With an abundance of Italian restaurants in the City of Gold, Joburgers needn’t look far to get their fix of olive oil-doused antipasti, meaty roasts, comforting bowls of carbs and maybe even some gelato for dessert. But there’s a certain spot that really takes the cake – er, cannoli, as it were – and that’s Zio La Famiglia.
This little gem of an Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Hyde Park goes beyond your average ho-hum red sauce joints and serves up refined versions of classic dishes with unique twists, thanks to chef Jono’s creative blend of techniques and influences that leave you expecting one thing and tasting something entirely different. Start with the caprese prepared with sweet, juicy in-season tomatoes, tomato jam, basil, pangrattato, balsamic and fior di latte – soft, fresh mozzarella that’s our idea of milky perfection.
For mains, order the shellfish linguine, tossed with a generous amount of mussels, prawns and calamari and served in your choice of Napolitana, cream or white wine, garlic and fresh herbs sauce. You definitely won’t have space for dessert but order the moreish Nutella cheescake anyway – made on a biscuit crumb and topped with Nutella frosting, you’re guaranteed to lick the plate clean after devouring the entire slice.
Shop 14 Hyde Square, corner of Jan Smuts Avenue & North Road, Hyde Park
010 110 0293
Facebook: @ziobistro
Instagram: @ziobistro
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