Italian restaurants seem to be on-trend in Joburg and we’re not complaining. Shortly after Modena opened on the Parkhurst strip, the Keyes Art Mile welcomed the colourful Sotto Sopra.

A colourful spread of dishes at Sotto Sopra. Photo by Kate Liquorish.

Fast facts

Food type: Italian
Cost: R170 average main meal
Parking: On the street or in the parking lot
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 4

Food

You’ll find all the pizza and pasta classics amongst an array of regional favourites. It’s traditional, but by no means boring: think flavourful and sumptuous food prepared simply using good ingredients.

Antipasti plates are generous and make the perfect light lunch. Not to be missed are the grilled calamari alla griglia with garlic, chilli, olive oil and baby spinach, or the mussels with chopped parsley, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes and fried capers. They’re beautifully executed dishes that showcase the freshest seafood.

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It's the way we eat. In Italy, 🇮🇹 we always start with the Antipasti. Which would you like to give a go? Book Now Sottosopra.co.za

A post shared by Sotto Sopra (@sottosopra.trumpet) on Jan 11, 2020 at 3:03am PST

If it’s pasta you’re after, look no further than the tagliatelle al ragu: a pulled brisket ragu made with fresh herbs and a good dash of white wine that’s woven between perfectly al dente, fresh tagliatelle. Pizzas are thin-based and crisp with a multitude of eclectic toppings. When it comes to the secondi, you can look forward to a great selection of slow-cooked, comforting dishes such as their lemon-and-caper baby chicken served with a vegetable and parmesan orzo pasta, or the lamb shoulder in a gorgeous anchovy gremolata, barley pasta with truffle and oyster mushrooms.

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Pizza Pasta a specialty here at Sotto Sopra. We are back and trading from the 4th of January. Will you be stopping by? Book Now sottosopra.co.za

A post shared by Sotto Sopra (@sottosopra.trumpet) on Dec 26, 2019 at 1:48am PST

For dessert, you’ll find the usual suspects like tiramisu and affogato. For something a little different, try their signature vanilla panna cotta with figs, honeycomb, honey gel and micro basil or the marsala poached pears with a burnt caramel mousse and sesame seeds.

Drinks

Classic cocktails for those looking to spice up their evening and a selection of easy-drinking wines that are also pretty easy on the pocket.

Service

Attentive and knowledgeable staff make for seamless service.

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A table set for 12…

A post shared by Sotto Sopra (@sottosopra.trumpet) on Dec 10, 2019 at 9:08am PST

Ambience

They’ve embraced their surroundings and created a modern and chic setting that mirrors the architecture of their environs. Bright colours meet minimalist design to create a truly unique space that’s fun and vibrant.

Best for…

Dinner with friends, date night, business lunches

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Stare con le mani in mano To be with your hands in your hand / hold your hands with your own hand. Book Now Sottosopra.co.za #foodie #johannesburg #sottosopra #jozigrams #jozi #jhb #joburg #joburgfoodie #foodporn

A post shared by Sotto Sopra (@sottosopra.trumpet) on Jan 16, 2020 at 1:13am PST

Eat Out critics dine unannounced 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.