is where Lievita truly shines.
One of the highlights of the experience was being able to watch the pizzas being prepared right beside our table. Their imported Neapolitan “Fazzone” oven is truly the heart of the restaurant, producing pizzas with beautifully blistered crusts and that unmistakable authentic Italian base.
The Napoli & Stracciatella pizza was simple yet packed with flavour. The San Marzano tomatoes were rich and slightly sweet, while the capers and Italian anchovies added a salty depth that paired perfectly with the creamy stracciatella. The balance of ingredients was exceptional, allowing each flavour to shine without overpowering the other.
The Golosa pizza was indulgent in the best possible way. The creamy fior di latte and sharp Gorgonzola melted together beautifully, while the pancetta added a savoury richness. What truly surprised us was the plum jam — a slightly sweet element that tied everything together perfectly and created a delicious contrast of sweet and salty flavours.
What impressed us even more was how quickly the pizzas arrived — in less than five minutes — despite the restaurant being completely full. The service remained seamless throughout, which speaks volumes about the efficiency and passion of the team.
Cocktails & Dessert
To drink, we enjoyed the Lievita Sour — made with bulldog gin, Cointreau, and basil — which was refreshing, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. The basil added a subtle freshness that worked beautifully with the citrus notes.
The Aperol Margarita was another standout. A fun and vibrant twist on a classic margarita, the combination of Aperol, Espolon tequila, and Cointreau created a cocktail that was citrusy, slightly bitter, and incredibly refreshing.
Alongside our meal, we also enjoyed Appletizer and Grapetizer — the perfect sparkling additions to complement the rich Italian flavours.
For dessert, we ended on the sweetest note possible.
The gelato trio offered three deliciously creamy flavours, each smooth, rich, and full of flavour — the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to an Italian summer.
But the true showstopper was the Bombolone al Pistachio. This decadent doughnut pastry filled with pistachio gelato, topped with crushed pistachios, pistachio paste, and Nutella, was pure indulgence. Rich, creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced in sweetness, it was easily one of the best desserts we’ve had in a long time.
Final Thoughts
Lievita offers more than just a meal — it delivers a full Italian dining experience. From the warm hospitality and cozy atmosphere to the authentic flavours and beautifully crafted dishes, everything felt intentional and heartfelt.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a lunch with friends, or simply craving authentic Italian cuisine, Lievita is absolutely worth visiting.
The passion behind the food, the exceptional service, and the authentic Neapolitan pizza base alone will have us returning very soon.
Review By Tasneema Diest