Where to eat Italian in Cape Town according to Gambero Rosso

by Patrizia Ferlini

South Africa’s mother city knows how to leave a lasting impression. The backdrop is Table Mountain, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, while the main actors include a culture that has shaped history, craftsmanship exported worldwide, and architecture that recalls past dominations. The local cuisine is no less impressive, born from a fusion of influences that have established a deep-rooted culinary tradition. Cape Town also offers plenty of places to find a little piece of Italy. Many Italians have chosen this country to establish a new gastronomic movement—one dedicated to authentic Italian cuisine in Cape Town.

Where to eat in Cape Town

Pizza Connection

A former Italian seafood restaurant transformed into a pizzeria offering high-quality products, almost entirely sourced directly from Italy. Located in the eclectic Woodstock district, this venue serves contemporary Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas, along with a few Italian-inspired dishes such as paccheri alla genovese napoletana. Classic pizzas feature San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte, Parma ham, and Pecorino Romano, while gourmet variations include coda alla vaccinara, gorgonzola, and homemade sausages. The Italian touch extends to the wine list, which boasts excellent Italian labels alongside top-quality South African wines.

113 Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock Instagram

Scala Pasta Bar

Chef Justin Barker leads the Scala Pasta Bar under the guidance of an entirely Italian mentor. Luciano Monosilio is a well-known and respected figure in the Italian culinary world and beyond—a true Pasta Ambassador who has now brought his expertise to Cape Town. Here, pasta takes centre stage, but the experience begins with an Italian-style aperitivo, featuring cheeses, cured meats, olives, focaccia, and grissini. The menu follows a tapas-style format, encouraging diners to sample multiple dishes. Options include tortelli, spaghetti, fettuccine, and candele, prepared with traditional Italian sauces like carbonara, genovese, scapece, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe.

81 Church St, Cape Town City Centre Instagram

Lievita

Pasta and pizza take centre stage at Lievita, where an authentic Italian oven ensures quality. Here, you can enjoy the true pasta Alfredo, made solely with butter and 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. The menu features pappardelle, tagliatelle, conchiglioni, caserecce, and rigatoni, all prepared according to Italian culinary traditions—no "touch of cream," no foreign twists, just top-quality ingredients. The pizzas are made with fior di latte from Latteria Sorrentina, and toppings include pesto genovese with Taggiasca olives, Parma ham with figs, and salami with gorgonzola.

1 Marina Rd, Green Point Instagram

Villa 47

A fully Italian experience from appetisers to desserts. Located on one of Cape Town’s busiest streets, Villa 47 offers an authentic Italian dining journey. Start with platters of cured meats, cheeses, preserves, and pickled vegetables, then move on to classic dishes like melanzane alla parmigiana and beef carpaccio. Alongside fresh pasta, the restaurant also serves a risotto of the day, based on the freshest ingredients available. The mains take inspiration from Rome, featuring lamb abbacchio and veal saltimbocca. The refined Italian charm is reflected in the elegant and meticulously designed setting.

47 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre Instagram

The Woodlands Eatery

Italy often rhymes with pasta, and at The Woodlands Eatery, you’ll find fresh tagliolini, ravioli di magro, and gnocchi prepared in the traditional way. With two partners hailing from Bologna and Florence, a strong sense of authenticity is guaranteed. The menu also includes pizza, featuring a thin, crispy base topped with high-quality ingredients and a few local twists, such as the Woodlands pizza with slow-cooked lamb.

8 Breda St, Oranjezicht Instagram

Gusto Urban Italian

Wood-fired ovens and contemporary influences define this trattoria and pizzeria in Cape Town. With a South African sommelier and an Italian chef at the helm, Gusto Urban Italian has become a well-established name in the city’s food scene. The menu offers traditional wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and top-quality meats, along with breakfasts infused with Italian flavours—all served in a stylish urban space with an impressive view.

Bridgewater, 4 Conference Ln, Century City Instagram

Carne on Kloof

The pioneer of Italian cuisine in Cape Town is Giorgio Nava, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the city's gastronomic movement. Carne on Kloof is the ultimate meat-lover’s institution, offering top-quality ingredients and  an ode to meat in all its forms —even cuts rarely seen in South Africa. The menu includes veal sweetbreads and bistecca alla fiorentina, alongside expertly grilled local game. Standout dishes include lamb ravioli and beef fillet medallions served with three sauces.

153 Kloof St, Gardens Instagram

Riva Fish Restaurant

A concise menu, signalling quality and respect for ingredients—nothing is chosen at random. As the name suggests, the star of the show is fish, featured in cozze alla marinara, tuna tartare, and as a sauce for freshly made pasta crafted using bronze dies. The risottos are also noteworthy, prepared according to the freshest seasonal catch. House-made cheeses, including ricotta and mozzarella, further elevate the experience. The restaurant’s modern design, romantic ambiance, and minimalist mise en place highlight the beauty of exposed wood.

24/4 Napier St, De Waterkant Instagram

Osteria Tarantino

Enrico Tarantino embodies the classic Italian host who knows how to make guests feel at home. The menu starts with traditional cheeses and cured meats, while the pasta dishes stay true to Italian traditions, with slight adaptations to suit local tastes. Once again, the selection is intentionally limited, with all fresh pasta made in-house.

125A Waterkant St, De Waterkant Instagram