There’s a veritable buffet of Italian restaurants in the Cape, and the competition for best pizza is stiff. But we’ve noticed a strange trend: Italian restaurants beginning with a ‘b’ seem to be a good bet. (Borruso’s, Burrata, Bacini’s …). We headed to Bardelli’s on Kloof to test our hypothesis.

The food
Pizza bases are thin and crispy, loaded with some inspired toppings. We challenge you to save even one slice of Bella Rosa, with toppings of butternut, sundried tomatoes, caramelised onion and herbed goat’s cheese. Other exciting combos include Figaro with smoked chicken, peppadews, caramelised onion and avo; and the Agnello with basil pesto, lamb, tomatos, onion and fresh basil. The Country Calzone – a puffy, golden folded pizza filled with ham and salami – will have your dining partners drooling in envy. Can’t commit to one pizza? Opt for one of the Olympia range – combos of four different pizzas in one.

The pastas are hearty and tasty (try the butternut lasagne with spinach and sundried tomatoes) as are the lamb shanks, slow-roasted and served in red wine and rosemary gravy, with mustard mash.

Still got room for dessert? Caydon’s malva pudding soaked in butterscotch sauce is calling your name.

The ambience
Situated in the old Rosenhof house estate dating from the 1700s, this is a warm, cosy spot with low lighting perfect for a romantic date or a light-hearted supper with friends. In winter, there’s a fireplace in one of the rooms (ask to be seated there when you book) and, in summer, a courtyard at the back and tables out front let you take advantage of the long Cape evenings on bustling Kloof Street.

The wine
A perfectly respectable, balanced list.

The service
Like in so many local restaurants, the waitrons rely on good sense and charm, rather than rigorous technical training. As this is an Italian spot, not a fine dining restaurant, their friendly, helpful and swift service fits the bill.

And…
Live in the Southern Suburbs? Head to the sister restaurant of the same name, an old favourite which has been keeping Kenilworth locals happy since 1992.

By Katharine Jacobs

Have you been to Bardelli's on Kloof? Write a review here.