When you get that craving for comfort food, nine times out of ten you’ll think of a pasta. Why? Well, because it’s hearty, filling and just so darn delicious. In South Africa, where the food scene changes daily, pasta restaurants remain ultimate favourites.
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Or if you’re not in the mood for Pasta, check out our awesome blog about the 16 best steak restaurants in South Africa
Looking for a yummy lunch or a hearty dinner? Basilico has you sorted. Serving simple, affordable and wholesome Italian food, Basilico is on the top of our go-to pasta restaurant list. From hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas to rich, Italian pastas, it will satisfy any craving. We suggest you try the delicious oven-roast peppers, aubergine, zucchini; or the mussels, in a leek, cream, garlic and white wine sauce. Goodness on a plate.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10:30pm and Sunday, 12 – 9:30pm
Contact: 021 6835989
Where to find it: 32 Kildare Rd, Newlands, Cape Town
Col’cacchio has been serving mouthwatering Italian-inspired meals since 1992, and is obvs the next pasta restaurant on our list. Located in the heart of Stellenbosch, Col’Cacchio is a lively venue, offering amazing home-made pasta and pizza. The originality of the pastas at Col’Cacchio will give your taste buds an experience that you’ll want to repeat pretty soon after. Our favourite pasta has got to be the Cielo – a basil pesto pasta, in a creamy mushroom sauce with chicken, baby spinach and tomatoes. Yummm.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 11:30pm and Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Contact: 021 8867088
Where to find it: Simonsplein Centre, Shop 29, 30 and, 31 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
There is something so comforting about dining at a family-owned pasta restaurant. Especially loved by those who live in the Southern Suburbs, Italian Kitchen is often booked out by tables of families looking for that home-away-from-home atmosphere. Hearty portions of wholesome food are on the menu, and their pastas are a real treat! If you haven’t tried the creamy prawn pasta, then you’re missing out, my friend. It’s cream, lemon de-shelled prawns, garlic, rocket, parmesan, pomodoro and red peppers.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact: 021 7126631
Where to find it: Kendal Rd, Diep River, Cape Town
Modern Italian Kitchen is a cosy pasta restaurant, serving genuine Italian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include the Blue Formaggio (blue cheese, cream and basil pesto with crushed walnuts) or the creamy Pasta Porcini (a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with truffle oil and fried mushrooms). You’ll be hooked in no time.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 12pm– 9pm and Sunday, 11:30am – 8pm
Contact: 012 3465370
Where to find it: Thomas Edison St & 13th St, Menlo Park, Pretoria
Owned by Pappa Corrado Giovanetti and run by his son, Lionello, La Trattoria is without a doubt, ‘Piccola Italia’! You will be welcomed with open arms on arrival and made to feel like long lost familia as you experience first-hand what true Italian hospitality is all about. The Spaghetti Marinara (a seafood pasta) is a definite must-try. Or, if you’re into gnocchi, you have to have a taste of their Spinach Gnocchi with sundried tomato and mascarpone cheese. *heart eyes*
Opening times: Monday – 6:30pm – 8pm, Tuesday & Wednesday are closed and Thursday – Saturday – 6:30pm – 8pm
Contact: 012 996 3426
Where to find it: Corner of Garsfontein & Jollify Main Road, Mooikloof
Expect an authentic taste of Italy in Boskruin. Although the menu is small, this hangout is known as one of the best, family-friendly, pasta restaurants in Gauteng. You really need to try the Mafioso pasta. It’s tossed with chicken livers, roasted onions and chilli, topped with parmesan in a napolitana sauce. Or go for their signature dish: Lasagne La Nonna, a homemade, traditional beef lasagne.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 9:30pm and Sunday, 11am – 8:30pm
Contact: 011 793 0087
Where to find it: 676 Kowie Rd, Boskruin, Randburg
This iconic Umhlanga gem has built its brand around its tasty wood-fired pizzas and freshly made restaurant pastas. Try the popular Creamy Gorgonzola Gnocchi, or the Creamy Pork Fettuccine with caramelised onions, mushrooms and pulled pork. They clearly love their cream, and we love them for it! Casa Bella should be one of your go-to pasta restaurant spots in Durbs.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 11am– 9:00pm and Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Contact: 031 007 0136
Where to find it: Pearl Walk Shopping Centre, Shop A17, 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
Any Durbs Italian food lover needs to keep this pasta restaurant on their radar. La Piazza’s wholesome home-made pastas are irresistible, and the buzzing state of their restaurant is a testament to their popularity. Enjoy the mussels, prawns and calamari tossed in a creamy tomato sauce, or even the eggplant, tomato and olives tossed in olive oil. Their delish dishes are drool-worthy.
Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 7am – 10pm and Sunday, 8am – 10pm
Contact: 032 586 3565
Where to find it: 12, The Well, Albertina Way, Dolphin Coast, 4399
Whether you’re carb-loading on pasta, or looking for some authentic Italian cuisine, our variety of life-changing pasta restaurants will satisfy that craving!
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