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New review: authentic, owner-run Italian at That’s Amore in Parktown North

Friday, October 3rd, 2014 by Gwynne Conlyn

This authentic, owner-run establishment dishes up great quality Italian food and charms with friendly, efficient service, finds Gwynne Conlyn.

Food:

When you see that most of the essential ingredients at an Italian restaurant are imported from the Mama Country, it’s a good indication of what the quality of such a place will be.

In addition, this small place is owner-run. The Italian-born, very much hands-on chef Lorenzo Corleo and his partner Alfonso di Muro have created a hole-in-the-wall eatery in a somewhat obscure part of one of the leafy inner suburbs of Joburg.

The short menu tempts with a selection of changing dishes, with the likes of fried dough balls filled with mozzarella and best-quality anchovies. The menu may also include two very popular dishes, a steaming plate of tender ossobuco del burbero, or spuntature di maiale (pork belly, pork sausage and pork shoulder served with potatoes).

Of course, homemade and therefore melt-in-the-mouth pastas also feature, such as penne alla Genovese with a rich, slow-cooked, onion-based sauce.

All menu items are described in Italian and English, and delightfully so – the gamberi alla Napoletana is a firm favourite, not only for its sweet, perfectly pink prawns but also the description: “black tiger prawns jumped in the pan with garlic and chili”.

For dessert, opt for the scrumptious Neapolitan sponge cake with rum sauce, or ask for one of the classics like tiramisu. The fare isn’t cheap but considering the quality and portion size, the ouch is worth it.

Food at That's Amore. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food at That’s Amore. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Wine:

The focus is on Italian varietals, with Pinot Grigio and Chianti by the glass.

Service:

These are competent, gorgeous people full of charm. They’ve got one (charming and efficient) man as front of house man – Alfonso’s aim is to get your mouth watering in anticipation, which he does very well.

Ambience:

The slightly ersatz painting of an Italian balcony doesn’t detract from the delicious chocolate brown interior of this restaurant, which cossets as it tempts you into indulgences.

The interior at That's Amore. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The interior at That’s Amore. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

And…

There’s live jazz as accompaniment to Sunday lunch. It’s also a good spot to enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast with a foaming cup of Illy coffee out on the pavement, watching the joggers go by.

Have you been to That’s Amore? Tell us about it in the comments.

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No Comments

  • Sarah Barret
    October 5, 2014

    Dreadful experience. Poor service. Cold, tasteless food at exorbitant prices. Certainly won’t be heading back.

    Reply
  • Francesco Motta
    October 6, 2014

    Il miglior ristorante Italiano in Joburg!!!

    I come from Florence 3 years back…sice then I never ever ever ever ate to a proper Italian restaurant (there was no one in Joburg), authentic dishes with the best ingredients imported from Italy!!!

    You can taste fresh Buffalo Mozzarella imported from Italy, fresh home made pasta…and wonderfull Neapolitan sauce…

    I`ve been again last week, they have a lot of new Italian wine which I was missing…I love Greco di Tufo!!!

    I`m 47 years old and Italian, I see many Italians are coming in joburg for work……..at least they have a real Italian restaurant where to eat like at home. 🙂

    Reply
  • Jeremy
    October 6, 2014

    Absolutely outstanding!!!

    Reply
  • sandy
    October 7, 2014

    Thanks Gwynne, I`ve already been and it`s very nice!
    going again Friday!!!

    Reply
  • Janet Bloom
    October 7, 2014

    Worst meal I have had in Johannesburg in the last 39 years! All three of us eating had terrible main meals. The waiter looked and smelt drunk and kept forgetting things we had ordered.
    My veal shin was bland and rubbery
    Definitely won’t be back

    Reply

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