This friendly neighborhood café is not much to write home about, but offers a decent selection of coffees and Mediterranean-influenced breakfast and lunch items at reasonable prices.

Located on the main floor of the Blubird centre in Illovo, Dolce Vita is a little haven of unpretentiousness amongst some decidedly upscale stores. It has a family atmosphere which flows directly from the presence of owner Alan and his wife Leanne, who can be found darting about, chatting with regulars. Large glass windows allow diners to look out over Illovo while they dine, and the hardwood floors and tables accented by white walls and chairs makes for a pleasant, breezy interior.

Breakfasts are hearty and include goodies such as keftedes (scrambled eggs with herb-infused Greek meatballs, sun-dried tomato and fresh coriander), and crepes Florence (filled with spinach, halloumi and olives). There are also classics like eggs Benedict, French toast, and a variety of combo plates served with sides of toast and jam. For lunch you can opt for dishes like chicken schnitzel, couscous and butternut salad, hummus and tzatziki wraps, ravioli Napoli, or salmon and tuna fishcakes. If you’re not that hungry you can opt for a coffee and a croissant, an herb tea, a pitcher of beer, or even some Prosecco.

I chose the dolce breakfast, which consisted of two eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and grilled tomato. My friend, a vegetarian, chose the dolce vita breakfast (oats soaked in berries, fresh fruit, yoghurt and muesli, and topped with maple syrup). We were both satisfied with our choices, and impressed with the portion sizes and prices – mine was R65 (US$5.20) and hers was R55 (US$4.50).

Somewhat unusually for Johannesburg, the service was quick and knowledgeable, even though it was Saturday morning and the place was busy. Overall a nice little spot to pop into for an impromptu meal before heading out into the weekend market, which takes place in the center of the mall.