Best italian restaurants in Johannesburg: find options near you

Celebrated a friend’s birthday and James took great care of us, answered our many questions and gave great recommendations. Every single dish we ordered was delicious. Their mocktails are impressive and a lovely variety. Thank you. Loved that they surprised our birthday girl with layered mousse dessert topped with rainbow sprinkles a sparkler. ✨

A truly delightful establishment, combining a charming atmosphere with exceptionally friendly service. The food was excellent — we shared a pizza and pasta, both of which were outstanding. I highly recommend trying the Spicy Teriyaki; it was the highlight of the meal.

Never fail to impress! Their pasta bake is a consistent winner, and the service is always top-notch. On one occasion, my meal was over-salted, but the chef and manager promptly replaced it with a fresh dish. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is truly appreciated. Highly recommended.

Molly and Lee-Anne were my servers! Enjoyed my dining experience and Mr George always have a wonderful atmosphere. The entire staff is friendly and helpful. One of my favourite places to eat out. I had their Oxtail always delicious and for starters I had Prawn dumplings! Really enjoyed the dishes.

One of the best restaurants we’ve been to. Everything was enjoyable and the price was affordable. Really enjoyed it and would love to go back and try other meals

One of the best kept secrets in the south of Johannesburg. We’ve been going there for many years. Great pub to watch sport and then follow it up with a pizza. Fully recommend the calzone pizza with mexicana filling – mince, chillies, green pepper and garlic. Always order a bowl of chilli on the side.
Lots of parking with car guards.
Can’t recommend it enough

Must admit I was a bit disappointed but really only with the food. Some friends brought us here for dinner and we stay 30+ minutes from here so we were expecting to be wow’d.
The restaurant looks great and authentic and had a great atmosphere. Staff were also great so the physical experience was good.

But our food was just okay. My wife and I had the cannelloni which was just bang average. Pasta too thick and a bit chewy. Meat was a bit bland.
I ordered the tirumisu (at an Italian restaurant) and it was some sort of frozen dessert which didn’t taste like tiramisu at all. Was a bizarre experience for me and my friend who had it too.

At least it was mostly well priced.

We go there often. It is good value for money, the food is good but nothing spectacular. The decor needs serious upgrading. It has not been updated in years. There was a large piece of paint coming off the ceiling, I was wondering when it will fall into someone’s food. It has a slightly grubby feeling. I go there with family who have been supporting it for years, and it poses as a halfway restaurant for family members. I personally would not bother to go to this restaurant if it was not for location.

This is the absolute best pizza in SA.
The service is fabulous.
The prices are great.

Loved going back to a place that my family have been visiting for 40yrs now 🙂 And lovely to grab a photo with the legend, Gino himself

We came here for my birthday 2 weeks ago and it was an unbelievable food experience. The service is excellent and the food arrives extremely fast. It’s outstanding quality and you savour every bite. Beautiful ambiance. One of my favourite restaurants for seafood.

Definitely one of the restaurants on top of my list. Excellent menu. The drinks are great, food is delicious, affordable and worth everything you spent. Awesome service and always a nice vibe. I never leave disappointed. The waitress and barman were awesome!

Have been here twice and in both instances the service has been impeccable and the food top notch. Their oysters are the reason why I am planning my 3rd visit. I love Mythos Bedfordview and the ambience is beautiful both at night and during the day. Their cozy booths and dim lighting make for a nice dinner date and during the day you can opt to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

One of the best places I’ve been to, the service is of the highest quality and it has an awesome view if you choose the outside sitting area, a few bees but hey there are flowers out there.
Menu is fantastic… but a very important note for new customers the prices are a bit up there so dont go on a shoe string budget if you want the very best.
All in all the drinks and food where great.
I cant go on enough about the set up of the place and the view, plus they play very nice music.

Being Greek, I’m quite selective when it comes to eating Greek food. However, Mythos never disappoints! We went there this past weekend, and although it was quite busy (for obvious reasons!), our food came out really fast and was cooked to perfection. This is definitely one of the few restaurants that can handle being full yet still making great food. Their gyros are a must.

The waiter’s hygiene was unappealing, and his energy was very lackluster. The steak was overcooked. I didn’t enjoy anything here.

Enjoyed a very nice breakfast March 8th. Sat in the benches inside the restaurant. Just sat down and one cockroach walked over the table. Then we killed two more under the table. After our meal, walked to the waiter station and saw more roaches laying around. Not good for customer confidence. What does the kitchen look like? Food safety and hygiene are super important these days. The managers on duty didn’t seem to mind. I do!

I used to love this place
Standards have dropped drastically…very unprofessional or un trained staff..presentation terible..

Del Forno is the first restaurant since the start of lockdown so it was very refreshing and the restaurant has a good atmosphere. We ordered pastas and it was amazing. The right amount of sauce and the ingredients are very fresh. Would definitely come back when we are in the area again.

Unfortunately the quality of food has deteriorated. No brands of liquor, no cheesecake but on the menu and my steak was like shoe leather.

Had such a wonderful late lunch here, the service was fast and friendly – gave helpful suggestions when trying to decide on what we wanted. Each dish was beautifully prepared and tasted amazing. Even though the dishes are designed small they were super filling. Great place!!

We went for supper on Saturday. I decided to try this establishment as their sushi looked great on the menu.

On arrival, we were seated. The restaurant was very busy and noisy. One could almost not hear the conversation being had, and hence, I did not enjoy it.

Our waitor did not introduce herself and seemed out of sorts, perhaps a bad day.

I ordered the number 5 and number 2. The sushi was prepared quickly, and I appreciated that. The sushi was mediocre, and although the presentation was great.

Most exceptional service by Alpheus. What a remarkable man. Hope that he gets to be the manager soon. Very rarely we come across someone that makes such a lasting impression. Speechless to say the least. Thank you Alpheus. Giving honor where it is due.

My go to restaurant for years! I’m from Los Angeles, California but I always fly to South Africa (Johannesburg) for the amazing experience I have at mezepoli. Adam is an incredible manager, as well as all the staff! Benny and Smo are wonderful. I’m always well taken care of, the food is constantly amazing and the staff is always professional, respectful, accommodating and friendly!

Had the most amazing Valentines Dinner , cute champagne on arrival and a delicious floral dessert on the house, food and cocktails were delicious , host, waitress and atmosphere were top-notch ❤️

A Taste of Italy, Touched by Shakespeare: Lunch at Piza ē Vino

Stepping into Piza ē Vino was like crossing a threshold into a sun-drenched trattoria nestled in the heart of Italy. The ambiance was simply amazing, a warm embrace of rustic charm and vibrant energy that immediately set the stage for a delightful afternoon. The air hummed with happy chatter and the tantalizing aroma of authentic Italian cuisine – a symphony of garlic, basil, and melting cheese that promised culinary delights.

While my colleagues embarked on a glorious tour of Italy with their orders – vibrant pastas that shimmered with rich sauces, pizzas boasting blistered crusts and generous toppings, a chicken salad that looked like a Mediterranean masterpiece, and a lasagne promising layers of comforting goodness – the “boring me,” as I jokingly considered myself, opted for the beef burger. However, even my seemingly simple choice was elevated beyond expectation, the juicy patty nestled in a soft bun, accompanied by fresh, flavourful accompaniments. Yet, it was the sight and smell of my colleagues’ Italian fare that truly transported me. Each dish looked like it had been lovingly crafted by a Nonna in a sun-drenched kitchen, and the aromas wafting our way were nothing short of heavenly.

But what truly elevated our lunch from simply delicious to utterly memorable was the exceptional care we received from our waiter, Sky. He was a true gem, anticipating our needs before we even voiced them, offering insightful suggestions that ranged from refreshing mocktails to the perfect, frothy cappuccinos to end our meal. Sky’s attentiveness ensured our glasses were never empty and our smiles never faded.

And then there was the je ne sais quoi, the unexpected flourish that made our experience truly unique. Sky possessed a delightful, almost Shakespearean flair to his commentary and remarks. His turns of phrase were witty, charming, and added a layer of theatrical delight to our afternoon. Each interaction felt like a little performance, leaving us chuckling and thoroughly entertained. It was a touch of unexpected magic that will linger in my memory long after the last morsel was savoured.

Piza ē Vino isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s the taste of Italy crafted with passion, served with genuine warmth, and sprinkled with a touch of Shakespearean charm. If you’re looking for a flavourful escape and a truly memorable meal, look no further. This is a place where the food tastes like it was made in Italy, and the service feels like it was delivered by the Bard himself. Highly, highly recommended.

Really cute Italian restaurant. The decor created a homey and welcoming feeling. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever had a hot chocolate where I got to pour the melted chocolate into the milk. I had a pizza and it was incredible. The prices were not too bad either. They had a very interesting sign in the bathroom explaining what they do with their food waste. It was great to see that it doesn’t just get thrown away. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Lovely that this restaurant is not in a shopping centre. Beautiful old house with garden dining. John, our waiter, was efficient and friendly but not overbearing, and the manager (Gavin) was friendly and accommodating going the extra mile to make sure we enjoyed our visit.

Really Great Atmosphere at this place, Very friendly staff and a wide variety of food items on the menu.

Great food, great service, and extremely friendly and helpful staff.

Piza e Vino has become one of my go-to places in recent times…

Hubby and I camehere for Valentines Day. We were greeted well coming into the restaurant.

The table was laid out well and set the mood for us. We were given a soup as well as bread with different spreads for starters. For mains we had the chicken picatta and lasagne – – omg! This was probably hands down the best lasagne Ive tasted. We ended the night off with tiramisu and that was also really light, airy and not too sweet.

For the service, Alec was really nice although its like he just wanted to clean everything out so quickly and just took things from the table without asking if we were done. So that was the only thing that could be improved.

All in all everything was great and we shall be back to try the other things especially the pizza!

Thoroughly enjoyed the food here. Their house bread and dips are winner. The calamari starters was very fresh, the salad a bit basic. The mains were nothing short of flavourful .
I also loved the pastries they organised for the celebration! Definitely coming back for dessert. The vibe of the place is also cute cafe with ready-made frozen goods you can take home.

Stunning meal, as always. Truly the best Italian restaurant in Joburg. James & Norman were wonderful waiters. Food is decadently delicious

Nice upmarket deli turned eatery.
Good atmosphere.
Late night service a bit slow and lacking on basics like serviettes and a clean table cloth.
The kitchen closes at 9pm, get your order in on time.
The main meals have tiny portions, and you might leave hungry.
The desserts more than make up for it with MASSIVE (almost excessive) portions.
Expensive place!! 5 people ordering only coffee and dessert – expect a bill of over R1000.
Good quality food.
The ONE toilet is not great, but at least it is clean.
We will save up and return for a full dinner.

I had a family lunch at Tortellino on Sunday. Alec was a wonderful waiter and gave great recommendations. I had the spinach malfatti with the papalina sauce, which was very rich but very delicious. My partner had the schnitzel which was very tasty. The restaurant is a local gem and is very well supported. Great authentic Italian food – the prices are quite steep, so I would recommend this spot for an occasion. The gelato was served in an ice bowl which was a surprising twist.

I had the pleasure of dining at Picobella Trattoria, and it was truly an exceptional experience. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, making us feel right at home.

We started our meal with an antipasti platter, which was a delightful selection of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. Each item was bursting with flavor, setting a wonderful tone for the evening. For the main courses, we chose a couple of pasta dishes and pizza , and they did not disappoint! The flavors were authentic and beautifully presented, showcasing the chef’s skill.

The service was another highlight of our visit. Our waitress was not only friendly but also incredibly attentive. She made sure to check in on us frequently, asking if we had any additional requests and ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

Overall, the combination of delicious food, excellent service, and a charming atmosphere made for a perfect evening. I can’t recommend Picobella Trattoria enough! Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, this restaurant is a must-visit.

What a great find! Just passed by and decided to stop for a quick lunch. Ended up spending a couple of hours
Great food and variety. Vibey atmosphere and great service. Yes, try them of you have not yet.

Hidden gem! Very underrated. Romantic candle lit atmosphere and exquisite food.

My friends and I visited from the US and were looking for a place for dinner close to our airbnb. Our experience was so delightful that we came back a second time the following evening.

The food was insanely delicious. I am not exaggerating by saying that it was one of the better meals I have had in a long time. We were speechless while we ate with how good it was. We even went to the kitchen after and gave the chefs our compliments because of how good it was.

Our order:
Mushroom Fettuccine with Penne
Beef Fillet with Vegetables and Creamy Potatoes
Chicken Involtini

Highly recommend!!

During my initial experience at this restaurant, I was met with a friendly and accommodating staff, including the owner who exuded warmth. Opting for takeout, our meal was promptly prepared and delivered, boasting a delightful taste that exceeded expectations.

A delightful place where one steps from the ordinary world into a little Italy with the blink of an eye!
The old wooden floors and ceilings add to the magic of being at the Café Picobella Tratoria. Not to mention the good times to be had on the verandah where tablecloths move on a cool breeze.
Add good food and good service to good company, and you are at the right place.
The waiters are always friendly and very neat.
Piccabello has lovely specials like the half price pastas on Mondays and then there is the Sunday lunches that has always left smacking our lips and very satisfied.
Who wants to slave away at a hot stove for family and friends on a Sunday, when you can have it easy at Piccobello where there a fine choices: Karoo lamb roast, rosemary chicken or pork belly and some delightful trims on the side.

Follow Piccabello on Facebook to check on any of their other special offers like Father-or Mother’s day etc.

Ps
Our group was there (again!) last night and we had prawn pasta, roast pork belly (with crunchy crackling!) And a very delightful pancetta, pear and gorgonzola salad.

Guess who will be back as the choices on the menu never fail to surpize and we cannot get enough!
Thank you Piccobella

Thoroughly enjoyed this venue. Waitress was very helpful. She even chatted a bit and remembered that we were there to celebrate a friend’s bday. She surprised us with a little cake and candle. Food was really good, especially the chicken wings and their sushi.

Brilliant after work drinks hang out.
I had their Whiskey Sour Sling, and I enjoyed it. I ordered tapas, Pork belly it was quite divine. Their Pork Belly Bao Buns was a bit disappointed, but probably because I’m used to the ones I’ve had previously. Other than that a great experience

Had an amazing dinner at La Parada Melrose Arch, very friendly and welcoming service, great food presentation, amazing food, the sushi was really amazing. Left the restaurant full and satisfied. Thank you

Comedy club at La parada made an entertaining evening (Thursdays). Drinks and entertainment was on point. The waitress’s recommendations were good but the food itself is average in my opinion. Would go back for the entertainment.

First time at La Prada. Beautifully setup and clean. Staff are very friendly.
We started with the bar snacks olives and potato skins, those were really good.

We ordered the wagyu beef potstickers it was OK found them to salty.

The crispy chicken tenders was overcooked and dry and the dip that was served was not a garlic aioli.

The beef bao buns was alright. The buns are 100% but the filling I did not enjoy. It was just to soggy and needed some form of crunch to bring it together.

Food was average.

Staff

First class, fine dining. Simple yet elegant. Food was delicious, Mimosas were effective;) We had to try the soufflé, it’s not often we see that on a menu. Will be back.

Great atmosphere, excellent service. Wide variety of options on the menu. Food was well prepared and tasted good.

Great food, with generous portions and delicious veg options on the menu. The atmosphere was warm and comforting on a cold evening. I appreciated that feedback was well received and a complimentary cheesecake offered as an apology. Definitely recommend for a lovely evening out

First class dining experience. Great dishes!

Revamped and redone. Moved down the road to a new office park, but the location is better. Ample parking, and a beautiful little outside courtyard to sit at and enjoy your summer meal.

Food is great, lots of options whether you are looking for a pasta, a fish or seafood option or a salad. The service is great, friendly and hospitable.

Try the salmon spagettini, it’s delicious.

Come hungry and don’t forget to book. This place is a treat and gets very busy. Portions are large. Enjoy the desert, recommendation to share…..again generous portion sizes.