This Durban favourite serves up deep dishes of Italian pasta and plates of divine masterpieces with heart. Service is impeccable, decor is classical Italian and the food is simply outstanding.<\/p>\n
Stepping into Lupa Osteria in Hillcrest is guaranteed to have you feasting. Enjoy the meatball risotto (R95) or the pretzel crusted calamari (R100) with Tuscan potatoes on the side. If it\u2019s woodfired pizza you\u2019re after, you\u2019ve found the spot.<\/p>
Tip: Book first, this gem is a popular favourite for Durbanites who will travel across the city and up the hill to visit.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Taste authentic flavours of Italy at this hidden trattoria in leafy La Lucia.<\/p> You can\u2019t go wrong with perfect pizza, tortellini or seafood grilled in butter. Start with a classical bowl of minestrone soup (R36), followed by the Natal pizza with ham, prawn, banana, chilli and mozzarella (R78) or try the Coniglio Arrosto (wood-fired roasted rabbit with garlic and herbs for R135).<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Arrive early to enjoy an evening of dining with friends and make sure you book in advance.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Established in 2012, this vibey restaurant is often a first stop on Umhlanga\u2019s popular Chartwell Drive.<\/p>\n Passion for Italian food, decor and coffee is evident in this classy ristorante and while dishes are pricey, it\u2019s worth the extra buck.<\/p>\n Go for the Veal Piedmontese (crumbed veal schnitzel with braised cabbage, saut\u00e9ed potatoes and Fontina cheese sauce for R165) or the River Caf\u00e9 pasta of peeled prawn tails saut\u00e9ed with zucchini, tomato paste, white wine and parmesan (R152). Remo\u2019s cr\u00e8me Br\u00fbl\u00ebe with spun sugar and hint of coffee is not to be missed.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Book in advance, and expect a vibe.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n A family of Italian restaurants is what makes Mamma Luciana\u2019s on Florida Road and in Glenashley a favourite for pasta-lovers.<\/p>\n Enjoy the smell of Italy in each trattoria and enjoy the cosey Italian-style vibe. On occasion, Mamma can be spotted making the tortellini and ravioli herself. Dishes not to be missed are the Italian Flag gnocci (Napoli sauce, Gorgonzolla, basil pesto for R80) and the famous bolognese meat ravioli (R75). Mamma\u2019s also serve delicious wood-fired pizzas.<\/p>\n Tip: Space is limited at Mamma\u2019s on Florida Road so expect to be a little cramped.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Sister to La Casa Nostra, in Umdloti, Bel Punto is a little drive away, but simply worth it.<\/p>\n With dishes like baby crayfish pasta, fresh Knysna oysters and its spectacular location with its seaviews, Bel Punto is a fine dining experience fit for all special occasions.<\/p>\n Prices have been described as astronomical, but so has the food.<\/p>\n Tip: Dress to impress and expect high prices.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s like stepping into Italy when you open the door to La Casa Nostra with its red and white checkered tablecloths and brick walls.<\/p>\n Expect delicious wood-fired dishes and pizzas and a fun, family vibe as children and adults alike enjoy the ambience.<\/p>\n Tip: Bookings are essential.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Arrive for the vibe, the beverages and more importantly, the outstanding meals and service.<\/p>\n Always busy, this Florida Road gem is a Durban favourite and serves dishes in a modern Italian setting or in the courtyard with its Italian-style fountain. The pizzas are incredible, as are the pasta dishes. Devour a Linguine Puttanesca (Olive oil, garlic, chilli, calamata olives, capers, anchovies and a dash of napoletana sauce for R77) or a Retro homemade Italian roll with marinated lamb (R55).<\/p>\n Tip: The more the merrier, and at reasonable prices, you can afford to spend more.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This warm and inviting Italian ristorante is as much a part of Durban as the Essenwood market is. Found in the lovely suburb of Musgrave, La Bella is steeped in history and offers delicious crispy thin-based pizzas and a beer garden in an idyllic Italian garden. Go fo the roast lamb pizza (R90), Sicilian chicken breast (R95) or La Sunday lunch (R75\/ R90).<\/p>\n Tip: Be prepared to wait, service can be a little slow at times.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This Durban North Italian trattoria is a family establishment, built on recipes passed down and family values. Restaurateur, Michale Biasson opened The Mad Italian in 2006 and has continued to grow the family favourite in the northern suburb with seafood being their signatory cuisine. Don\u2019t leave without trying the Azzurri risotto (R95) or catch of the day (SQ).<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Go hungry.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s hip, it\u2019s happening and it\u2019s in Hillcrest. Stretta Caf\u00e9 serves up a variety of Italian plates from homemade panini\u2019s with pork sausages (a yummy R55), wood-fired pizzas and a delicious mix of meals served in marsala sauce. Did we mention the coffee? Go for the coffee too.<\/p>\n Tip: At affordable prices, you can take the whole family.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Source: Gateway to KZN<\/a><\/p>\nAl Furenze, La Lucia<\/h4>\n
Remo\u2019s Villagio, Umhlanga Rocks<\/h4>\n
Mamma Luciana\u2019s: Morningside, Glenashley<\/h4>\n
Bel Punto, Umdloti<\/h4>\n
La Casa Nostra<\/h4>\n
Spiga D\u2019oro<\/h4>\n
La Bella, Musgrave<\/h4>\n
The Mad Italian, Durban North<\/h4>\n
Stretta Caf\u00e9, Hillcrest<\/h4>\n