Every neighborhood should have a casual, friendly bistro such as Il Rosso. Located in Atholl Square, Sandton, just down the street from the more impersonal eateries of Sandton City and Mandela Square, Il Rosso is the kind of place where you can pop in for an impromptu lunch or dinner after shopping at the adjacent Woolworths and the waiters remember your name.

They offer a combination of traditional Italian staples such as smoked salmon and Parmesan linguine, veal porcini, lemon and herb chicken, lasagne, and cannelloni, and wood-fired pizzas. The pizzas are of the create-your-own variety, where you start with a base of margherita, rossa or garlic/olive oil, and add meat or veg toppings of your choice. Those seeking a light meal can opt for a salad, of which there is a huge variety.

More recently they added a tapas menu, which is what I chose from. The tempura calamari and prawns were tender and very fresh; the fillet beef cubes in red wine sauce were succulent and flavorful; and the Moroccan meatballs in Neapolitan sauce were hearty and had a pleasing texture.

Though there is a well-curated wine list, you are welcome to bring your own free of charge. In 2014 they started doing monthly wine-food pairings, so call ahead to find out when the next one is if you’re interested.

The simple yet welcoming décor follows a red, white and black color scheme – including the red-tiled pizza oven and waiters’ shirts — and the tapas is hand-written on a chalkboard, which is a nice touch. I recommend sitting outside on the square, which calms down after normal shopping hours and offers a peaceful, candlelit dining experience.