Mametja Moshe said: My favourite lately is Tortellino d’Oro — it’s a perennial pick, but this time I went to the new one at Sandton Gate, and we almost forgot that we must ever work! I ordered the seafood risotto and, wow, did it deliver! I polished it off and followed it with pistachio ice cream while strolling to my car and fantasising about September in Roma or Firenze. I particularly enjoy shopping for my Italian goodies there too.
I love Bellagio as well. The sole and the mussels starter are both extremely indulgent, especially as I finish with the tiramisu and a double espresso, to make sure I am awake for work afterwards …
What I am most excited about is discovering new Joburg hangouts now that summer is here. I’m a creature of habit, so the recommendations must be raving for me to lift a finger to book them.
Cedric Harris suggested Olympia Café in Kalk Bay (we agree) and the Sandton Sun in Joburg.
Grace-Anne Belger said: Lots of little treasures in the old Joburg North. Café Picobello Trattoria in Melville is an institution. Half-price pasta on a Monday and half-price pizza on a Wednesday. You sit in the sun and watch Melville happening around you and enjoy insane Italian food. My top pick. There’s also Piza e Vino in Melville. Really good pizza and burgers. Big, tasty and well priced. Oh, and there’s the excellent Baha Taco in Norwood.
Kathy Mossop suggested another FM favourite: I rate The Gardeners Cottage in Newlands, Cape Town, as my best lunchtime treat. Order the sushi stack, made with smoked salmon, sushi rice and diced fresh veg and served with soya sauce, wasabi mayo and a balsamic reduction. Add a glass of wine and follow with the lemon tart and an Americano. Sit outdoors among the trees and a nursery alongside.
David Fish said: Ouzeri in Cape Town is my go-to. If you find anything in or near Ballito, KZN, please let us know. (Yes, please do let us know.)
Olivia Timothy said: Loved your article. Kolonaki at Nicolway. The food is outstanding and the service amazing. Our restaurants in South Africa operate at a global level. Highly recommend it.
Roland Muller said: Two choices for long lunches from me: Fangio’s in the Kyalami area, where I’d order the chicken parm; and Proud Mary in Rosebank, where top of my list would be the seafood linguine. Each with a very nice bottle of chenin!
Ralf Degni suggested:
- 1920 in Rosebank. Prawns on Tuesday at R199, but all the food is great.
- Pronto at The Woods Shopping Centre, Craighall, for good Italian food and pizza.
- The Grillhouse (Rosebank and Melrose Arch) for steak, ribs and burgers.
- Sale e Pepe Da Giovanni in Morningside for the pasta.
Marianne Erasmus said: For us, 1920 is a weekend lunch for the win. We have followed them (and their Madeiran knick-knacks) from their initial premises in Randburg to Hyde Park to their new spot in Rosebank. Same yellow paint colour, same little decorative plates hung from the wall and same family-run restaurant.
Ignore the menu completely and only order from the specials. Hands down the best prawns and peri-peri chicken in Joburg. Paired with a bottle of Portuguese wine and some good company, it makes for a delightful long afternoon.
If you haven’t signed up for our daily mailers, go to fm.co.za to do so. If you’d like to weigh in on the topic of lovely luncheons, mail Sarah at sarah@fm.co.za and let her know about your picks.
