Flamingo - Restaurant Reviews - Luigi and the Fish
Every person who’s ever looked for an authentically Namibian restaurant to over-indulge him or herself in, or a place to chill until the cows come home, knows the directions to Luigi and the Fish by heart.
Senior manager and bar-charmer, Jannie Bravo (yes, there is a slight resemblance to the cartoon character), boasts “Luigi’s is the best place in Windhoek for young and old to get together for regular specials.” But Luigi and the Fish is not only popular for its potent Fish Bowls, Car-Jacks and Zombie Vodkas; the restaurant also features some of the best meals in the whole of Namibia. As one of the regulars comments, “It is a nice place to go for a drink or a snack at sunset, but especially a favourite for dinner. The fish and seafood is really fresh and well grilled. Try the curry prawns if you like hot stuff – they are simply delicious!”
But it’s difficult to go on that recommendation. Not because I prefer the less-hot stuff, but because there is simply just too much to choose from. How do you make up your mind between Ox-tongue (grandma style), Moroccan Lamb Shank (comes highly recommended), or a juicy Bacon and Cheese Steak? Fresh Oysters, Rib and Bacon Pizza (made fresh in the outside pizza oven), or Vegetarian Enchilada? It’s a tough choice.
With generous portions, affordable prices and a good dose of added humour (the menu reads like a story, with juicy bits of sarcasm thrown in), I suddenly understand why half of the staff started out as early customers in the children’s play-den. They work together like a family, make jokes in between serving meals and even party together after hours. Tate Frans, the main man in the kitchen, has been there since Luigi and the Fish opened its doors for the first time in 1998 and is apparently the “best kitchen manager in Namibia, no actually, the whole of Africa!”
Try not to go there when you are in a hurry though; there are just too many corners to explore and too much décor to admire (co-owner Luigi does all the décor herself). Interesting nights of mayhem to be discussed. “One night, way in the beginning – it was a Friday – we were very busy and running around between tables, when Morné (the other owner) came running in with the news that the sub-electrical board was burning. Everyone had a minor freak-out, but in the end, when the restaurant settled down again, dinner turned into a romantic candlelight event. It was a good evening,” Jannie smiles. So, go to Luigi’s with an empty stomach and a bit of curiosity and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Just remember to leave space for dessert, even if it means leaving a bit of meat on your bone for a ‘boere breakfast’ the next morning.
Made up of several different dining (and drinking) areas, Luigi’s provides something for everybody. Whether young or old, fat or thin, a meat-eater or a vegetarian, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste on the highly diverse menu. As an added bonus, seating is arranged in such a way that even your neighbour’s prawn juices won’t bother you. So feel free to bring grandma and the baby along. They are even women-friendly at Luigi's. Depending on which area you choose to make yourself comfortable in, you will be served by a waiter who will jump to your every command. Just remember not to lose your patience, because ‘I R Only Work Here’ (according to the back of one of the waiters’ shirts). FACT FILE Luigi and the Fish is situated in 320 Sam Nujoma Drive in Klein Windhoek and is open every day for lunch and dinner. Apart from the diverse menu and upstairs pub, Luigi’s provides a venue for private functions and parties, an outdoor pizza oven, cocktail bar, poolroom and deck. There is also a cigar lounge for those wanting a bit of privacy.
Opening hours: Fridays from 12:00 until 23:30 Every other day from 12:00 until 22:00 For bookings call: (061) 25 6399
