Il Leone: I had a late night pasta snack

Satisfying & saucy.

It was late, so most of the guests had left as you can see in this pic of the downstairs dining area

My friend and I popped in just before closing to have a pasta snack. I could live on pasta, hence my late night meal of choice. It had such an authentic italian restaurant feel, perfect for a family italian meal. The wood interior added to the coziness and sophistication and the food that everyone was eating looked delicious.

penne arrabiatta tomato based sauce with capers, garlic, basil and chilli

I ordered the penne arrabiata which was so hot and salty (but not too salty) and garlicky and delicious. It wasn’t overly sweet and the star ingredient - the tomato - was the main flavour (unlike some places where you taste more carrot and celery). The pasta was al dente. I would have liked more chilli as it was very mild for an arrabiata. The parmesan they give you is bog standard and in a little ramekin but not freshly grated at the table. Overall it was pretty good and I was very chuffed with my snack. 

The bread was nothing to write home about (and pretty sweet) but was acceptable.

Il Leone is under the family umbrella of Mastrantonio which owns Italian restaurants throughout South Africa (Joburg and Cape Town - confirm) 

I will be coming back and trying a greater variety of dishes to review and throw your way. 

Penne arrabbiata R121

https://www.mastrantonio.com/il-leone-mastrantonio/

Corner of Prestwich, 22 Cobern St, Green Point, Cape Town, 8001