Possibly the most happy-making meal of all is a gooey, hot, cheesy pizza. Thick crust, thin crust, however you eat it – it’s always a winner when you are hungry. Kate Liquorish rounds up 11 of the top pizza places in Joburg. Enjoy!
Traditional:
Gema Trattoria and Pizzeria
On Queen Street, in the heart of Kensington, you’ll find this little gem of a family-run restaurant. Traditional, thin-crust and serious value for money, you won’t leave disappointed. Favourites include Veneto (rocket and parmesan) and Mario (Margherita with Prosciutto Crudo), but, no matter your choice, they’re wonderfully generous with their toppings.
Ottimo’s Kensington
Also in Kensington, also on Queen Street and also family-run, they’re about thin and crispy bases with delicate toppings and traditional flavour-combinations. Go for a traditional Margherita or a Siciliana with anchovies, capers and olives.
Grappino’s
Thin-based, simple and seriously good pizzas: think Margherita, Quattro stagioni, Sicilian. It’s an owner-run establishment that’s family-orientated, friendly and fuss-free. People go for the food, not to see and be seen. Expect personal service and value for money.
Franco’s Parkview
It’s affectionately known as ‘the dining room of Parkview’ because of its family-owned and run atmosphere and because they’ve been around for yonks! Good pizzas that offer you value for money with a traditional Italian influence: try the Dáll Lorto (zucchini, mushrooms and brinjals) or the Con Patate (potato, parmesan and rosemary) for something a little different.
Ant Café
It might be a little dark and ever so slightly dingy, but that’s what we love about it! Ant pizzas are thin-based, crispy and slightly smaller than most, but they’re inexpensive and deliver on taste. They also offer Focaccia-salad combos which give a fresh dynamic to the healthy-pizza option.
Eclectic/Gourmet:
Trabella
Tracey’s special is a taste-sensation with peppers, mushrooms, olives, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, chilli, garlic, pesto, Parmesan, avo and your choice of protein, now that’s a mouthful! They also do some deliciously different options including honey roasted beetroot, pumpkin, chilli, pine nuts and sesame seeds or try the potato, onion and creamy feta. (All pizzas can be ordered with gluten-free bases.)
Cornuti Stella Luna
They became famous for their trendy pizza spot in Plett and have brought their thin-crust, emphasis on flavourful and insightful topping combinations that are light on the cheese but heavy on deliciousness to the streets of Joburg. Opt for the Goat’s cheese and Rosemary with brinjals sundried tomatoes and rocket or Prawn Teriyaki with fresh coriander and chilli. (Gluten-free and whole-wheat options available.)
Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co
This is what I’d call pizza-befok; they have every possible kind of pizza you can imagine and a serious array of fresh and sumptuous toppings, one of the most popular is the Pizza al Toni (mozzarella, artichokes, gorgonzola, basil pesto, butternut, toasted pine nuts and prosciutto) but there really is something for everyone. They also give you the option of ordering a pizzettes, which are 15cm in diameter and allow you to indulge in a wider selection of their delectable options. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try out one of their dessert pizzas – think hazelnut and marshmallow or pecans, baklava syrup, cinnamon and ice cream. (Rye, Banting and gluten-free bases available.)
’86 Public
This is a pretty hip pizza joint in Newtown serving up gourmet pizzas named by number , great cocktails and live music. I’d recommend the No.21 with Tandoori chicken, zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, olives and fresh thyme or, for something different, the No.14 with bacon, caramelized onion, apple and feta. You can also choose your pizza crust (Beer, Stout, Lager, Sour Dough, Whole-wheat, Low Gluten) as well as your base if you don’t fancy the traditional tomato option.
Pomodoro
You’ll find great traditional and creative choices in pizzas with the added option of using fior de latte or imported Bufala Mozzarella (at an additional cost.) Try the La Pizza Con Peperoni e Salsiccia (red peppers, spicy sausage, ricotta and garlic) or La Pizza con Zucca e Gorgonzola (roasted butternut, Gorgonzola cheese and caramelised onions) all are thin-based, crisp on the edges and have a great balance of cheese and toppings. (Also do a gluten-free base.)
The Foundry
The ambiance is always buzzing, but so are the sourdough pizzas; perfectly crisp around the edges and pleasantly light, with options like Empire Chicken (Panaeng curry, Masala Pineapple, Poppadum, Raita and Coriander) and Braised Fennel and Chorizo, you’re guaranteed to find something enchanting to tickle your taste buds.
Takeaways:
Let us know your favourite pizza place in Joburg in the comments below!
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