While many restaurants have reopened their dine-in services, some South Africans may still prefer to enjoy their favourite restaurant meals at home. We rounded up our pick of Italian restaurants in Johannesburg that are still offering delivery services.

Note: When this article went live, these businesses were offering deliveries. If anything has changed, please get in touch with us at info@eatout.co.za.

Bottega (Parkhurst)

Bottega’s delivery menu boasts a balanced mix of generalist fare like burgers, wraps and ribs, along with three options for soups (meat and veg). Also available are their spectacular pastas, including delectable crab and rocket penne topped with roasted almonds.

Delivery (Parkhurst, Parktown, Parkview and Craighall only): R20. WhatsApp 063 214 0338 or phone 011 447 4448.

Gemelli (Sandton)

The beauty of the unlikely story of Alessandro Mosupi Khojane – a Mosotho who grew up in Italy and ended up in Joburg with an Italian restaurant – resonates in his food: wholesome, generous, on the right side of rich and very, very popular. The menu, even at a time when others are offering limited options, is packed with favourites like the pork belly with a soy-and-honey glaze, potato purée and pak choi.

Delivery: Under 10km costs R50; 11-15km R90; and 16-20km R140. WhatsApp 060 670 1364 or phone 010 591 4333. Also availabe on Uber Eats.

The Spanish-inspired Rigatoni Spagnoli from Gemelli. Photo supplied.

Casa Marani (Parkhurst)

While the restaurant has sadly closed down in the wake of COVID-19, the mother and daughter team of Graziela Marani and Daniela Atia are still toiling away in the kitchen for deliveries. The menu is always evolving, but usually includes homemade cannelloni, lasagne, cold meats and other antipasto staples. Note that the deli’s pastas, sauces and soups are delivered frozen but are still as wholesome, tasty and authentic as patrons have become accustomed to.   

Delivery: R35 to R100 for Sunday deliveries. WhatsApp 079 314 6936, phone 010 900 4717, or place your order on their website.

La Cucina di Ciro (Parktown North)

This institution on the 7^th Avenue strip is chugging along in these tough times, with limited sit-down dining available. There’s a fluid deli offering, changing every week, with the usual pastas – like beautiful ravioli filled with field mushrooms, sun-baked tomato and ricotta – as well as fresh breads and soups. Check their Facebook page for an up-to-date collection and delivery menu.

Delivery: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In-house and Uber Eats. Contact them on 076 386 5578.

Trabella Pizzeria (Illovo and Parkview)

Here you’ll find some of the best pizzas you’re going to eat in Jozi complemented by fresh, enticing pasta options that run the gamut of vegan, vegetarian and meaty. The utmost care in food preparation (both in safety/hygiene and the requisite love synonymous with Italian cuisine) is taken and you can taste it in every bite.

Delivery: Within 5km radius of either restaurant. WhatsApp 067 339 7700 (Illovo) or 067 338 2677 (Parkview). Also available on Uber Eats.