Because not all Italian Food is Created Equal
Within the picturesque, leafy Johannesburg suburb of Parktown North, lies a little slice of Italy. La Cucina di Ciro is an authentic Sicillian-inspired family eatery that has shared their love of Italian food for decades…
The sign on the front door of La Cucina di Ciro reads ‘Ciropractor – Taste Bud Manipulation and Stimulation’ – a play on words which accurately describes what chef and owner, Ciro Molinaro, has been doing for the better part of the last decade.
His early memories in the kitchen are thanks to his late Sicillian father, which were brought to life by his mother and aunts. His father loved to cook for large family gatherings – especially Sunday lunches – and his culinary passion and skill rubbed off on a young Ciro. Whilst his training was French classical, Ciro has combined both this with his love of authentic Italian cuisine and successfully given it his own twist, making La Cucina di Ciro one of Johannesburg’s best loved bistros.
Apart from his amazing culinary skills, Ciro is also an engaging, charismatic host who has always ensured that his guests are entertained and well-looked after. He has spent more than 40 years in the industry building a legacy and a reputation, only to witness it being slowly crippled due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations. But, with his never-say-die attitude and commendable optimism, Ciro has found a way to adapt to the changing circumstances in the hope of keeping his Italian dream alive.
“Gone are the days of formal plates. Which means making the move to more informal cuisine. I have created a range of small plates that complement each other -a feast of smaller bite size delicacies” says Molinaro. “We have also introduced the Deli, which is open from Thursday to Sunday, where will you be able to pick up fresh pastas, sauces and other savouries and sweets, which comprise of old favourites and new ideas.”
If you’re looking for a delectable Italian feast for your family or a special occasion, whilst simultaneously supporting a local, small business on the path to post-Covid recovery, order from La Cucina di Ciro and we can promise you won’t be disappointed.
La Cucina di Ciro have a weekly menu that they distribute via their Facebook page and Whatsapp (via the number 081 894 3146)
Hours:
Breakfast Tuesday – Sunday (Gabriella’s Tea Room)
Lunch Tuesday – Sunday
Dinner Wednesday – Saturday
Address: 43 7th Ave Parktown North, Johannesburg.
Website: https://lacucinadiciro.co.za/
Facebook: La Cucina di Ciro
