Dear meat lovers, this one’s got your name written all over it! When Italian cuisine enters the conversation, it’s usually pizza, pasta and pillowy focaccia that steal the spotlight. But tucked behind those beloved classics is a culinary tradition that’s every bit as rich, flavourful and deeply rooted in history: the art of the butcher. And now, Settebello is giving that tradition the attention it deserves. Returning for a third year after proving a hit with diners, the restaurant’s iconic La Ciccia experience is back with a brand-new chapter, The Butcher’s Table. The immersive nine-course feast takes guests on a delicious journey through Italy’s celebrated meat culture, shining a light on the craftsmanship, heritage and bold flavours that have defined Italian cooking for generations. A glimpse of La Ciccia’s family-style seating. Picture: Supplied Bringing the spirit of the Italian table to life More than just a dinner, this exclusive experience is a tribute to the Italian countryside, where cooking is guided by tradition, meals are meant to be savoured, and exceptional meat is treated with the reverence it deserves. The name La Ciccia translates loosely to “meat” or “the good stuff” in Italian slang—a fitting title for a dining experience that embraces the hearty, rustic and soul-warming flavours that have made Italy’s regional cuisine so beloved. This year’s edition leans into that heritage, inviting guests to indulge in a carefully curated menu that celebrates the country’s enduring love affair with expertly prepared meat. But the experience goes beyond what’s on the plate. In true Italian fashion, La Ciccia is built around the idea that great food is best enjoyed together. Around 50 guests will gather around a shared table in a family-style setting, passing plates, sharing stories and enjoying an abundance of dishes, sides and wines. Inspired by traditional Italian family feasts, it’s an atmosphere designed to spark conversation, create connections and make every diner feel like part of the family. The Florentina steak. Picture: Supplied A feast built for meat lovers The nine-course experience has been designed to take diners on a journey through texture, flavour and regional influence, beginning with whipped lard drizzled with honey and chilli on mini bruschette, accompanied by a selection of cured meats. From there, guests move through dishes including delicate beef carpaccio with rocket and Parmesan shavings, crispy supplì filled with slow-braised red wine beef, and handmade agnolotti finished in burnt butter and sage before a refreshing lemon sorbet palate cleanser resets the senses. The experience continues with a deeply comforting slow-cooked ossobuco served alongside creamy risotto, followed by grilled lamb chop with layered potato and rosemary jus, pork belly paired with fennel and orange salad, and finally the dramatic centrepiece of the evening, a fire-grilled Florentina steak designed for sharing and celebration. Dessert arrives in the form of a classic semifreddo, bringing the feast to a smooth and elegant close. Slow-cooked ossobuco served alongside creamy risotto. Picture: Supplied The “thinking” behind La Ciccia Settebello co-owner Pino Di Benedetto reflected on the inspiration behind the experience, saying: “People often think Italian cuisine is only pizza, pasta and tomatoes. But Italy has an incredible meat culture rooted in family traditions, regional recipes and simple ingredients treated with care and respect. La Ciccia allows us to showcase that side of Italian food in a way that feels authentic, indulgent and memorable,” said Benedetto. Co-owner Ramiro “Miro” Marques also reflected on the experience, noting that the return of La Ciccia reflects a growing appetite among diners for immersive food experiences that go beyond trends. “There’s something emotional and nostalgic about this style of dining. It’s generous, it’s social, and it tells a story. Our aim with the La Ciccia experience is to get diners to feel like sitting around a table in Italy with family and friends, sharing incredible food slowly over conversation, wine and laughter,” said Marques. The fire-grilled Florentina steak. Picture: Supplied Dates, pricing and booking information La Ciccia will be available for a limited number of sittings. Bookings are essential and can be made via Settebello’s website or by contacting the restaurant directly. Settebello’s La Ciccia evenings, featuring a nine-course meal, will take place once a month and are priced at R950 per person. These exclusive evenings are scheduled for the last Thursday of every month. The first event will take place on 23 July, followed by additional evenings on 20 August, 17 September, 22 October and 26 November 2026. Bookings are essential and can be made via email at eat@settebello.co.za or by calling 010 035 5207. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: EXCLUSIVE: Sakhele Mzalazala: The Man Teaching Children What Many Music Legends Learned Too Late Post navigation EXCLUSIVE: Your Budget May Not Survive Cape Town’s Taste Festival This November!
