I was definitely an Italian in my past life because you all know that Italian food is my absolute favourite. I have definitely eaten my way through nearly every Italian restaurant in Johannesburg but have a few that we visit and eat at all the time. So it’s only right I share these favourites with you in a blog post.
According to me, these are the best Italian restaurants in Johannesburg:
Tortellino D’Oro
Located in the Oaklands Shopping Centre in Oaklands, Tortellino D’Oro is a family run restaurant and delicatessen that has been serving up real Italian food for over 22 years. This restaurant is our absolute favourite for a romantic date night, a celebratory family occasion and a wine and dine ladies lunch. Or even for an afternoon coffee and sweet treat pick me up. Be sure to phone and make a reservation beforehand because this restaurant does fill up quickly. All the food is out of this world delicious, from the antipasto to the selection of pasta all made my hand as well as the desserts.Â
What I order: gramigna papalina, asparagus and zucchini pasta or ravioli in burnt butter and sage (pictured below).Â
Website: www.tortellino.co.za
DA GRAZIELLA
Located at 74 Dunvegan Ave, Dunvegan, Edenvale, Da Graziella is an authentic home style Italian restaurant. There is nothing better than a cosy and comforting setting that makes you feel like you are in a little town in Italy. At Da Graziella the food is delicious, the atmosphere is intimate and cosy and the service is top notch! For a casual week night dinner this is a real go-to!
What I order: spaghetti arrabbiata (with a touch of cream), the spaghetti seafood in tinfoil or beef lasagna.Â
Tel: 011 454 6202
LA TRINITA
Not often do you walk into a restaurant and receive such personal service like you do at La Trinita in Kyalami. As you walk in, Lala welcomes you with a very big hug, she then seats you at your table and tells you about all the special dishes. The best part is if you want to make up your own dish, Lala will happily allow you to. Like, for example, if like me you can’t decide which gnocchi to go for, Lala will do half and half. This way you really get the best of both worlds! For a Saturday night dinner with friends, this is the spot!
What I order: gnocchi because hands down La Trinita make the best gnocchi.
Where: Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, Kyalami Boulevard & Main Rd, Kyalami Park
Website: www.latrinita.co.za
SALE PEPE
Sale Pepe is another favourite for all the right reasons. We love the coziness and the food, obviously. We also love that the portions here are so big that either we share one big pasta dish between two of us or we each order our own and have leftovers for the next day. Every dish on the menu is absolutely delicious and is prepared by the chef himself using proper Italian ingredients.Â
What I always order: Linguini Alla Vegetariana – this pasta dish is so tasty with all the garlic and herbs!
Where: Morningview Shopping Centre, South Road, Morningside, Sandton
Tel: 011 8837020
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Dolci Cafe in Craighall Park. Give it a try. In my opinion the best Italian restaurant in town!
Ooooh! Some amazing suggestions! That gnocchi from La Trinita looks heavenly!
Please try Gema Trattoria in Kensington. Love their food
One amazing Italian restaurant I love is Casa Marani in Parkhurst. You may already have sampled Graziella’s lasagnes at some of Joburg’s larger markets. Now, you have a cosy corner on the Parkhurst strip to tuck into the paper thin sheets of pasta that made her famous. Her gnocchi is also unmissable and, if it’s lunchtime, a platter of roast vegetables, Italian cheese and meats (you can pick and choose from a sizeable selection) hits the spot every time.