Garden Route Restaurants

Alba Lounge, above the Hildebrand Restaurant offers visitors some of the best views in Cape Town. With 360 degree views across the harbour, the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain and the City, this is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. Rain or shine, Alba Lounge is the perfect place to be, sipping on something cool and delighting on some of the delicious tapas treats that are on offer. The Venetian inspired menu features a delicious range of classic Italian tapas with a modern twist. Visitors are invited to sit back and take in the scenery while feasting on such sumptuous morsels as smoked salmon, horseradish and dill crostini or Springbok, sage and apricot terrina. One of the chef’s specialities is the Umbrian sausage with peppers. There are also classic breaded mozzarella balls, Prosciutto San Daniele with melon, Ham on grilled polena and flash friend prawns. The fabulous selection of tapas is the ideal accompaniment for one of the many delightful cocktails on offer. Alba Lounge is an upmarket tapas lounge. Luxurious and trendy, with out of this world views it is the place to be for a chilled drink and a light snack.

Balducci’s Ristorante is nestled in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront. Famous for its sublime food, attentive service, understated formality and fabulous view of Cape Town's working harbour and Table Mountain, Balducci’s prides itself with its fine food and extensive international award winning wine list. The ethos at Balducc’s is to provide outstanding food that is simple, clean and delicious, using traditional Italian recipes that have been modernised. Dishes are prepared using only the best ingredients, with passion and contemporary creative flair. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, there is also an Africa twist with dishes such as ostrich lasagne and carpaccio of venison. There is something for everyone, from gourmet pizzas to traditional Osso Buco, from biltong salad to freshly shucked oysters, as well as a Sushi Bar, where only the finest, freshest fish is served to a discerning clientele. Diners looking for something a little lighter flock to Balducci’s for the award winning 180g Karan beef rump and sirloin burger, served on a freshly toasted roll with thick cut chips. This is the ultimate in gourmet burgers! Crisp linen, an award winning wine list and outstanding food with a sophisticated ambience makes Balducci's an absolute must for fabulous eating experience.

Located in the leafy Southern suburbs of Kenilworth in a house built in the late 18 hundreds, Bardelli’s best-kept secret lies in their great quality food served in generous portions and fantastic value for money. Sourcing only the finest local products and imported ingredients with award winning pizza, fresh salads, calamari and fillet options, Bardelli caters for simple and complex palates with ease and passion Italians are so renowned for. Upon arrival, delight your senses with the smell of hearty pasta and thin crust pizzas lingering in the wood-fired oven touched by the subtle sounds of Italian café style music in the background. Tables chequered in red and white warmed by flickering candle lights make for a cosy and intimate dining experience with cooling wooden tables and chairs enhanced by the mysterious memorabilia of old Italy. This small family friendly restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and comprehensive menu with a well-priced wine list and delectable choices of local and international deserts.

This Authentic Italian Café gastronomically infuses the palate with traditional Italian cuisine on the patio overlooking the water. Considered by many as the most popular restaurant in town, Café Mario serves intimate meals and hearty breakfasts complimented by reasonable Italian wines. A wonderful place to linger the day away, people watching and indulging in flavour infused Italian faire.

Caffe San Marco’s relaxed atmosphere, great views and Italian influence, as well its sidewalk location in the V & A Waterfront means patrons can sit back, sip on a gourmet cup of coffee and people watch. A truly Italian experience, Caffe San Marco offers patrons an authentic slice of that la vita e bella, or the beautiful life. Nestled in the bustling Waterfront, looking out over the harbour where the seals frolic and water traffic goes to and fro, Caffe San Marco’s menu is made up of a selection of delicious fare to satisfy and delight. Whether its breakfast, lunch, dinner, a light snack or a cup of the best coffee, Caffe San Marco has something to offer. Real Italian food, made the traditional way, each meal is freshly prepared and made to order. The beef carpaccio is one of the house specialities cut from the finest fillet, garnished with the finest salina capers. There are a range of pastas and salads made with authentic Italian ingredients. There is an extensive breakfast menu, served until 12pm, as well as a selection of gourmet sandwiches. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Caffe San Marco offers an the best views, the finest coffees and fabulous food, while being the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Recently restored to its former glory, The Casa Labia is not only a Venetian inspired national monument, but also the location of the Casa Labia Café, a new addition to the False Bay coastline. Located on the Main Road, teetering on the St. James and Muizenberg border, views from the Casa Labia extend over moody blue waters from the dappled sunlight of a beautiful courtyard. Inspiration for the café menu is drawn from the Labia family’s Italian heritage and their passion for South Africa. Italian classics are made unique to the environment by using local ingredients with emphasis placed on sourcing fresh food for the daily menu, which changes according to the seasons.

A Home away from home, Nestled between two giant palm trees on the far side of Regent Street in Sea Point, Italian restaurant Casa Nostra is a slice of home-style Italian comfort that in Cape Town, is particularly hard to come by. Translated, Casa Nostra means “Our House” – but I suppose we lied because here at Casa Nosta, we would like you to consider our house, your house, by making yourself truly at home. Our kitchen is another story in itself. Spearheaded by a passionate (and slightly temperamental) head chef, our kitchen prides itself on the best homemade pasta this side of the Atlantic. And our rustic-style pizzas have also proved more than popular with the locals and the returning tourists. However, apart from our homely food, we acknowledge that a good dining experience draws from a number of factors. When they’re not playing backgammon or drinking copious amounts of coffee at outside tables, our trusted and welcoming team who run the floor will go to great lengths to make sure you’re comfortable and well-looked after. Whether it’s a special occasion or a private function, we will accommodate anyone and everyone, but be sure to book a table because with no more than fifteen of them, we tend to fill up quite fast on most nights. Just like a home, it takes a combined effort to make a restaurant work and having been open for a little over two years, we hope to brighten the street with our red and white checked tablecloths long into the future. So whether your prefer an ice local cold beer or a tall glass of Sangiovese, pop in and let Casa Nosta cater to your every culinary desire.

A true passion for Italian food is what makes Col’Cacchio the place to go for the best in Italian dining. Situated in a stunning location at Camps Bay, with glorious mountains behind and a beautiful white sandy beach in front. Col’Cacchio has become famous, in particular, for the range of perfectly crisp, thin pizza bases as well as pastas and fresh salads. With an endorsement by the Heart Foundation of South Africa, the creative selection of health and vegetarian pizzas make this place a must-try. The delicious sauces are all freshly prepared and organic ingredients are used wherever possible. As part of the extensive and well-thought out menu, Col’Cacchio features wheat-free tagliatelli and gluten and wheat-free pizza bases. The variety of pizza combinations are never-ending, with 50 standard options on the menu and the option of creating your own pizza to your own specification. Whatever your taste, there is a pizza to suit. If salads are more your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with 20 different offerings. With friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to help you choose the perfect meal from the extensive menu, you can be assured of a great time at Col’Cacchio.

On the ground floor of the Alfred Mall in Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, with a view of the bustling Waterfront il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria overlooks an area designated for buskers, ensuring that patrons are treated to a wonderful variety of live entertainment, ranging from a marimba band to traditional African gumboot dancers. Whether it is a traditional cooked breakfast, a morning muffin and steaming hot cup of pure Arabica coffee or a more traditional Coppa Salute (fruit yoghurt in layers with muesli & banana) there is no better place to be to start of the day then the veranda of il Paninaro Paninoteca e Spaghetteria. And for a truly traditional Italian treat, the Cannoli is a house speciality – originating in Sicily, these tube- shaped pastry shells are deep fried and filled with a sweet, creamy filling; deliciously indulgent! This traditional Italian eatery specialises in light meals for lunch and dinner. With a range of over 20 paninis to choose from, there is something for everyone. Only the best breads are used, and fillings include: Parma ham, mozzarella and artichoke pesto on Focaccia bread; mozzarella, tomato and pesto on Grissone bread; grilled chicken, sun dried tomato pesto and rocket on Ciabatta bread. Pastas include a delicious homemade lasagne and a variety of pastas with fresh authentic Italian sauces. Alternatively there is a delicious selection of antipasti to choose from, and a wine list that includes both South African and Italian wines.

Perfectly situated opposite the Blue Route Mall in Tokai, Italian Kitchen Trattoria Café offers rustic dining with minimalist décor. Warmed by rich wooden tables and contrasting walls with rustic exposed beams, this Italian kitchen exudes a homely and welcoming atmosphere. Known for their Wild Porcini Mushroom Risotto and warming fusion of slow roasted pork neck and lamb shank their secret lies in the slow lingering process of cooking delectable cuts of meat in the open wood oven. Emphasising taste and quality, slow roasted dishes are savoured falling off the bone with a medium weight spicy Shiraz to compliment the aromatic notes of sweetness. Daily specials grace the blackboards with a large variety of irresistible wines perfectly partnered to compliment the warming flavours and aroma. With excellent service and value for money, Italian Kitchen Trattoria Cafe offers relaxed dining with culinary genius Garth known for his amazing sense of taste.

Oozing authentic Italian cuisine and warm Mediterranean atmosphere, La Cantina boasts a luxurious dining experience in the heart of the Garden Route. Set amidst the splendour of an historic manor house, diners soak up luxury and traditional fare from well-rehearsed buffet and special Sunday lunches. Experience luxury dining enrobed in old-world charm for a taste of traditional Italy at La Cantina in George.

La Capinnina meaning “Little House” does it the way true Italians do – with style. Exuding a continental ambience and intimate atmosphere, diners can expect first class friendly service and crispy thin baked crust pizzas baked to perfection. Warmed by shades of gold, green and copper red, the décor relishes rustic country-style dining enhanced by interesting artwork and wrought iron fixtures. The artwork serves food-for-thought alongside an intimate atmosphere. The comprehensive menu serves up homely Italian fare such as crispy wood-fired pizzas, pastas, fish and grills with a good selection of specials. Dining indoors or al fresco on the front patio by candle light creates a soft soothing ambience. La Capinnina’s homely menu and attractive location is a must for everything Italian for a relaxing and welcoming affair.

For a true slice of the famous Italian passion for food and cooking, try La Locanda. A wonderful a la carte menu is complemented by a smaller menu that changes daily to keep the options as fresh as the ingredients used to make them. The wine list is modest, providing just the options that have been expertly selected to go perfectly with the traditional Italian fare on offer and features a nice selection of imported Italian tipples. The surroundings have been designed with Tuscan homes in mind with warm colours, paintings and even a water feature to add to the relaxing atmosphere. Experience the best of Italian food on the beautiful Garden Route at La Locanda.

La Piccola oozes Italian, a small and bustling atmosphere that offers diners a chance to relax and take in the scenic views alongside a refreshing glass of wine or cappuccino. With the serene voices of Italian music in the background and a small quality wine list, savouring heart-warming dishes of pasta or pizza inside or on the terraced deck compliments the relaxing panoramic views of Muizenberg Mountains. With delicious pizzas and pastas on offer, La Piccola is your Italian kitchen in the heart of Tokai.

Boasting the best pizzas in town and a selection of toasted treats, burgers, pastas and salads, La Piccaccia embraces Italy with hand painted Italian scenes gracing the walls warmed by wooden tables, chairs and a low beamed ceiling. Enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace or languid lunches next to the crackling fireplace feasting on exuberant cuisine. The small but generous menu boasts food you will fall in love with seduced by Italian flair.

Mamma Mia (literally My Mother) is a warm and welcoming restaurant dressed in plush fabrics and quirky Italian artefacts offering authentic Italian faire for discerning and easy-going palates. With an impressive variety of speciality pastas, meat, veal, local seafood and poultry dishes, you will find an extensive selection of world-renowned Western Cape wines well suited for enhancing your flavourful meal. Mamma Mia seduces the palate with authentic Italian comfort food perfect for romantic evenings dining by candlelight on the warm wrap-around patio. For lazy summer Sundays enjoy lunch outdoors and linger around to sample the delectable homemade tiramisu or Cape brandy pudding followed by a rich Italian coffee. Situated in Steenberg village centre Mamma Mia offers a truly relaxing dining experience reminiscent of Italian family gathering sharing a good meal over an aromatic glass of wine.

Enjoy laid-back atmosphere and great food with locals in a warm welcoming setting with possibly the best pizzas in the Garden Route. From beautiful salads, pastas, grills and seafood, Pomodoro’s dishes exude traditional recipes sourced straight from Italy. For serious palates who enjoy seriously good food, indulging on an authentic Italian menu coupled with a well-partnered wine or drink, diners can expect true Italian hospitality with a cosy ambience for a relaxed, warm experience.

For superb Italian food and warm Italian hospitality to match, Ristorante Enrico is the place to be. A wonderful terrace provides a beautiful setting in which to enjoy the tastiest dishes, created by Enrico himself and full of flavour and passion. Lucky patrons will get to watch dolphins and whales frolic in the oceans while enjoying the sweeping views. Open for hearty lunches through to sumptuous dinners, Ristorante Enrico uses the freshest ingredients for every dish on the menu full of delicious offerings like the signature dish ‘Fish Enrico’ which is a must try. A restaurant full of laughter and warmth, Ristorante Enrico offers true talian hospitality that keeps diners coming back for more.

Trattoria Luigi serves two of Italy’s most famous culinary delights, pizza and pasta including a range of meat and fish dishes. Inside you will find cosy dining dressed in red, green and white napery illuminated by flickering candle lights and characterful wall pictures that add a sense of history and old world charm to the room. Enjoy dining al-fresco or linger in the cosy dining rooms while flavouring the wafer thin slices of beef topped with mushrooms, parmesan shavings and rocket, dressed with olive oil, lemon sauce and black pepper for starters followed by angel hair pasta with smoked salmon, tomato, chopped onion a hint of chilli finished with a touch of cream. Round off your meal with a velvety warm mousse served with savoiardi biscuits and delectable vintage wine. Trattoria Luigi’s laid-back ambience is a well-known destination for tourists and celebrities alike who enjoy the traditional fare and bustling vibe of Naples.