Fast facts

Restaurant name: Old Town Italy 

Restaurant address: 39 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 

Telephone number: 031 566 5008 

Trading hours: 7am to 9pm 

Average main meal cost: R150 

Corkage fee: No Corkage 

Parking: Street Parking  

Restaurant type: Authentic Italian Cuisine 

Best for: A modern Italian experience, celebrations, child-friendly, dog-friendly, drinks with friends/sundowners and work lunches.

Food

The menu is authentically Italian, yet modern enough to keep up with the latest health trends and diets (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available). The starters (street food) are a great way to learn more about the Italian culture, and the croquettes are highly recommended. They’re crispy on the outside with soft, creamy, chicken inside. Another starter recommendation is the trio of bruschetta, lightly toasted garlic baguettes topped with three authentic Italian toppings. Old Town Italy is popular for its wood-fired pizzas and home-made pastas. The pappardelle Bolognese is the perfect comfort meal – thick ribbon pasta with beef Bolognese ragü, Parmesan and mamma’s Napoletana sauce. The ragü is richly flavoured but tender and complements the traditional home-made sauce.

For dessert, you can head the gelato stand or visit the artisanal bakery. The Peppermint Crisp tartlet is a winner – sweet, creamy and absolutely delicious. Each spoonful is packed with caramel and Peppermint Crisp flavours. Most dishes are quite pricey, but the portion sizes make up for it.  

 

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Old Town Italy boasts a deli that sells Italian products, including cheese, meat, nougat, biscotti and chocolates, as well as fresh salads, antipasti dishes and frozen Italian classics such as lasagne and melanzane alla parmigiana.

 

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Drinks

Most of the drinks are imported from Italy so be prepared to pay more than the usual price. Their drink menu includes classic Italian cocktails such as Campari and Aperol and, of course, Prosecco. They have imported and local beers on tap. You can watch the bartenders pouring the drinks at the bar. They also have an interesting selection of teas and fresh juices. There is also a section in the restaurant where you can purchase Italian wine and beer. 

 

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Service

The staff were delightful and knowledgeable about the menu. Food was served quickly and there were no issues.  

Ambience

Old Town Italy boasts a vibrant and busy atmosphere. They offer a number of seating options, including indoor and outdoor. The space is decorated with hanging plants and dark-wood accents and is divided into sections – a grocery, artisanal bakery, cold meat section, a deli, a patisserie and a butchery for artisanal cuts. There is also a wood-burning oven where pizzas are made. This restaurant is usually very busy so booking in advance is recommend.

 

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