Strada Cucina is the new Italian gem that has hit the ever-growing Umhlanga Ridge area, making for a welcome addition for locals and office workers alike.

Fast facts

Cost: R100 average main meal
Parking: Find a spot in The Boulevard’s parking lot
Food type: Italian
Star ratings: Food: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 4

Food

The simple and concise menu features pastas made using imported Italian pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and grills. The picante penne with bolognese, cream, ginger, chilli and brandy is hearty and comforting, while the puttanesca with Napoli sauce, olives, capers and anchovies is packed with bright flavours. On the grill front, the baby chicken is a serious hit and is cooked in the wood-fired oven with garlic butter or peri peri.

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Strada Pollo Milanese 🍝 Perfect warm dish for this slightly chilly weather! #panfriedchicken #napolispaghetti #creamedspinach #foodforthesoul

A post shared by Strada Cucina (@stradacucina1) on Oct 10, 2019 at 2:27am PDT

The pizzas are crisp to perfection and some of the best in town. Enjoy yours topped with favourites like marinated mushrooms, Danish feta, onions and chilli; buffalo mozzarella, olive oil and fresh basil; or salty salami, onions, gorgonzola and wild rocket.

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It’s FRIDAY!!! Our pizza oven is fired up and ready to make some delicious thin based, crispy pizzas!!! What better way is there to bring in the weekend than pizza and wine for dinner! 🍕 #thincrustedpizza #crispy #foodforthesoul #streetcafe #newbies #umhlangaridge #italianfood

A post shared by Strada Cucina (@stradacucina1) on Nov 22, 2019 at 6:01am PST

For dessert, go for the chocolate fondant or some assorted gelato.

Drinks

The restaurant is still waiting on its liquor licence, so bring along your favourite wine or sip on some good coffee, fresh juices or sweet shakes.

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Nothing beats a great Cappuccino, especially when accompanied by a delicious slice of cake! #stradacucina #cappuccino #coffee #treatyourself

A post shared by Strada Cucina (@stradacucina1) on Oct 15, 2019 at 4:21am PDT

Service

Efficient, yet casual and friendly.

Ambience

A sleek black-and-white theme is complemented by warm lighting, mirrors and greenery accents. The red pizza oven is in full view to add to the charm. On warmer evenings, ask for a table on the sidewalk.

Best for…

A relaxed Italian-style feast.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.

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Brought to you by Retail Capital, sponsors of the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year Award. Want to find more new restaurants in your city? Check out our new restaurants section.