La Cucina di Ciro

Frommer's Review

Ciro Molinaro's three-star Michelin experience in France's Loire region simply honed his talent for home-cooked Italian fare that locals consider among the best in Jo'burg. It's a totally unpretentious delilike venue (and small, so book), where the focus is firmly on the food: The menu changes regularly, depending on what's in season, but if it's featured, do try the roast aubergine and lentil soup, followed by cannelloni with butternut, sun-dried tomato, and ricotta. The menu usually features at least one fish or meat dish to satisfy the carnivores -- and if you're lucky, the salmon and spinach lasagna will be it. In summer be sure to book a table on the pavement and enjoy the balmy highveld temperatures. Note: If you're in the mood for Italian and are based in Sandton, try the authentic fare at Assaggi, Post Office Centre, Rudd Road, Illovo (tel. 011/268-1370), where locals congregate not only for the primo pasta, but also to take home jars of tangy sauce from the in-house deli. More highly regarded Italian dining is at Sale e Pepe da Giovanni, 128 Jan Smuts Ave., Parkwood (tel. 011/788-7614), which some argue is the home of the finest pasta in all Jo'burg. It'd be worth your while to settle the debate yourself.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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