15 years on and Posti, as it’s affectionately known, is going as strong as ever. Lisa van Aswegen reviews the Sea Point stalwart.

Food

The loyal following of regulars as well as tourists staying in the area flock here for frill-free Italian fare. Choose your favourite pasta and make up your own sauce with a large choice of ingredients: veal and mushrooms in cream sauce is a favourite, while the recent combination of artichokes and chicken livers in creamy tomato sauce worked very well. Baked pasta dishes such as cannelloni and lasagne go down a hearty treat as do substantial salads (try it with grilled calamari) and veal dishes with lemon, parmigiana or marsala sauces served with simple grilled veggies. The stars of the show here, though, are the wood-fired pizzas on impossibly thin bases. Again you can add any number of toppings, but plain a Margherita is the way to go to really appreciate the quality of the pizza. While the dessert list is small and straightforward, the boozy tiramisu rounds things off well.

Wine

There is a limited, easy-drinking wine list with some choices by the glass. While there are no complex vintage offerings, the wines are food- and pocket friendly.

Service

Here you’re part of la familia. Waiters have been around for years and will come and sit at your table to explain the specials. It’s a loud, vibey spot where owners Jack and Eric always keep a personal eye on things.

Ambience

On sunny days all the tables are carried outside onto the expansive verandah. While wintry evenings are cosy inside with fireplaces and pizza ovens providing more than enough authentic atmosphere.

And…   

Don’t even think of pitching up at restaurant rush hour without a booking… but early evening walk-ins are usually accommodated and they’re always happy to try and make a plan.