“Legen – wait for it – dary” is the catchphrase of Barney Stinson, the womanising, suit-wearing New Yorker played by Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met Your Mother. In South Africa, (or so I’ve been told by visiting foreigners), we tend to overuse the word ‘awesome’ instead. In Italy, David Vigliotti tells me, it’s ‘mitico’.
 
Roughly translated as mythical or legendary, Mitico is Kloof Street’s latest Italian joint, and already the outdoor seating area beneath a leafy jacaranda is hot property.

“At first we were hesitant because on Kloof Street there is so much competition,” David explains. (Bacini’s, Da Vinci’s and Bardelli’s – all offering pizza and pasta – are just a stone’s throw away.) However, Mitico has just passed the one-month mark and things seem to be going swimmingly.

The food
Simple, authentic, fresh Italian fare is the order of the day. Pizzas are feather-light and wood-fired, with bubbly bases. They’re made according to a secret family recipe, not too heavy on the mozzarella and not shy with the toppings. Pastas are beautiful, simple and fresh. Try the penne paesana of Napoletana sauce, bacon, onion, mushrooms and cream, or the spaghetti alla puttanesca with Napoletana sauce, olive oil, olives, capers, chillies and anchovies. There are no wheat-free pizza bases or pastas, so salads are the only real options for the wheat intolerant, but check out the daily specials board for items like grilled calamari if you’re trying to dodge gluten. Oh, and the Italian kisses are superb.

The mood
Friendly, bustling and relaxed, this is a true family restaurant. Gianni and David Vigliotti (uncle and nephew) are ever-present, and make sure that everyone is happy and taken care of. On a warm night or during a sunny lunchtime the outdoor seating area is gorgeous.

The wine
The restaurant has only recently received its liquor licence, so the wine list is still being finalised, but there’s no shortage of options.

The verdict
It’s a lovely no-fuss Italian place; you could easily go once a week.
 
By Katharine Jacobs