Remo’s Originale first opened its doors in Mount Edgecombe, Durban, in 2007 with sibling eatries Remo’s Maximilliano and Remo’s Fratelli Villaggio following shortly after. The Remo’s group has continued to grow its Italian brand with the likes of Old Town Italy opening in Umhlanga. Now, Remo’s is coming to Sandton, with the opening of Remo’s Libertà.

A view of the bar at Remo’s Libertà. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The new Italian-style trattoria will open its doors in the newly revamped Nelson Mandela Square on 30 November.  Fans of Remo’s cuisine can look forward to the same hearty menu with focus on authentic Italitan food and good quality ingredients. The kitchen will be headed up by the chef from Remo’s Maximilliano, Edward Khumalo, who will continue to experiment with Italian flavours in the new eatery. Early birds can enjoy wholesome breakfasts and pastries (including their popular cronut) and strong La Dolce Vita coffees from as early as 6:30am. Light café-style lunches will be on offer as well as a comforting range of authentic pizzas and pastas.

A massive iconic black-and-white painting of Nelson Mandela adorns the wall at Remo’s Libertà. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Wine-lovers can also look forward to pairing their meals with wines sourced from Italian estates, including Fontanafredda, Borgogno, Bastianich and Brandini, alongside wines from Italian cultivars grown in South Africa. A large marble-topped bar is the spot for after-work or pre-dinner drinks and will offer a unique cocktail menu as well as antipasti boards and snacks.

A view of the table layout at Remo’s Libertà. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

As for décor, the restaurant will boast a stylish and classic interior with brown and cream leather, raw finishes, exposed brickwork, large ceiling fans and décor pieces hand-selected by owner, Renzo Scribante.

Like the other Remo’s branches, Remos Libertà will be themed: the Sandton spot will serve as a tribute to Nelson Mandela. A massive iconic black-and-white painting of a young Madiba will adorn the space while historic photographs of other famous South Africans and familiar black-and-white Scribante family photographs fill up the walls. The name “Libertà” means “freedom”.

Another view of the interior at Remo’s Libertà. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.