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If you’re looking for the best Italian restaurants in South Africa, you’re not alone – Italian is one of the most searched cuisines on the Dineplan app!
From Rome to Rosebank and Sicily to Stellies, we’ve rounded up 40+ top-rated Italian spots across the country that you can book on Dineplan whenever the craving hits. Buon appetito!
Cape Town
Ariel Modern Italian 
(Sea Point, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.5
Where Napoli meets New York on Sea Point’s Main Road, you’ll find Ariel Modern Italian. Inside, it’s all warm lighting, plush seating, and cheeky prints – perfect for long afternoons that roll into cocktail-filled evenings. Settle in for a feast of Italian favourites, like antipasti, Neapolitan-style pizzas, hearty pastas (don’t miss the Italian sausage rigatoni – it’d make any nonna proud), contorni, and decadent dolci. Tuesdays are made for you and your amore, with a R695 date night menu that sets the mood just right for two.
Bacini’s Pizzeria & Deli
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.6
First opened in Rosebank in 1989 before finding its home on Cape Town’s Kloof Street, Bacini’s has cemented its place as a much-loved staple in the local Italian food scene. Founded by Raimondo Napoli – better known as Uncle Ray to the regulars – it’s been serving up hearty Italian plates for nearly three decades. With its warm, welcoming vibe, views of the city and mountain, and a steady buzz from the bar and tables, Bacini’s is a go-to for families, date nights, and casual catch-ups alike. The menu’s loaded with generous bowls of pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasti like arancini and carpaccio. Don’t leave without ordering Dino’s Famous Bloody Mary – the recipe’s a tight-lipped secret, but trust us, it’s well worth the mystery!
Club Kloof
(Tamboerskloof, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.6
Trendy, tasty, and a must. Club Kloof in Tamboerskloof – with its red walls, quirky art and warm, lived-in feel – is as cheeky as it is charming. Serving up “Italian-ish” food and drinks, this neighbourhood spot embraces the Italian tradition of sharing, with a menu that’s big on small plates. Think pizzette (don’t miss the garlic confit), fresh and flavourful salads, primi and secondi plates (hello, lasagna slice), indulgent desserts, and cocktails made for when the clock strikes aperitivo o’clock.
Club Kloof was a 10/10 experience, delicious cocktails, salads, pizzas, pastas and outstandingly good desserts. The zucchini starter was my favourite and the blood orange dessert was outstanding.
Carne
(Multiple locations, Cape Town)
Literally translating to “meat” in Italian, Carne is a firm favourite for those after a proper Milanese-style steakhouse experience. Owner, Chef Giorgio Nava, has a fiery passion for top-quality cuts and it’s clear from the moment you walk in. Before ordering, diners are talked through a meat selection to ensure their dish is exactly what they’re after. Whether you’re at the sleek, glass-walled Keerom Street spot or the moodier Kloof Street location, expect a menu packed with proper Italian flair – from prosciutto and ravioli to expertly prepared steaks and, of course, an extensive wine list that locals and tourists can’t stop raving about.
Gusto Urban Italian
(Century City, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.6
With views over Ratanga Park and the canal, Gusto Urban Italian offers a modern twist on the classic trattoria. It’s trendy with clean finishes, plush couches and wooden accents, but still true to the authentic Italian experience through its dishes. On the menu, you’ll find house-made pasta (don’t miss the butternut ravioli finished in sage butter), 48-hour proofed wood-fired pizzas, grilled meats and fresh seafood, as well as an extensive wine list that is the result of a collaboration between their South African sommelier and Italian chef.
Lievita
(Green Point, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.6
Whether you’re twirling your fork into the perfect pasta bite, savouring every slice of Neapolitan pizza fresh from the Fazzone oven, or taking a break with an affogato, Lievita has it all – and then some. Led by “The Maestro” Andrea, Lievita is a love letter to Italy. Dishes are crafted with authentic ingredients and classic techniques, and the space is light, stylish and relaxed with wooden floors, large windows and comfy seating – perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, post-padel bite, or celebratory dinner with la famiglia.
I’m Italian, and I can say that it is a real Italian pizza!! Well done guys!!
Papino’s by Jolly Cook
(Hout Bay, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.7
A Hout Bay legend, Papino’s by Jolly Cook brings together the best of classic Italian comfort food and premium steakhouse fare. Known for handmade pizzas and pastas crafted with authentic Italian ingredients, the menu also features perfectly aged steaks, juicy burgers, and the fresh catch-of-the-day. The setting is warm, relaxed and inviting – a home-away-from-home that keeps locals coming back year after year.
I’ve been going to Papinos for almost 40 years and known all previous owners. Today, this little gem in Hout Bay surpasses them all.
Pizza Connection
(Woodstock, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.7
Its namesake, born from a tongue-in-cheek nod to Italian history, Pizza Connection in Woodstock is anything but your average pizzeria. With its relaxed, neighbourly vibe and serious dedication to proper Italian food, the team serves up both Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas – from pillowy, 72-hour fermented dough to crisp, thin Roman bases. Toppings stay true to tradition with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, and options like the Amatriciana with cured pork cheek. Pair your slice with a glass of wine from their local and Italian list and, whatever you do, leave room for the tiramisu!
Scala Pasta Bar
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.7
Tucked under the trees on Church Street, just off Bree, Scala isn’t serving your mamma’s pasta. In collaboration with Italian master chef Luciano Monosilio, the team dishes up fresh handmade pastas, small plates, and chargrilled specialties straight from a Josper oven. From yellowtail carpaccio to the signature carbonara by the king himself, each dish leans into seasonal ingredients and bold, mouthwatering flavour. Pop in for Aperitivo Hour between 4 – 5:30 pm, with half-price drinks and R79 cicchetti – perfect for sharing, just like a proper Italian feast.
WOW! This was an amazing experience! Best pasta (as well as other dishes) I’ve ever had. The ambience is lovely. Our servers, Luca & Leah, were both incredible. They went the extra mile to make my partner’s birthday memorable. I would recommend Scala to anyone who is a foodie and pasta lover. Will be back.
The Cousins Trattoria
(Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.7
Started by three cousins from Emilia-Romagna – Andrea, Luca and Simone – this pasta trattoria was born out of a craving for home. Missing the flavours of their nonna Tina’s cooking, they decided to bring a taste of Italy to the Mother City. It’s a warm, always-packed spot where tables are full, plates are licked clean, pasta is made fresh daily, top-shelf Italian wine flows, and the menu covers all the essentials – crostini, burrata, steaks, and desserts. But it’s the pasta that truly steals the show. Don’t leave without trying their famous Cousins Pasta: Creamy tagliolini with mushrooms and thyme, tossed and served straight from a Grana Padano cheese wheel at your table.
One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been to in Cape Town. The food was phenomenal. If you’re looking for quality, authentic Italian food, this is the place! Will be back!
Villa 47
(Bree Street, Cape Town)
Rated: 4.7
With three distinct spaces to explore and plenty of reasons to book a table, Villa 47, tucked inside a heritage building on Bree Street, is a celebration of all things Italian. Start your visit at Locanda (Italian for “inn”) with a cocktail in hand, before settling in for a feast. Think antipasti platters, caprese, melanzane, hearty pastas, creamy risottos, and a sweet selection of dolci to end your meal. Whether you’re soaking up the golden glow of sunset or gathering for a lively evening, the team’s always ready to welcome you back.
We love the place and keep coming back. The pasta is like a poem.
The Winelands
Allora Ristorante Franschhoek
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
Rated: 4.7
With its mosaic brickwork, wood-burning ovens, and central fountain, Allora Ristorante in Franschhoek feels like a stroll through a traditional Italian village. A local favourite since 2004, it blends rustic Italian flavours with a modern touch. Think nonna-approved pastas, perfectly blistered pizzas, polpette, caprese balsamico, and wine-steamed mussels. Allora delivers across the board – from the menu and specials to the warm setting, slick service, and well-stocked bar that won’t leave you thirsty. It’s the perfect pitstop on your Italian adventure through the winelands.
Allora is our trusted favourite for years. Good Italian food with excellent service. Recommend the artichoke starter, leggero salad, any pizza or pasta, and the affogato or pisa dessert.
Asta Italian Restaurant
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Rated: 4.7
Tucked away in the heart of Stellenbosch, Asta Italian Restaurant is all about generous hospitality, hearty portions, and family-inspired comfort food that’ll transport you straight to the Italian countryside. Run by brother-in-law duo Sheldon and Kipper, this cosy spot offers friendly service, charming courtyard seating wrapped around an olive tree, and a menu full of the classics. From the perfect puttanesca and a line-up of bruschetta options to wood-fired pizzas – don’t miss the Siciliana – Asta always gives diners a reason to return.
Capelands Italian Restaurant Trattoria
(Somerset West, Western Cape)
Rated: 4.6
With vineyard views and sunsets over False Bay, Capelands Italian Restaurant Trattoria in Somerset West sets the scene for a proper Italian feast. The menu is always fresh – many ingredients are grown on the farm itself – with options like handmade pastas (think orecchiette, ravioli, gnocchi), Roman-style wood-fired pizzas, and enticing surprises such as crespelle and beetroot carpaccio. The drinks list covers everything from negroni to grappa and an incredible wine selection. Whether you’re planning a date night, a celebration, or simply craving carbs with a view, guests can always count on warm service, an easy-going atmosphere, and good food – every time.
Excellent quality food and great atmosphere and view beyond compare.
Ischia Restaurant
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Rated: 4.8
Delivering an authentic Italian dining experience inspired by the island of Ischia in Southern Italy, Ischia Restaurant is all about proper Italian food done right. Take a seat in the spacious dining room – complete with mosaic walls, cool tones, and photos of Italy – before browsing a menu full of tempting options. From rigatoni casalinga and spaghetti alla puttanesca to Neapolitan-style pizzas, pesca di linea, and a dolci line-up that will have you eyeing dessert first (the tiramisu is a must), there’s something to satisfy every craving, along with a delicious selection of Italian wines. Before you head out – and just after that final espresso – pop downstairs to the Super Sconto deli for a little slice of Italy to take home.
Excellent Italian food done the Italian way. Good service and value. Highly recommend.
Morgenster
(Somerset West, Western Cape)
Rated: 4.6
Set among olive groves and vineyards in Somerset West, Morgenster brings a slice of Italy to the Cape Winelands. Founded by Giulio Bertrand – who fell in love with South Africa in the early ’90s – as a result, the estate is rich in Italian heritage. Book a seat and enjoy rustic favourites like handmade pastas, antipasti drizzled with estate olive oil, melanzane alla parmigiana, and classic desserts like panna cotta and affogato al caffè. With mountain views, terrace dining, and Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo on pour, it’s a little taste of Tuscany, right here at home.
Gauteng
Café 28
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.5
Tucked away in Sandton, Café 28 has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 2016 and quietly earned a reputation for the best pizza in Joburg. Founded by Andrea Giromini from Piedmont, Italy, this spot focuses on traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas, using quality Italian imports and organic produce grown in their garden. The menu has everything you could want – from burgers to pizzas, pastas, and moreish desserts, plus plenty of vegetarian options too. Overlooking a 9-hole golf course, it’s a scenic, laid-back spot perfect for long lunches, relaxed dinners, and catching up with friends over a glass of vino.
The food (specifically the Pizza) is one that you fold – and put to your mouth and smile after the first bite because you know you ordered the right thing and you are in the right place.
Casa Bella Mall of Africa
(Midrand, Gauteng)
Rated: 4.5
A tribute to Naples and its love affair with food, Casa Bella invites guests to take a seat and feast in true Italian fashion: “first we eat, then we do everything else.” The focus is on quality ingredients and generous portions. Expect wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas made with imported Italian flour, hand-crafted pastas made from 100% durum wheat, and slow-cooked meats like oxtail, lamb shank, and A-grade steaks – all served in a stylish setting worthy of a spot on your Insta feed.
Always good. Best Italian cuisine ever. Thank you to waiter Lovemore for fab service and chats.
Casalinga Restaurant
(Krugersdorp, Gauteng)
Rated: 4.5
Set on an organic farm, Casalinga brings Italian country-style dining to life with a strong focus on fresh, ethically sourced ingredients. Led by Executive Chef Rausharn Griffin, the menu features comforting favourites like lasagne, pork belly, and tagliatelle – all made using seasonal produce from the estate’s gardens. Dine in a rustic, villa-style space with face-brick walls, crisp white linen tablecloths, and a cocktail list that keeps things festive.
Fugazzi
(Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.5
This lively New York-Italian–themed restaurant keeps guests coming back for a taste of nostalgic comfort food, with a big focus on the iconic “red sauce.” The space is pure Insta gold – think retro red booths, vintage posters, and classic ’80s NYC diner vibes. On the menu? Italian-American favourites done right – sourdough pizzas, meatball pomodoro, zucchini fries, and pasta dishes with a cheeky twist. Whether you’re after something casual, planning a cute date night, or booking for the whole famiglia, Fugazzi should be on your list.
Gemelli
(Bryanston, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.7
Founded by Alessandro Mosupi Khojane, who grew up in Rome, Gemelli is where modern dining meets wholesome Italian food. Upstairs, the moody, stylish space – think gold accents, deep blues, and plush, sink-into-your-seat chairs – sets the mood for a menu that pays homage to timeless Italian flavours. From signature pastas and sharing platters to perfect cuts of meat and cicchetti snacks, each dish is meticulously crafted. Whatever the occasion, Gemelli delivers the kind of warmth that keeps guests coming back.
Gioia / Tei Avon
(Parkwood, Rosebank)
Rated: 4.8
Gioia, meaning “joy” in Italian, is where food, family, and shared moments come together just as the Italians intended. Overlooking the sports fields, this relaxed, family-friendly spot offers al fresco dining on the terrace, wood-fired pizzas, and a menu packed with family favourites – think hearty pastas, pizzas, juicy burgers, and steaks off the grill. While you unwind with a sundowner, the little ones can explore jungle gyms, bike tracks, or enjoy the secure play area under the watchful eye of dedicated childminders.
Modena Italian
(Parkhurst, Rosebank)
Rated: 4.6
Bringing a touch of la dolce vita to Parkhurst’s bustling 4th Avenue, chef-owner Vassilios Holiasmenos’ menu blends old-school Italian flavours with a modern twist. Expect homemade pastas, rich risottos, and standout pizzas – the Diavola is to die for. The space is a nod to a Tuscan villa, with soft lighting, intricate tiling, marble finishes, and statuesque murals. Whether you’re dining al fresco or tucked inside, Modena is the go-to for casual get-togethers, romantic dates, or lingering family feasts.
Pasta Barra
(Brooklyn, Pretoria)
Rated: 4.8
Tucked away in Brooklyn, Pretoria, Pasta Barra serves up Southern Italian and Sicilian-inspired flavours in a warm, welcoming space. Head Chef Manny leads the kitchen with a focus on freshly made pastas, think classic carbonara, along with rich risottos and flame-grilled dishes that bring that authentic Italian taste to every plate. Whether you’re dining inside or out, the cosy-yet-sophisticated setting makes it ideal for anything from casual lunches to special occasion dinners, paired with great service and sharp attention to detail, this is one Italian gem worth booking ahead for.
Pronto Italian Restaurant
(Craighall, Sandton)
Rated: 4.6
A favourite in Craighall, Pronto Italian Restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to consistently delicious food, warm hospitality, and an unmissable Italian charm. Whether you’re grabbing a table on the covered patio or settling inside among bookshelves, mirrors, and murals, it feels like a true home away from home. The menu offers everything you’d want from an Italian meal – hearty pastas and pizzas, antipasti, focaccia, and fresh salads – all made with top-quality local and imported ingredients. With generous portions, great veggie options, and a new deli packed with Italian goodies, Pronto is perfect for anything from solo lunches to relaxed family dinners.
SetteBello at the Italian Club
(Bedfordview, Germinston)
Rated: 4.6
Located inside The Italian Club Johannesburg, SetteBello is a family-owned gem serving the heart and soul of Neapolitan cuisine. Known for its wood-fired pizzas – crafted by chefs trained at the Pizza School of Naples – the dough is soft, flavourful, with just the right char. Beyond pizza, the menu features homestyle pastas with a build-it-yourself option, grilled seafood, steaks, and gelato. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly made Aperol Spritz on the terrace or gathering loved ones for a celebration, it’s all about food, family, and living la dolce vita!
Absolutely fantastic food and atmosphere.. authentic Italian.
The Italian Job Food Emporium
(Bryanston, Johannesburg)
Rated: 4.7
Tucked away in Bryanston, The Italian Job Food Emporium is a family-run Italian café and deli bringing a slice of Italy to the suburbs. Founded by cousins Claudia Stella and Lorenzo Mottalini, this cosy spot is all about handcrafted quality, warm hospitality, and that unmistakable Italian famiglia feel. Whether you’re settling in for a leisurely lunch or grabbing fresh pasta, cold meats, or artisanal deli goods to go, it’s easy to see why they’re a neighbourhood favourite.
Our favourite place since it started. Regular visitors.
Tony’s Spaghetti Grill
(Randpark Ridge, Randburg)
Rated: 4.6
A Johannesburg favourite since 2001, Tony’s blends classic Italian with South African flair in a lively, relaxed setting. With al fresco dining and a chic bar area, it’s perfect for casual catch-ups or celebratory dinners. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers – veal saltimbocca, creamy kingklip, handmade pastas, loaded pizzas, indulgent starters like carpaccio, garlic prawn tails, and mozzarella fritta. And, to finish on a high note, the tiramisu is a must! With friendly staff and flavour-packed plates, it’s no wonder Tony’s remains a local go-to.
Lovely family friendly restaurant with wholesome “Italian home” delicious food … it’s a drive away from home but was worth the trip. Veg options a plenty and well portioned.
Durban
Bel Punto
(Umdloti, Durban)
Rated: 4.7
Perched on the shores of Umdloti, Bel Punto has been serving authentic Italian fine dining with a sea breeze since 2004. This family-run restaurant pairs homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and exceptional seafood and meat grills with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean (dolphins often included). The menu celebrates Italian coastal cuisine, from oysters and stuffed calamari to crayfish, langoustines, and steaks, all rounded off with decadent desserts like cassata and espresso crème brûlée. With its chic, relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality, it’s a must for Italian food lovers on the Dolphin Coast.
Casa Nostra
(Umdloti, Durban)
Rated: 4.7
Since 1996, Casa Nostra in Umdloti has been serving up a slice of Italy by the sea. Tucked inside the Marine Walk Shopping Centre, this family-run spot blends cosy charm – think red-and-white gingham tablecloths, terracotta walls, an al fresco terrace, and a laid-back vibe with an authentic Italian menu that hits all the right notes. From risottos and wood-fired pizzas to lamb shank, seafood, and grilled quail, there’s something for everyone (including vegan, veggie, and gluten-free diners). Don’t leave without a sip of their homemade limoncello!
Donna Modern Italian
(Ballito, Durban)
Rated: 4.5
Bright, playful, and a must on your Italian hit list, Donna Modern Italian brings a fresh twist to the classics. Designed for family-style feasting, it’s the kind of spot where kids run free in the supervised playground, while adults linger over refreshing cocktails (two frozen Aperol Spritz, please!) and tuck into mouthwatering dishes from the menu. From beef carpaccio and grilled prawn skewers to wood-fired pizzas, hearty pastas, and mains like herb-crusted lamb or lemony baby chicken, every plate strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modern flavours.
Outstanding! The best in-house made pasta around the area.
Old Town Italy – Umhlanga
(Umhlanga Rocks, Durban)
Rated: 4.5
Old Town Italy in Umhlanga isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full Italian food experience. Part deli, part bakery, part butchery, and part eatery, this beloved spot serves up traditional Italian flavours with a focus on artisanal methods and top-quality ingredients. The menu is packed with fan favourites like roasted butternut ravioli, chicken parmesan, and gamberi arrabiata, plus wood-fired pizzas loaded with all the right toppings. Set in a charming, old-world space, it feels like you’ve stepped into a café in Florence after a day of exploring the cobbled streets.
To Make The Cut
- The restaurants must be listed on Dineplan and actively accepting guest reviews.
- The restaurants must be located in South Africa.
- Each restaurant must have received 50 or more public reviews within the past 12 months (May 2024 – June 2025).
- All listed restaurants have an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher based on guest reviews on Dineplan.
- All reviews are current as of 1 July 2025.
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