With flavourful pizzas, gorgeous architecture, and passionate inhabitants, Italy makes a wonderful destination to visit. However, it is a tad too far to just pop out for a fragrant insalata caprese (caprese salad), but don’t fret, as you can get your fill of Italy right here in South Africa!

Eat and drink at:

A Tavola – Claremont, Cape Town

This picture perfect restaurant will have feeling like you’re in Italy in no time at all as you view their wide range of authentic, traditional meals, browse their wine list, and feel the cosy atmosphere surround you. The interior has sunshine yellow walls, shelves with preserves, spices, and a selection of fresh breads, along with a cosy little bar you can enjoy cocktails at. With seasonal ingredients being the main star of the show, and dishes such as rib eye steak, bouillabaisse, and tagliolini ai funghi e tartufo, you won’t leave here hungry. Bookings are required 24 hours in advance. Book a table by calling: 021-671-1763.

 The Mad Italian, Durban North, Durban

Though the name may not be the most enticing one out there, this Biassoni family-run Italian restaurant provides outstanding quality of service, decadent meals, and a cosy place to enjoy good conversations and a homey atmosphere. Antipasto’s here include bruschetta, a decadent fegatini di pollo, and of course, carpaccio. Main meals range from a variety of pizzas like formaggio, to pastas that include gnocchi, ravioli, and lasagne. Meat dishes include chicken kebabs and Tuscan fillet, with fish dishes such as fresh calamari and prawns. Book a table by calling: 031-573-2938.

Da Vincenzo, Kyalami, Johannesburg

This little trattoria is a delightful place to visit, and has delighted patrons for over 30 years with its authentic Italian foods. The revamp of it reveals brickwork walls, three pizza ovens, a wine cellar, and divine traditional Napoli foods made by the chef, Vincenzo, based on his mother’s recipes. Children are welcome here, making this a great choice for the whole family to enjoy a night out. Some firm favourites from regular patrons include their grilled chicken, lamb on the bone, Pesce ai Gamberi, and boar. Those who are charmed by the pastas can recreate them at home by purchasing some of the available produce. Book a table by calling: 011-455-3925.

Entertainment

Those seeking some Italian fun, other than dining on traditional delights can enjoy:

• Learn Italian at any of the branches of Scuola Italiana del Capo. They are based in Cape Town, but also offer courses for those in East London, Port Elizabeth, and Stellenbosch, teaching both adults and children alike. Tel: 021-465-8261.
• The Italian Club, based in Milnerton, Cape Town, is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner drink, while socializing with other like-minded individuals. They also hold flea markets every Saturday. Tel: 021-510-5122.

Stay at:

La Dolce Vita Guest House, Kosmos, Hartbeespoort

The 4-star rated romantic La Dolce Vita Guest House is nestled on the shoreline of the Hartbeespoort dam, and provides beautiful views of the surroundings, as well as hour long cruises around the dam.

It offers unsurpassed luxury and comfort, and their romance factor is undoubtable, as they’ve had a whopping 78 proposals made over the years during their sumptuous 3-course suppers. The luxury rooms offer a Jacuzzi spa bath and a plush double bed. Room amenities include a mini bar, air-conditioning, and either a garden patio or balcony.  Find out more.

What Italian inspiration have you seen in South Africa?

Main image of La Dolce Vita Guest House