Mastrantonio: A relaxed and inviting atmosphere with an emphasis on quality ingredients. There’s no pizza on the menu; it’s more to do with pasta, risotto, veal, fillet and fish as well as some mouth-watering salads using gorgeous, authentic Italian cheeses.
Teta Mari: a marvelous mix of traditional and New York-style Israeli food: Simple sandwiches and hot dogs with ‘Manhattan’ pizzazz and falafel and koufteka that taste like they were made using family recipes passed down through generations. The best brisket sandwich and Ney York-style cheesecake in town.
Bellinis: An institution in itself, it’s been around for 18 years and the menu really hasn’t changed at all because, quite simply, it works. They’re renowned for their pregos, burgers, seen-and-be-seen atmosphere and continually chic service.
Parea: A stalwart of the Illovo restaurant community you’ll see elderly men playing chess on weekday afternoons and on weekends it’s a whirl of smashing plates, Greek dancers and loud music. The meze is just great and I would order to share when you visit.
The Griffin: Joburg’s first ‘Gastropub’. It’s Illovo’s neighbourhood local that’s not quite a bar and not quite a restaurant. It’s more of a lunchtime eating spot and a nighttime drinking hub: they have an exceptional burger and an exceptional range of craft beers. (They also do a Sunday Roast that’s becoming very popular.)
Perron: Illovo’s latest: a fresh and vibrant take on all things Mexican. The same owners as The Griffin applying the same ‘joie de vivre’ philosophy to the food and the atmosphere. It’s trendy and fun, the food is tasty and innovative, the tequila is real and it’s always full.
Assaggi: They make their own pasta and pride themselves on the authenticity of their Italian food. It’s fresh and seasonal and you need to try the asparagus and brie lasagne and the baby marrow fries.
The Patisserie: A café and bakery offering those out there with a sweet tooth absolute heaven. They make the most exceptional cakes, macarons, tarts, pastries and confectionary all perfectly served from this little pink doll house of a venue.
Amarcord Osteria Italiana: The ex-owners of Assaggi have created a space that’s both relaxed and elegant serving the best veal, ossobuco and risotto in Illovo. It’s owner-run and you can taste the love in their food.
Rabbit in the Moon: Something a little different; it’s quirky with a mishmash of trendy design features like the now permanent ‘pop-up’ outside eating area. You’ll find Mediterranean and Italian flavours dominating the menu. The tagliata and calamari are great choices for mains and the Tres Leches is a must for dessert.
Trabella: The best pizza in town, it’s a simple setup that doesn’t try to be anything but straightforward and good, and the rustic and warm atmosphere compliments this. Really interesting topping combinations on some of the pizzas: the vegetarian, Trabella special and Italiano Salami are outstanding.
Yamato: Traditional Japanese at its best. Agadashi Dofu at its finest, sushi at its most delicate, tempura that’s perfectly crisp and light and a wide range of more traditional dishes for the more adventurous. It’s a minimal and intimate setting with the concentration on the food rather than the atmosphere.