Giovanni and Nicolas Esposito are the reason behind the success of Giovanni’s Deli World, a true landmark in Cape Town.
Born in South Africa of Italian parents who moved to South Africa in the fifties from Naples and Maddaloni, they grew up in the business as their father Nicola Esposito started a deli in Long Street, Cape Town, called Capri Delicatessen which was a landmark well into the 70’s.
Giovanni was 25 years old when in 1989 he opened shop in Greenpoint. In true Italian fashion, he had the support of his whole family: his wife Sharon and his younger brother Nicolas at his side, and his mama Rosa giving her contribution in the kitchen.
Being ten years his junior, Nicolas would help out at Giovanni’s over weekends and during school holidays, becoming co-owner when he turned 18.
Initially a small homely deli offering up fresh meals, local bread, cheeses and charcuterie, it was the addition of a coffee bar in 1991 which gave Giovanni’s its upmarket yet laid back European atmosphere.
Fast-forward 30 years later and the coffee bar & deli is as busy as ever, also owing to the fact that Giovanni and Nicolas are still putting the same amount of hard work and wholehearted love into the deli that they did at the start.
People come to relish in the daily ritual of grabbing a morning espresso, croissant and conversation before heading to work, to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals such as pasta, traditional meat and vegetable dishes, or to shop for imported and locally produced Italian delicacies.
“Our shelves are crammed with the finest quality olive oils, balsamic vinegar, pickles, pasta, coffees, teas, chocolates, biscuits, jam and honey, dried fruit and nuts, imported and local wines, fresh bread and pastries. This includes all essential cooking ingredients, such as squid ink, goose fat, dried porcini mushrooms, Puy lentils, anchovies, capers, Spanish smoked paprika, walnut, pistachio and hazelnut oils and much more.”
You have never been at Giovanni’s? You are probably new in town!
A visit to Cape Town is not complete if you have not experienced the cosmopolitan vibe, the finest cappuccino and the delicious food of Giovanni’s Deliworld.
