Heads up, Pretoria! Durban’s Italian gourmet haven is opening a second branch in the Jacaranda city this spring. Old Town Italy (sibling to Remo’s Liberta and Remo’s Maximilliano) has captured the hearts of Durbanites with its little piece of Italy right in the heart of Umhlanga. Now the market, deli and restaurant will be offering a taste of the Mediterranean at a new Menlyn Maine branch.

The cheese counter at Old Town Italy. Photo supplied.

Renzo Scribante, the man behind the Remo’s chain, is hoping to create another gourmet landmark in Pretoria with this old-world-style Italian deli and restaurant concept. Situated in the up-and-coming shopping and residential hub of Menlyn Maine, the market will offer visitors imported Italian delicacies and decadent take-home goods from the charcuterie counter, bakery and cheese fridge.

Old Town Italy’s cronuts. Photo supplied.

Those wanting to linger a little longer are invited to grab a table in the restaurant section for a glass of Italian wine and an antipasti platter or homemade pasta options like the pappardelle Bolognese, lasagne, and tagliatelle with creamy mushroom sauce and truffle oil. For dessert, patrons can look forward to gelato or Old Town Italy’s famed cronut and conut creations.

Inside at Old Town Italy. Photo supplied.

Old Town Italy Pretoria is set to open on 21 September 2016 at Menlyn Maine’s central square. Stay tuned to Eat Out for more details.