Capella's — Restaurant in Moonta

Some of the photos on the website (particularly of wide spaces with plenty of tables) are from when it was Cafe Capella's in the main street. Then, it was brilliant. The food was fabulous. One of our guests said it was the best Carbonara she'd ever had, even in Italy. The pizzas were loaded, varied, satisfying, and delicious. When a fire forced Cafe Capella's to close, the community was very supportive and encouraging right through the renovation of their new venue. We bragged about what a fabulous place Cafe Capella's had been, were delighted that it was finally back on its feet, and couldn't wait to take our friends there when it reopened. It was an embarrassing disappointment. The food was not only small sizes but mediocre to say the least.The salad with our fish was basically lettuce and tomato, certainly not the standard you'd expect at the prices. We've had better food at the pub. My husband's carbonara was half the size it had been previously, and their explanation that it was in a bigger bowl so it looked smaller was unconvincing. There was hardly any sauce with it and they eventually agreed to top it up. We had warned that one of us was in a wheelchair, but may as well not have bothered. What use are ramps outdoors when inside the venue it's so hard to maneouvre between tables? We were crammed awkwardly behind the front door, and the atmosphere was non existent. We have been back several times in the hope these were teething problems, but the standard hasn't improved. This has been so disappointing. The outdoors looks great, but inside is poorly thought out. Last week my granddaughter and I had to sit at a table for 4-6 people, again crammed behind the door. We had to sit both on the one side, as there were some very large people filling up the adjacent table leaving no room for the chairs on our table on that side - one of them was also in a wheelchair, as was my friend the first time we came. Remembering that experience we actually stood out of our chairs to allow the big family to maneouvre past us, for which they were grateful. My coffee also tasted like the milk had turned. For the sake of quality control I mentioned it to the waitress, who offered to replace it, but we didn't have the time or inclination, and so just left. Capella's needs to re-evaluate how it uses its space. There are one or two side rooms which seem to be used occasionally, but not well. There were only 2 tables in one and none in the other. Overall the biggest problem is the heavy tables are oversized and badly arranged. Customers in ones or twos don't want to be on a table for 4 or 6, nor have to be squashed or struggle to get in and out of seats or around others. Downsize the tables so they can be more intimate, yet pushed together for larger groups of 4 or even 6. The larger groups possibly alone in the other rooms, leaving the main room for the smaller settings - or vice versa! As for the front door, please consider having it re-hung so that it opens flat against the wall, not into the traffic and dining space. Here's hoping to see some thoughtful tweaks made to this lovely venue (the outdoors is lovely, but not in heat or rain) and some improvements made to the quality of the menu. A good limited choice of excellent food is always better than too wide a choice of mediocre food. If Capella's ever returns to the standard of the old Cafe Capella's, we will once more be making it our first...

WHERE HAVE ALL THE MONICAS’ GONE??!

The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary sweetly and loudly sang - ‘Where have all the flowers gone?’

Well tonight I asked the question: where have all the Monicas’ gone?

We received faultless table service tonight at Capella’s on Henry Street Moonta.

Long time since we have had such top class service - thanks Monica!

Now to the tucker - we had the Capella Special pizza - very nice / went for the large at $31 - managed to eat 93% of said pizza - very nice.

The atmosphere was stately, but a bit flat - some nice Italian music playing, softly would have improved ‘the ambiance (Cybil)’.

Wines were nice and at a reasonable price - Cab. Sav. and a Moscato were slowly taken with the pizza!

The only slight disappointment for the meal was the Italian salad - we believe the leaves are tasteless - we asked for Cos or Iceberg lettuce - but it was not available.

So, can we say with truth and confidence - ‘Give the team at Capella a try?’ - yes we can - look to pay about $35-40 each - not bad - the setting in a grand old home is nice - but strike up the continental band and have some nice Italian music playing, softly in the background - even some Dean Martin would be good - Monica saved the night!!

Friendly service - great food - and...

Absolutely excellent

We booked in yesterday to be sure we’d have a table for my partners birthday as most of the reviews painted a pretty good picture of this restaurant. Well, from the moment we booked with Skye to the time we paid Tayla and Siobhan our experience has been excellent. Both waitresses tonight were so efficient and courteous. I watched them clear tables, engage with customers and take orders almost with their eyes closed. It was second nature to them. I really enjoy see young people providing such great service and having an admirable work ethic. Siobhan kept busy the whole time and Tayla also kept an eye to ensure all the customers were being attended to. I’ve written all of this so far and haven’t even mentioned the delicious food. Our Barramundi was absolutely divine with an accompanying Greek salad and although we shouldn’t have we ordered the Grande Biscotto for dessert, which we shared and both of us have just collapsed into bed totally satisfied with our evening out. Great great great. Thank you Capella’s and thank you to Siobhan, Tayla and of course, the excellent Chefs in...