This Italian bistro, situated in the Thrupps Centre in Illovo, has been around for a while, but has become a lot more noticeable after its recent revamp, with its shiny neon signage lighting up its own little corner of Oxford Road. It is a relatively small restaurant, with some seating inside and the rest in an enclosed courtyard overlooking the road. It is a well-known fact that in the city centre of Johannesburg, our views are limited to parking lots or pavements, and this restaurant is no exception. However, what it lacks in views it makes up for in ambience– warm lighting and soft music are lifted by the rustic but slick décor.
The menu is mostly Italian, but has a Mediterranean influence with dishes that are exotic and homely at the same time. For starters, try the bruschetta, the caprese salad, the prosciutto and rocket salad, or the cheese and charcuterie board for two. These dishes are simple but filling, so I wouldn’t recommend ordering starters unless you’re very hungry, because while you could probably reproduce them in your own kitchen, this restaurant’s best dishes are its mains and desserts.
For mains, there really is something for everyone. The salads, pastas, pizzas and burgers are all equally enticing. Try the fettuccia riccia with smoked salmon and a creamy saffron sauce, or the grilled calamari served with coarse salt, pepper and lemon zest. The winning dish is really the grilled filet mignon flambéed in brandy and cream and served with oven-baked potatoes and caramelized onions. The steak is cooked to perfection, with flavour soaked right through. Plating is also interesting- the restaurant sets itself apart from the average steakhouse in presentation but keeps portions generous
The dessert menu is small, but contains one of my top three desserts of all time, tres leches (R40), a vanilla sponge cake soaked in condensed and evaporated milk, dark rum and cream, and topped with Chantilly cream and chopped strawberries.
The restaurant is popular with groups and can be noisy these nights, so be sure to enquire and book in advance, especially if you are seeking a quiet night out.
Expert Review
This Italian bistro, situated in the Thrupps Centre in Illovo, has been around for a while, but has become a...
This Italian bistro, situated in the Thrupps Centre in Illovo, has been around for a while, but has become a lot more noticeable after its recent revamp, with its shiny neon signage lighting up its own little corner of Oxford Road. It is a relatively small restaurant, with some seating inside and the rest in an enclosed courtyard overlooking the road. It is a well-known fact that in the city centre of Johannesburg, our views are limited to parking lots or pavements, and this restaurant is no exception. However, what it lacks in views it makes up for in ambience– warm lighting and soft music are lifted by the rustic but slick décor.
The menu is mostly Italian, but has a Mediterranean influence with dishes that are exotic and homely at the same time. For starters, try the bruschetta, the caprese salad, the prosciutto and rocket salad, or the cheese and charcuterie board for two. These dishes are simple but filling, so I wouldn’t recommend ordering starters unless you’re very hungry, because while you could probably reproduce them in your own kitchen, this restaurant’s best dishes are its mains and desserts.
For mains, there really is something for everyone. The salads, pastas, pizzas and burgers are all equally enticing. Try the fettuccia riccia with smoked salmon and a creamy saffron sauce, or the grilled calamari served with coarse salt, pepper and lemon zest. The winning dish is really the grilled filet mignon flambéed in brandy and cream and served with oven-baked potatoes and caramelized onions. The steak is cooked to perfection, with flavour soaked right through. Plating is also interesting- the restaurant sets itself apart from the average steakhouse in presentation but keeps portions generous
The dessert menu is small, but contains one of my top three desserts of all time, tres leches (R40), a vanilla sponge cake soaked in condensed and evaporated milk, dark rum and cream, and topped with Chantilly cream and chopped strawberries.
The restaurant is popular with groups and can be noisy these nights, so be sure to enquire and book in advance, especially if you are seeking a quiet night out.