The new spot on Loop Street is bright and airy, reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, sweeping you into an elegant era long gone before we worried about Islamic State, climate change and the dismal state of the international economy. Decorator Michael Chandler's light look belies what must have been careful thought. His life partner, Giulio Loreggian, recently opened Giulio's Café, with the help of his mother, Franca.What to eatThere is a buffet of salads and dishes of the day. But my hungry brother and I arrived too late, and the remnants on those plates looked a bit sad. Instead, we chose meals from the menu. I had the peri-peri chicken livers and my brother ordered a panini verdure (cheese and pesto sandwich).Mine was delicious. It would have been more so with fewer onions. The report-back on the panini was that it was ordinary.What to drinkWater. There is nothing wrong with tap water. Giulio's Café is not licensed yet, so don't expect to have a lunchtime toot here.When to goThis is a great place for breakfast, tea, coffee or lunch. When the apartments currently under development along Loop Street have finally been completed, Giulio says he will open for dinner.Whatever you doDon't take your mistress for a secret date. You're bound to meet a colleague here.What not to doWorry too much about the service. They're new, they'll speed up.How muchFor two of us it cost R150 for lunch.The VerdictWalking into this beautiful space after a morning's grind in a grey air-conditioned office on the 12th floor of a downtown office was a great treat. I'll return.16 Loop Street, De Waterkant, Cape Town, Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 4 pm. Call 021-418-6304..