A Taste of Cape Verde
Izzy’s Cape Verdean Cuisine: Connecting the Cape Verde Islands and the Southcoast of MA in just one bite
By Raquel Reis
Off the western coast of Africa, amid aqua Atlantic waters and sultry near-equator weather, exists a congregation of wondrous islands. The number ten represents the amount of islands comprising Cabo Verde but could never capture the seemingly infinite originalities that accompany Cape Verdean culture. Fortunately for the residents of Greater New Bedford, Cabo Verde does not necessarily have to be a plane ride away. In her founding of Izzy’s, Izzy herself intended to bring the unique flavors of Cape Verdean lifestyle and cuisine right here to Spring Street in downtown New Bedford.
With a large menu flourishing with the most delicious Cape Verdean dishes, Izzy’s has found itself as a bridge between here and Cabo Verde as well as a bridge between cultures. Servulo Pires, Izzy’s son who now runs the family business, emphasizes that at Izzy’s the customer base does not only consist of people of Cape Verdean descent but everyday includes people of varying ethnicities. Izzy’s goal goes beyond just running a successful small business to ensuring that as many people as possible are touched by the beauty of Cabo Verde.
Izzy and her son moved together from the islands in the 1990’s making the both of them very familiar with the family-centered mindset of Cape Verdeans. They have maintained that same mindset all throughout their business journey; however, to them, family is not just blood relatives as they welcome everyone of the New Bedford area as one of their own. This local business is fully integrated into our community. Perhaps you’ve seen Izzy’s food truck at local football practices, received a meal from them as they helped local families during the pandemic, or simply ran there for some takeout. Nonetheless, all of the people that have come in contact with this restaurant are welcomed by helping hands, smiling faces, and delicious food.
Whether you have had 100 bowls of cachupa or have never even heard that word before, a trip to Izzy’s will never disappoint one’s taste buds and soul! Find their hours online and their business and welcoming faces at 72 Spring Street in New Bedford.