Club Kloof: A Lively Italian-Inspired Restaurant and Bar on Kloof Street

Yummy slices of pizza, delicious Italian tastes, and an exciting atmosphere.

Club Kloof loves to show off its vibrant personality. With walls the color of cardinal-red, cozy burnt-orange banquettes, a bright lemon-yellow bar in the back courtyard reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, and stylish slate tiles on the floor, this place pays homage to the famous 1970s interior designer, David Hicks. Located just a short distance from Our Local, a beloved eatery on Kloof Street, this lively new restaurant and bar in Cape Town is housed in a beautifully restored heritage building that has been revived after a fire.

Hey there! I’m Shayne Shutte, a chef, and my partner Michael Carter and I have a unique approach to Italian cuisine. We like to call it “Italian-ish.” Let me explain what that means. We’re not here to pretend we’re authentic Italians, but we’ve developed our own fantastic version of Italian food that we’re proud of.

Our love affair with the beautiful country of Italy has played a big role in shaping our culinary style. In fact, Michael actually lived and studied in Milan and Rome, so you can trust that we truly understand the spirit of Italian cooking.

What sets us apart is our focus on using simple yet top-notch ingredients. We believe that the quality of the ingredients is what makes a dish truly shine. And that’s why our menu features a variety of mouthwatering small plates meant for sharing.

But our real pride and joy are our sourdough pizzas. They’re crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside. But what makes them truly special is the twist we’ve put on them. It’s a taste that you won’t find anywhere else.

Get ready for some pizza goodness!

You know, we’re so used to thinking of pizzas as thin and crispy, or maybe a little bit puffy and blistered around the edges. But it’s really something special to be reminded of the traditional Roman style of pizza that you can find on the streets. They call it pizza “in teglia” or pizza “al taglio.” It’s a thick and pillowy pizza that’s usually baked in these huge steel trays at Italian bakeries. They sell it by the square, and you can wrap it up in paper and enjoy it while you take a leisurely stroll around the piazza.

Now, let me tell you, Shayne has teamed up with Lance Littlefield from Motherdough to bring that chewy, sourdough goodness back into our lives. Lance happens to have this amazing 103-year-old sourdough starter that he’s famous for. So, they’ve taken that starter and created a pizza dough that’s fermented for a full 48 hours, just like they used to do it back in the day. And then, they bake it in a scorching hot, wood-fired oven until it’s absolutely perfect.

Hey there! Welcome to Club Kloof, where you can satisfy your pizza cravings like never before. Picture this: you walk through our doors and are immediately greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizza. You have two options: grab a slice of our mouthwatering pizza of the day or indulge in our mini pizzette – side-plate-sized puffy pizzas topped with the most exquisite ingredients.

Let me tempt you with some of our favorites. How about mortadella with melty mozzarella and a smear of green-olive butter? Or perhaps anchovy paired with smoky tomato and tangy capers? And if that doesn’t tickle your taste buds, wait until you try our garlic confit with fresh tomato and gooey mozzarella. Are you drooling yet?

But we’re not just about pizza. We also offer a variety of delectable salads that will make your taste buds dance, like our recommended tomato and nectarine salad with creamy goat’s cheese. And if you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, we’ve got you covered with our plate of succulent grilled prawns on skewers, tender beef fillet served with a side of crispy fries, or a generously-sized arancino nestled in a dollop of zesty tomato sauce.

Of course, no meal is complete without a refreshing beverage. So why not sip on one of our expertly crafted cocktails while you indulge in your culinary adventure? It’s the perfect way to transport yourself to a retro 70s-style Italian(-ish) dolce vita.

Now here’s a little something you might not know: Shayne, our talented pastry chef, also creates a range of pastries and sweet treats using the same sourdough starter we use for our pizzas. So if you find yourself in need of a pick-me-up in the morning, join us on our street-facing verandah for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a delectable pastry.

Here are some essential details: We will be opening our doors on March 25, 2023, at 12pm. Our opening times are from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 8am and going late into the night. If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to reach out to us at 072 415 3752 or contact@clubkloof.com. You can find us at 84 Kloof Street, Cape Town. We can’t wait to welcome you!