Whether you want a simple pizza or a lovingly crafted mushroom risotto, there’s no shortage of Italian restaurants in Cape Town. And it doesn’t need to cost the Earth, either, as lots of the places on this list are really affordable.
Cape Town is known for its excellent food scene, but there’s not a huge Italian population here. But be that as it may, there are plenty of awesome Italian eats here, from hidden holes in the wall to glamorous restaurants with beautiful sea views.
The Best Italian Restaurants in Cape Town:
Scarpetta
Don’t let Scarpetta’s no-frills appearance fool you: it’s hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town.
This place is old school in the best way and without a doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town.
Owned and run by chef Ricky Turilli, you can find really authentic Italian dishes at Scarpetta, although I can’t tell you exactly what will be on the menu on any given night. There’s no printed menu and the chef writes a new one on the hanging chalkboards each day, depending on what’s available.
However, if there is some kind of seafood pasta available, it’s guaranteed to be amazing!
Even though the food is the kind you’d expect to find at a fancy Italian restaurant, there’s such a casual, friendly atmosphere here and the chef always comes over to chat.
Scarpetta doesn’t have an alcohol licence so you’re allowed to bring your own wine, which really drives down the cost of the meal.
You can expect to pay between R130 – R170 for a main meal here, and then R50 – R70 for dessert – and you should definitely order dessert if you have room!
You’ll need to book a table in advance, which you can do by calling +27 83 251 0730. Told you this place was old school!
Posticino
Posticino is the go-to pizza place in Sea Point and one of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town. It’s located along Main Road and so you’re greeted with an amazing aroma every time you walk past.
Posticino is cosy inside and has a nice outdoor terrace where you can sit in the summertime. They may be known for their pizza, but the pasta here is every bit as good, especially the spinach and ricotta cannelloni.
It was founded by two Italian-South African brothers, Jack and Eric, and it’s a great family-friendly spot. The service is great and there’s a nice, relaxed atmosphere, but most of all, the food is exceptional!
Posticino is more of a cheap-and-cheerful spot, but you really can’t beat good food and friendly service, can you?
They also have a great selection of wines here from the vineyards of Constantia and Franschhoek.
You don’t usually need to book here, although it’s probably a good idea on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.
Cousins
Don’t let Cousins’ unassuming appearance deceive you: you’ll need to book at least a week in advance to get a dinner reservation here!
Pretty much all of the food at Cousins is delicious but what really draws people here is their famous cheesy pasta, which went viral on social media. They mix it right in front of you in a giant parmesan wheel, and TikTok can’t seem to get enough of it.
If you’re looking for somewhere super authentic and intimate, then dining at Cousins is an absolute must. Tucked away on a pretty rundown street, this place is the very definition of a hidden gem, and it never disappoints.
They’ve got plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here and a good wine list, and the service is super friendly.
Step Brothers Deli & Restaurant
Barry Fuchs and Gionathan Vessio have been best friends since childhood, and both are die hard fans of the comedy classic Stepbrothers, so you might say that the opening of this restaurant was inevitable!
It started life in De Waterkant but has since moved to an even swankier location in Bantry Bay, where customers can enjoy beautiful sea views as they slurp down their spaghetti.
Gionathan Vessio is of Italian descent and attempts to emulate his nonna’s cooking in the dishes he creates.You can find some amazing Italian comfort food here, especially the Cacciatore!
One big reason why Step Brothers is so popular is that they offer a ton of delicious vegan and vegetarian options. In fact, it’s probably the best Italian restaurant in Cape Town for those following a plant-based diet. Step Brothers’ mushroom risotto is legendary, and their vegan “The Jang” focaccia is incredible.
Step Brothers manages to feel both authentic and upmarket, but you’ll still only pay between R100 – R200 for a main meal here – although of course it would be criminal not to add some wine!
Life Grand Cafe
One of the best things about the Life Grand Cafe is its excellent location. It’s by the harbour at the V&A Waterfront, so you can watch boat cruises departing and returning as you tuck into some yummy Italian cuisine.
There’s a really nice ambience here and you can either sit out on the veranda under some fairy lights or in the stylish indoor area, where you can still admire the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
This place really excels in seafood dishes. The red prawn linguine is decadent and delicious, but the al fume creamy pomodoro linguine is the star of the show. Meanwhile, the parma ham and brie pizza is also pretty hard to resist.
Basically, you’re spoilt for choice here!
The Life Grand Cafe does get pretty busy but there’s a lot of seating so you don’t usually need to book.
La Perla
La Perla is located right opposite the Sea Point promenade and it’s definitely one of the most stylish Italian restaurants in Cape Town! It draws a pretty fashionable crowd so don’t be afraid to put a little extra effort into your outfit when you come to dine here.
The leek and salmon mezzaluna here is delicious and they offer some excellent vegetable sides, like pecorino roasted butternut and chilli and garlic broccoli, so it’s easy to hit your 5-a-day here.
If you love handmade pasta and seafood, then you’ll adore La Perla. Plus, since it’s right next to the prom, you can go and walk it all off afterwards!
Zenzero
Zenzero has a prime position on the gorgeous Camps Bay Strip. It’s a gorgeous, open-plan restaurant that has been designed to resemble a library, and its floor-to-ceiling shelves are lined with real books.
The wood fired ovens here produce some of the best pizza in Cape Town, and they’ve got tons of amazing seafood. The steak here is always really good and cooked to absolute perfection, but probably the best thing about this place is the views.
You’re right across the road from the famously beautiful Camps Bay beach, and you can witness an epic Cape Town sunset over the water when you come for dinner.
The service is also really attentive here, and they go out of the way to accommodate dietary requirements (and fussy eaters).
Zenzero is a bit pricier than the other options on this list but it’s worth it if you’re looking for a memorable meal out. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, or just to treat yourself!
Mario’s Italian
Mario’s in Green Point is a bit of a Cape Town institution. With its maroon awning and white tablecloths, it doesn’t look like much but it’s been around since 1971, so they’re clearly doing something right.
Mario’s is cosy, friendly, and serves delicious handmade pizzas and pastas for an affordable price. The pastas especially are a standout, particularly the Cannelloni, which is probably the most comforting dish around. You really can’t go wrong!
This is one of the oldest restaurants in Cape Town, and certainly the oldest Italian restaurant, so it’s nice to dine here and take yourself back in time! The tiramisu here is really good, or if not, Gelato Mania is a very short walk away!
Il Leone
Il Leone is located in De Waterkant, which makes it feel extra authentic because De Waterkant has a very European ambiance. With its cobbled streets, pastel coloured cottages, and bougainvillaea, you could easily convince yourself that you’re in Italy as you stroll around this picturesque little enclave.
This place is always packed, which is a testament to the quality of its food. The decor is simple and stylish, and there’s a veranda outside where you can enjoy a drink on a nice summer’s evening.
The wine flows and there’s always a great atmosphere at this Italian restaurant in Cape Town. Every dish boasts perfectly balanced flavours and there are plenty of delicious options for meat eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Basically, Il Leone will prove a hit with pretty much everybody!
Most main dishes fall somewhere in the R80 – R150 price range, so eating here won’t break the bank. If you’ve got room for dessert, try the homemade tiramisu or if you’re not much of a coffee lover, the profiteroles will definitely go down a treat. There are also seasonal sorbets available if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, which are made with local produce – yum!
For more similar articles, check you my recommendations below:
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- A two weeks South Africa Itinerary
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