Massimo’s

Massimo’s has spent the last 16 years cooking its way into the hearts of Hout Bay residents and those willing to drive out for the wood fire pizza and pasta. The restaurant is owned by Italian Massimo Orione, and his wife Tracy, who moved to Cape Town after running a successful B&B in France.

Every dish on the menu reflects Massimo’s humble beginnings – from vegan friendly mushroom pastas to gluten-free pizzas made from chickpea flour. Growing up in a farm to fork community helped Massimo grow an appreciation for simple yet robust flavours, and being resourceful with ingredients. What he came to learn, and appreciate, about traditional South African cooking was that it was very similar in a lot of way. He combined his love of local food with his foundation of Italian cooking for a kind of fusion food regulars keep coming back for.

But it was Massimo’s 2013 battle with leukemia that inspired him and Tracy to be more mindful about the way they do business. Following a lifesaving act of kindness from his sister, Massimo vowed to dedicate his life to paying it forward, and their similarly named initiative allows good Samaritans to donate virtual pizza slices to organizations such as Hout Bay CARES, alcohol & drug rehabilitation project, Little Angels crèche and victims of fires or floods in the area. The dog friendly eatery won’t simply put out a bowl of water for your canine companions. Massimo’s donates R3 for any item ordered off the dedicated menu that includes bone-shaped pizza, butternut and chicken hoofs, and puppacinos to the Underdog Project. Infact, multiple dishes on the menu have an apportioned donation amount. The Community Crime Prevention Unit, Emergency Ambulance Volunteer Service, Domestic Animal Rescue Organization and the Border Collie Rescue are just some of the many organizations that receive between R2 – R5 every time you order a tapas dish, cocktail, glass or wine or calzone.

The interior is what you would expect of an Italian eatery: rustic and intimate. On warm days, or even for families dining with kids, the terrace is ideal as it extends to a playground that includes a swing set and jungle gym.