When it comes to savouring the rich and diverse flavours of Italy, Johannesburg offers a delectable journey for food enthusiasts. Italian cuisine, renowned for its culinary artistry and the passionate embrace of fresh ingredients, finds a vibrant home in the heart of this South African metropolis. Johannesburg boasts a thriving Italian restaurant scene, inviting locals and tourists alike to indulge in the authentic tastes of Italy.
From traditional trattorias to modern, chic eateries, the city’s Italian restaurants promise a gastronomic adventure that transports diners to the sun-kissed landscapes of Tuscany, the bustling streets of Rome, and the coastal delights of Sicily.
In this article, mrpocu.com delve into the enchanting world of Italian restaurants in Johannesburg, exploring the finest establishments, mouthwatering dishes, and the inviting ambience that makes each dining experience an unforgettable journey into Italy’s culinary soul. Buon appetito!
Italian Restaurants In Johannesburg
Saint Restaurant
David Higgs’ restaurant offers a menu with inventive and refined twists on traditional Italian dishes. Kickstart your culinary journey with creamy burrata served alongside wood-fired tomatoes or savour the crispy squid-ink croquettes. The real stars of the show are the pizzas, with options ranging from the perfectly balanced margherita to the more adventurous sirloin with caramelized onions and pumpkin seeds.
Don’t miss the standout ricotta gnocchi, which is light and airy, complemented by a textured romesco sauce, leeks, and crispy kale, or opt for the variation with white Italian sausages and capers. Meatier mains like chicken and sea bass are also available, and a decadent tiramisu provides the perfect finale for your meal.
Tortellino D’Oro
Tortellino D’Oro, nestled in the Oaklands Shopping Centre in Oaklands, is a charming family-run restaurant and delicatessen that has been delighting patrons with authentic Italian cuisine for over two decades. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a joyous family gathering, or a delightful ladies’ luncheon, this restaurant offers an ideal setting. It’s also perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee and delectable sweet treats.
Reservations are highly recommended, as this restaurant is known to quickly fill up. Every dish on their menu is a culinary masterpiece, from the delectable antipasto to the handcrafted pasta selections and mouthwatering desserts. Tortellino D’Oro promises a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Da Graziella
Nestled at 74 Dunvegan Ave in Dunvegan, Edenvale, Da Graziella is a delightful Italian restaurant that exudes the charm and warmth of an authentic Italian home-style eatery. Stepping inside feels like a journey to a quaint Italian village, offering a cosy and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
Da Graziella is renowned for its delectable Italian cuisine, ensuring a feast for your taste buds. What truly sets this restaurant apart is its impeccable service, ensuring that every visit is delightful. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Da Graziella is a must-visit destination for those seeking the flavours of Italy in a charming setting. And is also marked as one of the best Italian Restaurants In Johannesburg you must Visit.
Ristorante La Trinita
La Trinita in Kyalami offers a dining experience that’s nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with warm and personal service, exemplified by the welcoming hug from Lala, who takes it upon herself to make your visit truly special. She not only seats you at your table but also guides you through the menu, introducing you to their special dishes.
What sets La Trinita apart is their flexibility and willingness to cater to your preferences. Whether it’s creating a custom dish or indulging in a variety of options, like the half-and-half gnocchi, they ensure you get the best dining experience. For a memorable Saturday night dinner with friends, La Trinita is undoubtedly the place to be.
Luca’s Ristorante Italiano
This Tuscan-inspired restaurant, led by owner Luca, offers an authentic Italian dining experience filled with warmth and hospitality. Luca personally guides guests through the menu, sharing daily specials and recommendations. The menu showcases a variety of Italian delights, including chicken tortellini in a flavorful herb broth, trippa alla parmigiana, rabbit cacciatore, and a mouthwatering 1kg Fiorentina T-bone steak.
Seafood lovers can savour the fettuccine Frutti di mare, featuring fresh mussels, clams, calamari, and prawns in a delightful tomato, garlic, and parsley sauce with a touch of white wine. For a comforting winter dish, the fennel-infused salsiccia served on a bed of pesto polenta is a perfect choice. Additionally, inquire about their banting, gluten-free, and wheat-free options. To top off your meal, don’t miss the heavenly chocolate truffle cake.
Illovo Mastrantonio
Mastrantonio embodies the essence of an authentic trattoria. Begin your culinary journey with the delightful antipasto, showcasing dishes like carpaccio di manzo – thinly sliced fillet, drizzled with olive oil, and adorned with parmesan and mushroom shavings. Alternatively, savour the melanzane, featuring layered brinjal and tomato sauce, crowned with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. For the main course, indulge in the homemade gnocchi, known for its light and fluffy texture, perfectly complemented by a four-cheese sauce.
Another excellent choice is the linguine porcini, where mushrooms take centre stage. The menu also offers a selection of chicken, steak, and veal dishes, all prepared in the traditional Italian style. Conclude your dining experience with a classic tiramisu and a refreshing espresso.
Cuisine Afrique
Cuisine Afrique is a culinary gem that welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a delightful South African dining experience. Our philosophy revolves around crafting simple yet flavour-packed dishes, utilizing only the freshest and finest locally sourced ingredients. Cuisine Afrique takes full advantage of Afrique Boutique’s own bountiful herb garden, complemented by a curated selection of craft beers, tapas-style appetizers, and estate wines.
Our diverse menu showcases a range of options, including seafood, poultry, impeccably grilled meats, vegetarian alternatives, and an array of intriguing dishes. Additionally, we take pride in our excellent collection of cigars, inviting guests to enjoy them in a relaxed lounge setting.
With both indoor and alfresco dining areas, our restaurant provides an ideal setting for intimate and romantic meals. We also offer versatile venues for various special occasions and celebrations.
Al Fiume, Riverplace
Al Fiume, an acclaimed Italian restaurant, boasts an idyllic location overlooking the Hennops River, offering authentic Italian cuisine and excellent service. With a well-stocked wine cellar featuring Italian and local wines, it’s a top choice for romantic dining, recognized as one of South Africa’s Top 10 Romantic Restaurants.
Whether dining on the deck in summer, enjoying warm drinks indoors in winter or strolling amid autumn leaves, al Fiume offers an year-round exquisite experience. Moreover, River Place, the restaurant’s setting, provides an enchanting venue for weddings, with a stone bridge, scenic river, mountain sunsets, and starlit skies ensuring unforgettable memories for couples.
Moda’ Ristorante
Begin your meal with delicious appetizers such as crispy deep-fried calamari on zucchini fries or beef tenderloin carpaccio with balsamic vinegar, rocket, and parmesan. The restaurant’s thin and crispy pizza bases offer delightful options like the marinara with mozzarella, capers, and anchovies, or the capricciosa with mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, ham, and black olives.
Don’t miss the pasta specials on the blackboard, including spaghetti with blue crab and chicken ravioli with a tomato-and-basil sauce. Risotto lovers can choose porcini mushrooms and parmesan, Italian pork sausages with rosemary, or asparagus and prawns. Save room for homemade Italian desserts like tiramisu, panna cotta, and gelato. The Moda Ristorante is one of the must-visit Italian Restaurants In Johannesburg you should give a try.
Trabella Pizzeria
Trabella exudes a trendy ambience with its chic decor featuring school desk chairs, floor-to-ceiling black paint, blackboard-adorned walls, and table candles, creating a contemporary and inviting setting. The menu at Trabella offers a variety of classic pizzas and characterful pastas. Seasonal salads like the artichoke, avocado, and nut salad with mozzarella are refreshing options. For pasta enthusiasts, the Napoletana is a simple yet flavorful choice.
The heart of the menu is undoubtedly the pizzas, with Trabella’s special boasting a medley of peppers, mushrooms, olives, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and chilli, with the possibility of adding mince, bacon, or other meats. To conclude your meal, indulge in delightful Italian kisses or opt for a refreshing sorbet dessert.