Where to eat in Cape Town, all the best italian restaurants

In the fifteenth century, the portuguese vocation to explore by sea, first with Bartolomeu Dias, then with Vasco da Gama, led to the sighting and later discovery of the south african territory. It was King John II of Portugal who gave it the name “Cape of Good Hope”. Today Cape Town,  after being the first European settlement in southern africa, is the second most populous city in the country and expresses a fabulous diversity that is also an unfortunate result of the colonialism that invested the city in the past centuries. This background concurs to define a food scene so articulate and varied that it offers an uncommon culinary melting pot. So, against the backdrop of a distinctive architectural context of skyscrapers and old colonial buildings, it is possible to eat street food, such as fish and chips and the Gatsby sandwich, or to savor flavors belonging to cultural communities of more distant origin (for example, the cape malay cuisine). This gastronomic pluralism also includes a fair amount of italian cuisine on the spot. In a few words, even in Cape Town it will be possible to enjoy a nice plate of pasta or sit down at the table to try traditional italian recipes, sometimes declined in a contemporary key.

Cape Town's best italian restaurants

95 at Parks

From Cape Town to Milan in one bite. At the restaurant of chef-owner Giorgio Nava, the Italian flavors of Lombardy combine with the finest local ingredients to create a winning formula of Italian fine dining. The ambiance is minimal, and warm, where everything is chosen and positioned with great attention to detail to give the customer a relaxed, and positive experience. The ravioli di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) and the classic ossobuco alla Milanese (slow-cooked veal shank) are tasty and well made, but also pizza does not disappoint. The house-made gelato completes the package. The wine list is well articulated, with many Italian wineries and food-friendly lalels. It deserves our Villa Sandi Best Contemporary Wine List Award 2023 in Cape Town.

95 at Parks – 114 Constantia Main Road - +27 217610247 – 95atparks.co.za

Osteria Tarantino

Opened in 2016, this family restaurant offers a simple and traditional Italian meal. In the kitchen, there is Chef Enrico Tarantino, who along with his wife and son is driving his trattoria-style creature. Their main goal is to offer a no frills and authentic Italian cucina (a big focus on pasta), along with a warm and informal atmosphere. Just like the one you would find in an Osteria in Italy.

Osteria Tarantino - 124A Waterkant St, De Waterkant - +27 765051771 – Instagram @osteria_tarantino

Scala Pasta / Bar

Traditional with a twist. Scala Pasta Bar is a new contemporary restaurant you can get a taste of authentic sapore italiano. The concept benefits from the collaboration of renowned Italian chef Luciano Monosilio, whose carbonara is reputed by many to be one of the best in Rome. Highly recommended the pici cacio e pepe and the signature carbonara from the house-made pasta dishes, but don't skip the starters or the meat well cooked ove the josper oven. A proper tiramisu ends the experience. The cocktail are very well blended, while the wine list could need a little improvement, with a broader selection of Italian labels.

Scala Pasta / Bar – 81, church street - +27 214247204 – Instagram @scalapasta

Villa 47

A culinary concept distributed on three levels, with different proposals depending on the space. The most interesting seems to be the Locanda, which occupies the ground and second floors, with a decidedly Italian imprint. Essential furnishings, carefully decorated and informal, makes you feel immediately at ease. Top-level ingredients, essential flavours, immediately readable dishes, from spaghetti with tomato, to ravioli, from veal chops to barbecued lamb. It's worth stopping even just for a plate of cured meats or tiramisu. Start with the octopus carpaccio and then continue with a well made spaghetti alle vongole (clams) and end your meal with a tiramisù: you won't be disappointed.

Villa 47 – 47 Bree St - +27 214182740 – villa47.co.za