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Get a taste of Italy at the 15 best Italian restaurants in Johannesburg!

I’ve always dreamed of visiting Italy to enjoy its authentic dishes, where simple ingredients shine with natural flavours.

Johannesburg has over 40 Italian restaurants, but finding the perfect spot for solo dining, family meals, or celebrations can be tricky. So, I grabbed my notebook and tasted my way through to create this list.

If you’re craving Italian cuisine for a date, family outing, or special occasion, here are some of the best local Italian restaurants that bring a taste of Italy to your table.

Verdicchio Restaurant & Wine Cellar

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Address: Shop 9 Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways

Phone:

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Friday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Sunday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: https://www.verdicchio.co.za/

Price Range: RRR

Verdicchio Restaurant & Wine Cellar is a gem for Italian cuisine in Johannesburg. The vintage-inspired decor adds charm and sets the scene for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. It’s where good food, wine, and hearty laughs come together.

Their menu features pasta, meat, and seafood. When I visited last summer, the cheese wheel pasta stole the show. Served straight from a giant Grana Padano wheel, the pasta soaked up the rich, cheesy flavours, making every bite creamy and satisfying.

Tip: Pair the cheese wheel pasta with an unoaked chardonnay. Its bright acidity and fruity notes balance the richness of the dish perfectly.

Café del Sol Classico

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Address: Cnr Blueberry Street, Cnr Beyers Naude Drive Blueberry Square, Shop 305

Phone: +27 117 046 493

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Website: http://www.cafedelsol.co.za/

Price Range: RRR

Café del Sol Classico has been serving up Italian soul since 2007, blending tradition with a touch of modern flair. The menu is packed with comforting classics like seafood risotto, gnocchi, and stuffed calamari, each with its own twist.

The dish that always pulls me back is Nonna’s Ragu, inspired by the owner’s grandmother, Nonna Chiara. It’s hearty, with layers of rich, deep flavours and a smooth, velvety texture. Every bite feels like a warm hug, reminding me of home.

Tip: Save room for dessert! The homemade tarts and cakes are the perfect way to round off your meal.

Picola Pizza and Pasta

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Address: Cn 4th Ave & 8st Linden Square Shopping Center

Phone: +27 117 829 707

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Website: http://picolaitalian.com/

Price Range: RR

For authentic Italian pizza in Johannesburg, Picola Pizza and Pasta is the spot. Since 1999, it’s been a favourite for families and friends to gather over hearty, satisfying meals. The menu goes beyond pizza, offering pasta, burgers, and ribs too.

Their pepperoni pizza is a personal favourite. The spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and crispy edges come together perfectly. Each bite has a savoury, smoky flavour that’s irresistible.

Tip: Families will love the dedicated playroom for kids. It’s a win-win: parents can relax and enjoy their meal while the little ones are entertained.

Tortellino d’Oro

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Address: Shop 9, Oaklands Shopping Centre, Pretoria Road & Victoria Street

Phone: +27 114 831 249

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Website: http://www.tortellino.co.za/

Price Range: RRR

Craving Italian homemade cooking? Head to Tortellino d’Oro. The menu is packed with dishes made from fresh, locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients. From homemade pasta and bread to decadent desserts, there’s something for every palate.

I visited last weekend and couldn’t get enough of their gnocchi di patate. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, and the pomodoro sauce added a bright, flavorful touch that paired beautifully with the dish.

Tip: Check out their delicatessen section for ready-to-heat meals, including pasta, antipasti, and desserts. It’s the perfect way to bring their flavours home!

Franco’s Pizzeria & Trattoria

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Address: Upper Level, Office No.7, Parkview Center, 54 Tyrone Ave

Phone: +27 116 465 449 

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Website: http://www.francoforleo.co.za/

Price Range: RR

Franco’s Pizzeria & Trattoria is another must-visit spot for authentic Italian pizza. Alongside their wood-fired pizzas, they serve homemade classics like pasta, seafood risotto, and tiramisu. The rustic decor and cosy vibe make it feel like dining at a friend’s home.

When I visited with friends, I tried their salsiccia pizza straight from the wood-fired oven for R139. The crust was paper-thin with a smoky flavour, loaded with sausage, mushrooms, and rich tomato sauce. Every slice was worth every rand!

Tip: Craving something off-menu? Ask for prawn pasta or a custom dish. Franco Forleo will make it himself!

Stelle Restaurant

Address: 61 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst

Phone: +27 641 402 119 

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday to Saturday – 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Sunday – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: https://stellerestaurant.co.za/

Price Range: RRR

For simple yet refined Italian cuisine, Stelle Restaurant is worth a visit. Their menu highlights Northern Italian specialties like bagna cauda, shredded fillet with mushrooms, and mozzarella in carozza. 

The outdoor courtyard, shaded by ancient oak trees, is perfect for relaxing and enjoying your meal in a serene setting.

My go-to dish is their fettuccine lamb ragu. The lamb is tender and slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch that makes every bite satisfying.

Tip: Visit on a Sunday afternoon when the garden comes alive with live music. It’s a lovely way to enhance your dining experience!

Doppio Zero Sandton City

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Address: 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst

Phone: +27 117 840 969

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Tuesday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday to Saturday – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://doppio.co.za/restaurant/sandton-city/

Price Range: RR

Doppio Zero Sandton City is another favourite spot for Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly baked pastries, a great cup of coffee, or gourmet pizzas, this place has it all. 

The open kitchen lets you watch your pizza head into their wood-fired oven, adding a touch of charm to the experience.

For R225, I tried their steak, chips, and bone marrow, and it didn’t disappoint. The steak was rich and flavorful, paired perfectly with the creamy indulgence of the bone marrow. The hand-cut chips added a satisfying crunch that rounded out the meal.

Tip: Pair the steak with their roasted root vegetables. The caramelised carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes bring a sweet, earthy balance to the dish.

Casalinga

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Address: Plot 328 Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift

Phone: +27 105 954 563

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday to Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday to Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: http://casalinga.co.za/

Price Range: RR

Dine in a lush garden setting and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Casalinga. Known for their farm-to-table philosophy, they source ingredients straight from their organic gardens. The serene country atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or a peaceful escape.

For our anniversary, my husband surprised me with a meal here, and I was instantly charmed—especially by their osso buco. The veal shank was tender and perfectly braised, served with creamy polenta that balanced the dish beautifully. 

Tip: If you’re in the mood for a picnic, order from their takeaway menu. It features fresh, organic dishes crafted with ingredients straight from their gardens.

@ThePlace2B

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Address: Lanseria Country Estate, Palamino Drive

Phone: +27 834 467 663

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 8 a.m.to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: https://lanseriacountryestate.co.za/theplace2b/

Price Range: RR

You can find another great country-style Italian dining experience at @ThePlace2B. It’s a fusion of Italian and South African dishes, focusing on wholesome meals like salads, pizza, and pasta. 

They’re family-friendly too, with ample outdoor space for children to play, while the parents relax and enjoy their meal.

This is the place where I tasted one of the best lamb shanks. It had a rich, gamey flavour, and the meat was incredibly tender and juicy!

Tip: Pair your lamb shank with a stout. Its light sweetness and caramel undertones complement the savoury flavours of the lamb shank beautifully. 

Thanda Manzi Country Hotel & Restaurant

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Address: Hennops River Valley, Pretoria Rural

Phone: +27 798 869 827

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Website: https://www.thanda-manzi.co.za/

Price Range: RR

Savour authentic Italian cuisine with the Hennops River as your backdrop at Thanda Manzi Country Hotel & Restaurant. Their chefs craft Italian-inspired dishes using fresh, local produce, offering delights like risotto, pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. 

With outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a picturesque spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

I once stayed at the hotel and took the chance to try their grilled lamb chops. The lamb was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. The seasonal vegetable sides added a burst of flavour and texture, making it a truly satisfying meal.

Tip: Don’t miss Saxophone Sundays! Enjoy lunch by the river with live saxophone music, creating a relaxed and elegant dining experience. 

Café Picobella Trattoria

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Address: 66 4th Ave, Melville

Phone: +27 114 824 309

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafePicobellaTrattoria/

Price Range: RR

Enjoy traditional Italian flavours at Café Picobella Trattoria, a charming spot with a rustic Italian vibe. Known for their bruschetta, pasta, and wood-fired pizzas, they focus on high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. Best of all, it’s kind to your wallet!

For just R74, I treated myself to their spaghetti carbonara, and it didn’t disappoint. The dish was rich and creamy, perfectly balanced by the savoury pancetta and Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of comforting meal that transports you straight to Italy.

Tips: 
Visit on Mondays for half-price pasta.
On Wednesdays, their wood-fired pizzas are also half-price—a great deal for pizza lovers!

Piza ē Vino Melville

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Address: Lothbury Rd, Auckland Park

Phone: +27 834 601 464

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://pizaevino.co.za/

Price Range: RR

Piza ē Vino Melville is the go-to spot for authentic Italian pizza. With guidance from Italian chef Matteo Latorre, their menu boasts 36 pizza options alongside pasta and salads. You’ll find everything from vegetarian and seafood pizzas to spicy salami favourites!

As a cheese lover, I couldn’t resist their quattro formaggi pizza. It’s topped with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, fontina, and Parmesan, creating a perfect balance of creamy, sharp, tangy, smooth, and nutty flavours. At around R150, it was a truly satisfying treat.

Tip: Add a fresh arugula to the quattro formaggi for an extra peppery kick. It’s a simple topping that cuts through the cheese’s richness and elevates the dish!

La Cucina Di Ciro

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Address: 43 7th Ave, Parktown North

Phone: +27 114 425 187

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: http://www.lacucinadiciro.co.za/

Price Range: RR

For a refined Italian dining experience that’s budget-friendly, La Cucina Di Ciro is a must-visit. Specialising in Mediterranean cuisine with bold Italian flavours, this spot lets you dine under the shade of jacaranda trees, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere.

Their handmade pasta, osso buco, and antipasti platter are all excellent, but the standout for me is their grilled fish, priced around R300. The fish is perfectly marinated and grilled, bringing out its natural flavours, while the seasonal vegetable sides complete the dish beautifully.

Tip: Don’t miss Gabriella’s Tea Room on-site. Indulge in finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries while sipping on green, herbal, or traditional black teas.

The 11th Floor Restaurant

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Address: 11th Floor, Nicol Corner, 28 Bradford Rd

Phone: +27 100 450 440 

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Friday to Saturday – 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Website: https://www.the11thfloor.co.za/

Price Range: RRR

The 11th Floor Restaurant offers a unique Italian-South African dining vibe that’s worth checking out. Founded by Antonio Iozzo, a first-generation Italian South African, the spot combines local ingredients with authentic Italian imports. Think wood-fired Roman-style pizzas, char-grilled steaks, and seafood with a twist.

The pappardelle caught my attention. The flat, tender pasta came fresh, and the rich mix of meat and red wine gave it a satisfying depth of flavour.

Tip: Head for the rooftop seating. The views of Joburg from up there add a special touch to your meal!

Lupa Osteria

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Address: Bedford Centre, Shop F13 Cnr Van Der Linde, Smith Rd

Phone: +27 116 220 131

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday to Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: https://www.lupa.co.za/

Price Range: RR

For a taste of Roman-style cuisine, Lupa Osteria is a spot worth exploring. The menu is packed with traditional Italian favourites, from pasta and bolognese to pizzas and more. 

The warm ambience and minimalist decor make it a welcoming place for family dinners or casual outings with friends.

I visited with my family and enjoyed a memorable meal. The calamari pasta stood out, with tender grilled calamari and a zesty lemon kick wrapped in a silky butter sauce.

Tip: Pair the calamari pasta with a glass of Vermentino. Its citrusy and herbal notes complement the dish beautifully.
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