Piccolo Cafe and Lounge, a female-led business on Namibia’s food scene
When it comes to making bold business moves and redefining the restaurant scene, Julia Gideon and Friederike Baur, co-owners of Piccolo Cafe and Lounge sits down with my.na Properties, Gideon opened up about the journey of Piccolo Cafe and Lounge, what sets the establishment apart, and where she sees it heading in the years to come. Piccolo Cafe and Lounge, located in the well-known Maerua Mall, has quickly become a household name for food lovers. “My co-owner and I officially took over in 2023, and this marks our third year in the business,” Julia shared. “As boss babes, we are both female entrepreneurs who are new to the restaurant industry, and it has been one incredible experience so far.” “We have a very diverse clientele,” Baur shared. Customers come from everywhere, travellers passing through, locals from all corners of Namibia, and even tourists from abroad. "Our staff reflects that diversity. We speak many of the local languages, and I personally speak a few European ones, so communication and connection come easy here," Baur explained. According to her, Piccolo is not just a restaurant, it is a “home away from home.”Design meets comfort
Beyond the food and hospitality, Piccolo's ambiance is a key part of the experience. The interior design was carefully curated to reflect calmness and warmth, with woody furniture, subtle earthy tones, and floral accents. “We wanted Piccolo to be a place where people can mentally switch off. That’s why we chose a light, neutral palette, to help guests decompress from their day," Baur said. Their floral wallpaper and patterned couches are intentional, adding a soft, friendly feel to the space. Whether guests are meeting friends, grabbing a quiet solo lunch, or even working remotely with free Wi-Fi, the environment is built for ease and comfort.
A taste for everyone
The restaurant’s menu is a reflection of its inclusive and vibrant spirit. “We offer everything from burgers to meat and fish dishes,” Gideon explained. “For vegetarian lovers, we have options for you too, on top of that, we love adding personalised specials and even accommodate off-menu requests.” Whether it's a craving for traditional Namibian flavours or a dish featuring imported ingredients, Piccolo Cafe and Lounge makes it happen. “Someone might say, ‘Today I want tomato from Italy,’ and we will try to meet that request,” she said with a laugh. Being situated at Maerua Mall has certainly worked in their favour. “A mall is a shopping hub. People come for groceries, and clothes, and then discover us,” Gideon noted. Interestingly, Piccolo Cafe and Lounge is located just outside the food court, offering a quieter atmosphere. Clients go there to eat, some even set up their laptops and work.
Keeping it local
One of Piccolo Cafe and Lounge's strongest assets is its connection to the local community. “I’m Namibian, and my co-owners are international, so our client base is beautifully diverse,” she explained. “The locals have always supported Piccolo Cafe and Lounge, even before we took over.” The menu also pays homage to local cuisine. They serve traditional dishes like pap, matangara, and spinach. The Lounge has had requests for fish cooked in cream, and they make sure they cater to those tastes. That is how they keep the local crowd engaged and coming back. With a mix of global flair and proudly Namibian roots, Piccolo Cafe and Lounge is setting the tone for what it means to be a modern, female-led business in Namibia’s food scene. Piccolo Cafe and Lounge is not just a place to eat, it is a space where passion, culture, and empowerment meet over a plate of good food.