Are you a self-proclaimed pizza lover? Do you love trying new things? If you answered yes to either of these, then you and I have something in common. I have always had a palate for pizza and a love for finding new places that offer the best in the business. And it’s usually the places that few people know about that offer the tastiest thin or thick based pizzas with a variety of flavourful toppings to make your mouth water – just by looking at the menu. So if you want to join me on the hunt for the best pizza places in Cape Town, then keep reading to discover what the Mother City has to offer:

The Fireman’s Arms

In the heart of the Cape Town city centre, you will find The Fireman’s Arms – a spectacular pub with a personality of its own! Established in 1864, Fireman’s Arms is one of the oldest pubs in Cape Town, providing arguably the best pizza in the city. Here you can choose between pizzas with amusing and fitting names such as the “Fire Chief” – salami, olives, green pepper and mushrooms; the “Fireman’s Special” – chilli, peppers, onions, garlic, with a choice of ham, bacon, salami, spicy mince or chicken; the “Hydrant” – ham, peppadews, and green peppers; and the “Fire-fighter” – salami, peppadews, and jalapeno peppers. Not only is the food outstanding, but the pub also offers 14 frothy beers on tap, nine high-definition flatscreen TVs and two big screens for watching sports events, as well as a large fireplace for chilly winter nights. There is a variety of exciting events held here such as live screening of rugby matches, Formula One Sundays, Fireman’s Braai night on Wednesdays, and Quiz night on Thursdays which will test your knowledge in current affairs, sports, history and other exciting categories.

You will find the Fireman’s Arms on the corner of Buitengracht & Mechau Street. For more information, call 021 419 1513.

Ferdinando’s Pizza

If you’re looking for a fun-filled and unique way to spend a night, make sure you visit Ferdinando’s Pizza. A hidden gem situated high up in a residential area of de Waterkant, Ferdinando’s is a home-run pizza place that offers delicious and crazy creations in a homely atmosphere. The vibrant team is made up of Diego, the chef – an Italian and proud mullet owner; Kimon – the crazy and carefree artist and lively host; and last, but certainly not least – Ferdinando, the attentive canine in charge of quality control.  The friendly family of three opened their doors to Cape Town’s pizza lovers in April 2012, offering unquestioning full reign of the first floor of their flat. The outside area is fully equipped with a funky, lit up coca cola sign, colourful plants, and a large scullery basin filled with ice to keep your drinks cool – after all, it’s a “bring your own booze” type of party.  Choose from items such as “The French Prince” – tomato, mozzarella, camembert, cranberries, and bacon; “4 Formaggi” – cream, mozzarella, camembert, cream cheese, and blue cheese; and my personal favourite, the “Kimonster” – tomato, mozzarella, pineapple, salami and chilly. The desert pizza, the “Golozona”, is a must try, made up of an absolutely mouth-watering combination of nutella, marshmallows and cream.  Place your order in the kitchen and drop your money in the honesty jar – another element of their trusting and relaxed nature. Be sure to visit this unique hidey-hole and help them complete their mission of selling 10 000 pizzas and taking a trip across South America. Ferdinando’s is open for bookings and take-aways on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening’s, from 6pm – 10pm. Give them a call to organise “pizza club” on any Saturday – a private pizza party for you and your friends in their crazy and colourful home.

You will find Ferdinando’s on Loader Street in De Waterkant. For more information, call 0843519248.

Rafikis

This busy bar-restaurant offers a vibey atmosphere and tons of fun in the heart of Cape Town. With a large open fireplace and loads of exciting food specials, Rafiki’s is the place to be. Pick a spot on the 35m long balcony and admire the beautiful views – you can do this with a half-price cocktail on Thursday from 11am to 7pm. Rafiki’s offers exquisite pizzas that will have you coming back time and time again. Choose between the “Inferno” – freshly chopped chillies, mushrooms, jalapeno chillies, avocado, mozzarella, and feta; the “Afghan Surprise’ – mushrooms and jalapenos covered in mozzarella, feta, and fresh coriander; the “Fungi Pizza” –mushrooms, garlic and herb butter, feta, and mozzarella; or the “Motherclucker” – chicken, peppadew, sun-dried tomato, green pepper, pineapple, mozzarella, and feta. On Mondays, you can enjoy half price pizza all day and night! What makes this place so special, (besides the food of course) is the relaxed and “anything goes” atmosphere. At Rafiki’s, people of all race and culture collide to enjoy scrumptious meals and live performances by local artists, comedians, and live bands – a truly entertaining experience for people of all ages.

You will find Rafikis at 13 Kloof Nek road, Tamboerskloof. For more information, call 021 426 4731.

Where is your favourite spot to devour tasty and delectable pizzas in Cape Town?