Villa Portuguesa is one of four Pretoria restaurants that have entered the fourth Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge this year. Based at Zambezi Junction in Montana, this restaurant describes itself as having “a unique themed Southern European cuisine” and its menu includes favourites like pregos, schnitzel burgers and fish and chips. But, they claim it’s their pizzas that see customers return time and again, with The Lisbon being a firm favourite. Its toppings include a medley of Napolitana sauce, mozzarella, salami, BBQ chicken, onion, green pepper and garlic.
Speaking of toppings, Toni from the famous Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co in Rietfontein – another restaurant that entered this year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge – says customers keep coming back for their pesto pizza, lamb pizza and a Hawaiian on a thin crispy base. Apparently, capers and vegetables are the least favourite toppings and after visiting Bossa at Castle Walk, we can’t help but wonder what the verdict would be on anchovies as a pizza topping…
While there wasn’t time to check out all the pizzerias taking on the annual challenge, we did get to experience Café West and Bossa, Castle Walk. From these experiences, one thing is certain: The challenge is on! (Anchovies or not)
Café West
Located at the stunning Forest Walk centre in Maroelana, Pretoria, Café West offered us some of the most spectacular views one could expect during the Jacaranda season. Their relatively new pizza oven was certainly a great add-on, in addition to their perfectly laid out space, ideal for live entertainment, delicious pizzas and great vibes. In fact, there’s even a stunning green piano waiting for an artist or two to play a few notes… That comes as no surprise, though, considering that Reinier West from the Afrikaans band, Rooksein, as well as singer Bernice West, are involved in the business.
But, back to pizza… Café West’s pizza options cater to a wide crowd of foodies, with various options to choose from. We loved their thin sourdough pizza bases – one of the main things that caught my attention when first glancing at the menu.
The kids both opted for the classic Margherita, while Wikus chose the Billy Joel with chicken, bacon, guacamole, red onion and BBQ sauce. When I order pizza, I always choose the option that comes with the most fresh rocket, so The Rocket Man was mine and mine alone! Every bite was of course elevated by the lovely atmosphere. Our pizzas were paired with a variety of their delicious craft sodas – definitely worth every sip.
Clearly, much thought and planning went into the pizza offering at Café West. I could taste it in the dough, as well as the combinations of toppings. And, their impressive green pizza oven undoubtedly makes a huge impact on the quality of pizzas they can offer.
P.S. Café West will soon also have Upper Eastside as sister-eatery, so keep your ears on the ground and your eyes peeled for more. I might just be bringing you a proper review soon…
Bossa, Castle Walk
Another pizzeria we got to test out in light of the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge, is Bossa, Castle Walk. As a family-friendly restaurant, they also offer an array of options when it comes to pizza. One thing that sets them apart is their square-shaped pizzas – something you don’t get every day. The kids’ pizzas were of a smaller size, since we got to order theirs from Bossa’s kiddies’ menu. The options on the kids’ menu weren’t as vast as on the main menu, though. In fact, us adults got to choose from just under 20 different options – from the old classics like the ever-popular Margherita and the well-known Hawaiian (dubbed Hawaii Five-O at Bossa) to the more daring choices like the Mexicana and the Nacho Libre.
Bossa’s menu indicates that you can order a gluten-free base at R25 additional charge, as well as vegan cheese for an extra R20. You can also build your own pizza from a list of toppings.
Here, I opted for the Costa Da Plenty, while Wikus went for the yummy La Med. The kids both paired their mini Margherita pizzas with super sweet milkshakes – one bubblegum flavour and one unicorn (of course). Wikus relived his student years with an icy cocktail and I opted for a classic glass of Chardonnay.
Bossa’s slogan, Good Times for Life, says it all and their woodfired pizzas certainly match the vibe. The kids also got to get rid of some energy in the playroom, filled with all kinds of activities from hoops and balls to jungle gyms.
You can vote for your favourite pizzeria (whether it’s in Pretoria or elsewhere) here. The winner will be crowned SA’s favourite pizzeria and apart from the bragging rights, they’ll also win wine and marketing collateral to the value of R40 000. So, Pretoria, choose wisely. 😊
Last day of voting is on 31 October 2024 and the winner will be announced mid-November.
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