Fast facts

Name of restaurant: Forti Grill & Bar

Address: Time Square, 209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria

Contact Number: 0860 036 784

Food type: Bistro fare

Average price of a main course: R200

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 11.45am – 10pm

Parking: Secure on-site parking.

Best for… Anything from a freshly baked croissant with a superb espresso to an extensive multi-course Italian meal.

Food

A delicious home-baked bread with oregano butter is served upon arrival, but be careful not to over-indulge in it – within the large leather-bound menu, each item is as tempting as the next.

It starts with a small selection of breakfast items and light meals, such as eggs Benedict, a Wagyu burger and toasted sandwiches.

The main section of the menu is classically divided into starters, pasta and vegan sections, as well as platters, main courses and desserts. Do try the sautéed lamb kidneys with Dijon mustard and sherry sauce, or the caprese tricolore with the addition of avocado.

The classic Neapolitan-style pizzas include a mixed seafood option and a ‘boera’ with pineapple and ham, which probably requires unreserved apologies to the Italian community.

The lumaconi with beef, mushrooms and a creamy rosé sauce is simply delicious, while other main courses include pan-fried calamari with chorizo, garlic and chilli; an oxtail and bean casserole; and a deboned organic half-chicken.

End this beautiful Italian meal with profiteroles filled with baker’s cream and a scoop of fruit sorbet. There are also a few set menus available.

Drinks

This deli-style eatery has many wines on display for take-away purchase, but the extensive wine list should satisfy most tastes.

There are many great MCCs available by the glass, along with some carefully selected choices such as the Bruce Jack chenin blanc, De Grendel merlot, The Drift Moveable Feast red blend, a few Italian and other international wines, as well as options from a collaborative wine range named Nick & Forti’s.

Service

The manager is delightful and happily attends to everyone, from those sitting down for a meal to office workers popping in for takeaways.

It’s a small space, so the need for a whole bevy of waiters is perhaps unnecessary, but service could be faster nonetheless for those dining during their lunch hour.

Ambience

A large functional counter acts as both a bar and baking station for breads and fresh pastries, resulting in the restaurant always being filled with the heady smell of fresh baking. Pull up a high-chair, or dine at the equally inviting colourful chairs inside or the outside patio chairs.

There’s some great bistro décor that unfortunately isn’t matched by the kind of architectural character that would make you forget you’re dining in a mall, but there are items such as wine, pasta and other foodie items for sale displayed in the restaurant that contributes to a very inviting ambience.