Between Two Shores

Step Inside Cape Town’s Newest Coastal Temple to Mediterranean Dining

Located in one of the Cape’s most sought after suburbs sits Amare, a restaurant that artfully brings a slice of Mediterranean elegance to South Africa’s shores. The space represents a perfect balancing act of dark and light, masculine and feminine — a vision brought to life by Ahsan Darvesh, Principal Founder of Arteche Investments, and co-owner Roberto Moretti, alongside Ivan McCarthy — an architect with a signature for serene, clear, and sophisticated work.

Taking its name from the Latin ‘to love,’ Amare embodies this philosophy at its very core. For Ahsan, the project was born from a deeply personal connection to his home city of Lisbon, crafting a space and menu around the influences of the Mediterranean coast, a place of comfort and love where upon walking in, one is greeted with a familiar, ‘Would you like the usual?’

A culinary love letter
The menu reads as a story of tradition and innovation. One standout dish is the Portuguese rice, ‘it’s the first dish I have every time I land back in Lisbon,’ Ahsan shares, underscoring the deep connection between food and memory that defines Amare’s culinary philosophy. The dish exemplifies the kitchen’s commitment to patience and precision, where time becomes an essential ingredient in creating these authentic flavours.

The culinary journey extends beyond Portugal, embracing flavours from Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. The Sicilian spaghetti has already earned its place as a local favourite, its aroma often drawing appreciative glances from neighbouring tables. Each dish celebrates the Mediterranean’s culinary and design philosophy: simple and fresh — combined with masterful restraint.

Beyond a dining experience
Local artistry is celebrated through collaborations with Anthony Shapiro, Ernst H. Eloff, Rodan Kane Hart, and custom soundscapes by Toni Crichton, crafting an immersive experience. Looking ahead, plans for an upstairs lounge will provide a creative hub for jazz nights, comedy, and private events, facilitating a platform for artistic talent while complementing all forms of art through its design.

Amare has achieved what few establishments can: the ability to transform its atmosphere to suit any occasion. Whether hosting bustling socialites or providing an intimate setting for a quiet glass of wine, the space adapts to its patrons’ needs while maintaining its essential character. As sunlight shines through the thoughtfully placed windows, Amare reveals itself as an ode to both its Mediterranean roots and its Cape Town home, a place where every detail speaks of passion, precision, and the pure joy of gathering around a table to share food, wine, and stories.

“The careful consideration of scale ensures that whether seated in a quiet corner or at the heart of the dining room, guests feel equally embraced by the space.”