Pasta!
My absolute favourite word, favourite food … and my favourite food group.
I was definitely an Italian in my past life. I live and dream Italian food, especially pasta.
Here are my favourite pasta dishes at 5 different Italian restaurants in and around Jozi.
Spaghetti Aglio Olio @ Pomodoro, Morningside
This is as simple as it gets. Spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, chilli and parsley. And if you want a little saltiness, anchovies are optional. This is my favourite at Pomodoro, and I always ask for just a few anchovies, when I just feel like a plain simple but tasty pasta. With a little sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it is beyond simply delicious.
Pomodoro: Morningside Shopping Centre, Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton.Â
Website: click here or call: 0879403811
Spaghetti Bolognese &Â Linguine Pescatore @ Mastrantonio, Illovo
Mastrantonio in Illovo isn’t your normal Mastrantonio. It’s real, authentic Italian food in a smart and sophisticated setting. It is the perfect spot for a special occasion, like date night or a little celebration. This was my restaurant of choice when I qualified as an Attorney last year, so it holds a special place in my heart. Aaaaw!
Le Bf always, without a doubt, opts for spaghetti bolognese. As a creature of habit if he finds something he loves, he sticks to it. And according to him this spaghetti bolognese is the best ever! I on the other hand love trying new dishes. And pictured here is the linguine pescatore. The most delicious seafood pasta with a perfect taste and flavour.
Bonus: the complimentary bread basket with a variety of breads and olive oil and balsamic vinegar is always a winner. Especially the flat bread- it is crispy, crunchy and simply superb.
Mastrantonio, Illovo Square, 3 Rivonia Road, Illovo, Johannesburg
Website: click here or call: 011 2686754
Penne with Asparagus and Baby Marrow @ Tortellino D ‘Oro, Oaklands
Tortellini D’Oro is another smart Italian which Le BF and I love.
Le BF either has the beef lasagna or the penne Bolognese. Yip, he still sticks to his two favourites here.
I either have spaghettini papalina or penne with asparagus and baby marrow.
Spaghettini is a much thinner spaghetti, which I love. And papalina is like a creamy napoletana sauce with mushrooms. It is superb!
Penne with asparagus and baby marrow is on the specials menu, so its not a permanent item on the menu. It has the perfect asparagus flavour which isn’t too strong but still tasty. With a sprinkling of parmesan it is beyond delicious.
Tortellini D’Oro: Oaklands Shopping Centre, Pretoria Road & Victoria Street, Oaklands
Call: 011 4831249
 Fettucine Alfredo Originale @ Pronto, Craighall Park
Pronto is our go to Italian restaurant when we craving authentic pasta dishes that aren’t too fancy. Between Le BF and I we share ravioli and alfredo originale (as theres no ham). Both dishes are our faves, so we share to get the best of both worlds.
Dessert: Pronto’s Tiramisu is the best.
Pronto: The Colony Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park
Call: 011 4474346
Spaghetti Arrabiatta @ Da Graziella, Edenvale
Da Graziella is the cosiest little Italian nook in Edenvale. Not only is the food superb but the cosy atmosphere is my favourite. Da Graziella is definitely one of Joburgs best keep secrets and is possibly my favourite little restaurant by far! The food is unbelievable, all the staff know me by name (yes, we eat here once a week) and it is just my home away from home.
My go to dish is spaghetti arrabiatta with a little bit of cream; and it is perfect!
Da Graziella: 74 Dunvegan Ave, Edenvale,
Website: click here or call: 011 4546202
Please let me know of any other delicious spots I need to try!
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This entire post has me craving fresh, delicious pasta.
If you’re ever in the KZN area, in Hillcrest, there are two places that are fabulous for pasta – LUPA, where they make all of their actual pasta fresh (I always go for the Aglio Olio Pepperoncino – spaghetti with prawns, lemon, olive oil, parsley and chilli, and I top it off with their freshly grated parmesan) and STRETTA (their Gorgonzola Rigatoni is divine – creamy gorgonzola sauce, fresh parma ham and rocket, as is their Carne Tagliatelle – steak medallions in a creamy mushroom and marsala sauce)
http://sugarspicelifestyle.blogspot.co.za/
Assaggi in the Post Office Centre in Illovo is a must-try if you love pasta!
Mouth. is. watering – tonight we eat spaghetti!!!!!!!!
Cafe del Sol in Olivedale, Bryanston and Tre.
Omg! Droooooool. What a delicious post xx
Hi there.
Love it. Really worth a try for authentic and unpretentious is trattoria Renato is Emmerentia. La trinita in Kyalami is run by and Italian mother and daughter combo and is also really awesome