Earlier this year, Spiga, a Durban institution, announced plans to reopen in a brand-new location. The Italian eatery, a consistent favourite of many Durbanites, closed its doors in 2018 after over a decade at the Florida Road address. The east coast city rejoiced when the team began serving up its woodfired pizzas and saucy pastas from its new spot in February. Is Spiga back on top form? Eat Out’s Nikita Buxton heads to her old stomping ground to find out.

 

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A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on Jul 9, 2019 at 5:31am PDT

Fast facts

Food type: Italian
Cost: R95 average main meal
Parking: Available street-side, but you may have to hunt for a spot
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 5; Ambience: 4

Food

The menu features all the old favourites, which will make fans happy. It’s all about Italian-style comforts here. Thin-based pizzas and pastas come in all shapes and forms.

Sweet and simple tomato-topped bruschetta begins the meal with a satisfying crunch. In fact, it’s impressive how fast the table wolfs them down before signaling for another round. Other easy options include antipasti of buffalo mozzarella and tomato; calamari with napolitana sauce; and chilli-laden chicken livers. There are also four different focaccias from which to choose, which is a great order for big tables.

 

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A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on May 18, 2019 at 12:16am PDT

For mains, Spiga’s pizzas are as good as ever: pleasingly thin-crust, wood-fired to perfection, and finished off – bubbling with cheese – with just the right amount of toppings. If you’re all about the mozzarella cheese-pull, the Tricolore will tick all the boxes with a Napoli sauce, buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto and peppery rocket. The Mafiosa with crispy pancetta, feta and avo, or the Siciliana with anchovies, capers and olives are also magic.

 

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A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on Apr 25, 2019 at 3:19am PDT

Pastas are aplenty, with around 20 options from which to choose. The al forno options are one of the favourites, whether served with lasagna, cannelloni or baked pasta pockets. There’s also simple chicken ravioli with a moreish mushroom cream, and the ever-popular linguine di casa with olive oil, chilli, garlic, prawns, white wine, and a dreamy coating of Napoli sauce.

For dessert, go big and order the molten chocolate volcano, or keep the buzz going and sip on some limoncello.

Drinks

A simple wine list is available, offering familiar easy-drinking bottles in both red and white varietals. If you’re wanting to pair your pasta with something a little more special, bring your own. Refreshing gin cocktails and Aperol Spritz will also do the trick.

 

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A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on Jun 6, 2019 at 12:02am PDT

Service

As friendly and welcoming as always.

Ambience

The new space has a real neighbourhood charm about it. Now situated on Innes Road, the sought-after outdoor seating area overlooks Mitchell Park and swarms with locals on any given night. The lights of the surrounding suburbia add a sense of familiarity. The famous graffiti wall is also back, waiting for diners to make their mark.

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Who’s coming to find a spot on the wall for their name this weekend? ?: @cassandragrobb

A post shared by Spiga (@spigadurban) on May 3, 2019 at 6:38am PDT

Best for…

A casual Italian-style weeknight supper with friends or family.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

Have you visited Spiga in Durban? Let us know in the comments below or review your experience using our free app. and put them in the running to be KZN’s Best Italian-inspired Eatery at this year’s Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries.