The Cecilia’s Pizzeria at Epicuria, Rajouri Garden, makes a strong impression the moment you step inside. The inviting aroma of freshly baked food sets the tone for what is clearly a space devoted to comfort, indulgence and the pleasures of the Italian table. The setting is warm and rustic, with soft lighting and an easy, lived-in charm that makes it equally suitable for a casual lunch with friends or a more intimate evening meal. There is a subtle buzz to the place, the kind that comes from people genuinely enjoying their food rather than a forced sense of trendiness.
The real highlight, as the name promises, is the pizza. The bases here are
wood-fired, with a slightly charred edge that speaks of authenticity, while the interior remains soft and chewy. Each bite has that satisfying balance of crisp crust and airy lightness that elevates
a pizza from ordinary
to memorable.
The toppings are generous without being overwhelming, allowing the freshness of each ingredient to shine. Classic Margherita is as good as it should be, with tomato sauce rich in flavour, the mozzarella melting into delicate pools, and basil leaves adding a clean, herbaceous finish. For those who enjoy something bolder, options with pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables bring enough variety to keep the experience fresh with every visit. What stands out is that the pizzas do not try too hard — they are crafted with respect for tradition, relying on quality ingredients and precise cooking rather than gimmicks.
The pasta too deserves attention, with sauces that are rich yet not cloying, and pasta cooked to that ideal al dente bite. A plate of spaghetti tossed in a well-seasoned tomato base or a creamy fettuccine brings comfort in familiar form, though here the pizzas still hold the crown.
What makes the meal particularly special, however, is how well it closes on a sweet note. Cecilia’s desserts are not an afterthought but a carefully curated indulgence. The Amaretto Tres Leches is a standout: thickened milk soaked into sponge until it reaches a luscious, melt-in-the-mouth texture, layered with almond nougat for a subtle crunch. It manages to be indulgent without tipping into heaviness, with the almond lending both fragrance and finesse.
Equally memorable is the Tiramisu, a dessert often mangled in lesser hands but given its due respect here. The mascarpone cream is velvety and light, layered over sponge infused with coffee liqueur that carries just enough depth without bitterness. A delicate drizzle of cocoa ties it all together, creating a harmony of textures and flavours that makes you want to savour every spoonful. Paired with a cup of well-made espresso or cappuccino, it feels like a fitting finale to a meal that leans wholeheartedly into Italian indulgence.
The place is not simply another café, it is a place where good pizza is treated as an art form and desserts are designed to linger in memory. While it can get busy and service occasionally stretches during peak hours, the food itself rewards the wait.
For those seeking a meal that combines rustic Italian authenticity with the comfort of a café setting, this is a destination worth returning to, particularly for the pizzas and those decadent desserts.
