In This Article:
We’ve rounded up 25 of the best pizza places on Dineplan, serving up everything from classic Neapolitan-style pizzas to thin-based pizzas stacked with gourmet toppings. Whether you’re craving a crowd-fav “F.A.B.” or looking for something new, there’s sure to be a place that’s slinging the dough and firing up the ovens nearby. Scroll through the list and book your table today, capiche?
Cape Town
Aegir Project Taproom
(Noordhoek, Cape Town)
A trip to Noordhoek is not complete without a stop at the Aegir Project Taproom. Built around a brewery with the beach a stone’s throw away, this home-away-from-home is the ideal place to bring the whole family (doggos included) to enjoy top-notch pizzas and a couple of refreshing craft beers. The hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas on their menu are topped with unique and mouthwatering toppings, from miso yaki broccoli and Jamaican jerk jackfruit to fiery Italian nduja. So, wrangle up the whole crew, and enjoy a pizza-fueled day out while the kids play in the jungle gym.
Hands down the best pizza I have had in South Africa having lived here the last couple of years. Beer is good too.
Bacini’s
(Kloof Street, Cape Town)
Perched at the top of Kloof Street, right at the base of Table Mountain, you’ll find one of Cape Town’s favourite Italian restaurants. Having opened its doors in 1989, this family-owned and operated gem has been serving pizzas with passion for over three decades – led first by owner Raimondo “Ray” Napoli and now by his daughter, Della, who continues the family legacy.. This place is popular, so book a table in advance to try out their perfectly crispy, thin-based pizzas topped with all your favourite toppings. Whether you’re on a first date, looking to catch up with friends, or just coming off a hunger-inducing hike up Lion’s Head with your doggo, Bacini’s welcomes you to take a seat, grab a slice, and join their ever-growing famiglia.
Come early or book in advance. Bacini’s is popular, and for good reason.
Lievita
(Green Point, Cape Town)
The menu at Lievita in Green Point showcases contemporary Neapolitan-style pizzas using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Using a special blend of Italian flours, no corners are cut in crafting the perfect dough, and the pizzas emerge from the oven with the perfect balance between “char and chew.” The toppings remain straightforward yet intriguing, from the humble but perfectly balanced Margherita to an array of vegetarian options and gourmet creations. Lievita is fast becoming one of the most-loved pizzerias on the Atlantic Seaboard! If you’re in Jozi, there’s no need to feel jealous. Their sister restaurant, Café 28, is just as good.
Hot tip: Don’t ignore the chilli oil, it’ll give you the kick you are looking for!
Brilliant Neapolitan style pizza with amazing high quality ingredients used for toppings. Bellissimo.
Pizza Connection
(Woodstock, Cape Town)
Pizza Connection, located in the lively Woodstock neighbourhood of Cape Town, uses both modern and contemporary techniques (with a touch of science) to craft their legendary pizza bases. Serving two types of traditional Italian bases, you’ll be able to pick your favourite style – choosing between the charred, puffed, and chewy Napoletana-style, and the thin and perfectly crispy Romana-style counterpart. As for toppings, the menu is split between tomato-based options and “pizze bianche” without the tomato sauce, featuring pancetta, mortadella, and fior di latte mozzarella all imported directly from Italy. Trust us when we say, every bite will transport you straight to “Il Bel Paese”!
Still the tastiest pizza in Cape Town! Busy Friday night, and I spied the owner making pizza, that should say it all.
Pizza Shed
(Observatory, Cape Town)
If you’re in the mood for classic Neapolitan-style pizza, incredible views, and a place to hang out with your mates, then check out Pizza Shed in Obs – it’s a favourite pizza pit-stop for many Capetonians. Their signature 48-hour slow-proofed dough is hand-stretched by highly skilled pizzaiolos and wood-fired to perfection. During the scorching summer months, book a table on the rooftop and watch the sunset with an ice-cold beer, and when the rain starts pouring, you’ll be kept warm by the pizza oven inside.
Authentic Italian Neapolitan pizza. Rooftop setting at foot or mountain. Wonderful attentive staff.
Woodlands Eatery
(Gardens, Cape Town)
Tucked away in Gardens, the Woodlands Eatery is an authentic pizzeria where owners Matteo Santini and Maurizo Carlo handcraft some truly pizzas. Their thin and crispy bases, topped with fresh ingredients like Italian sausage, mushrooms, and truffle, are light and delicious – always leaving you wanting “just one more slice”! Don’t just take our word for it; the Woodlands Eatery has earned a spot in the Reviewers’ Choice “Top 100” Awards for two years running, coming in at an impressive 42nd place in 2023. Next time you’re craving a pizza, reserve a table, order a sangria for the table and enjoy biting into a crispy, flavour-packed slice.
The Winelands
AA Badenhorst Family Wines
(Malmesbury, Western Cape)
Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, on Kalmoesfontein Farm in the Swartland, you’ll find one of South Africa’s top Chenin Blanc producers. All wine lovers should pay winemaker Adi and his team visit – but not just for the wine. Mark your calendars for every Thursday (and some Fridays) to join the team for their much-loved “Pizza Night”. Enjoy the company of both locals and travellers while the wood-fired oven pumps out incredibly delicious and chewy Neapolitan-style pizza. Keep a close eye on their social media, as they host regular “Pizza and Show” nights where your favourite local act may just be taking the stage.
Pro tip: Love amaro-style drinks? Then, order one of Adi’s famous Caperitif and Swaan tonics. The perfect combo of bitter and botanical, it’s hard to find a more refreshing drink!
It was an amazing, lovely, relaxed atmosphere, best pizza I’ve had in a long time and good wine to compliment the meal!
Allora
(Franschhoek, Western Cape)
As you step into Allora, you’ll be transported to a traditional Italian village, complete with a central fountain in the square outside and a roaring wood-burning oven. Bite into a thin and crispy Romana-style pizza with your choice of classic and mouthwatering toppings while being entertained by live music at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains. The team promises to provide you with the atmosphere of fine dining without the fancy and pretentious expectations, making Allora the perfect stop on your pizza excursion.
Great Pizza, superb service, live music outside in the square. What’s not to love?
Canto Wines
(Durbanville, Western Cape)
From Wednesday to Sunday, Canto fires up their pizza oven and churns out piping hot thin-based pizzas. With familiar favourites on their menu, including Margherita, F.A.B., and Hawaiian, consider your pizza craving sorted! During summer, soak up the breeze under the shade of the trees outside or, when winter chills arrive, find warmth in the inviting dining room. As for the kiddies, let them run off their energy on the large lawn while stopping by every now and then to take a bite of their delicious junior pizza. A trio to the Winelands won’t be complete without a wine pairing, and with a variety of tasting options like their popular MCC pairing, everyone who makes a pit-stop will leave feeling satisfied.
Had a wonderful afternoon doing the MCC pairing followed by a pizza. The pairing was excellent and the pizza was very tasty with a wonderfully thin base. Highly recommended.
Kantien
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
What’s more rock ‘n roll than next-level pizza? How about next-level pizza accompanied by a free Diesel and Dust Beer? In 2023, Chef Bertus Basson opened Kantien, a laid-back biker bar-inspired pizzeria, in Stellenbosch Central and it’s a gem! The walls are donned with petrol-head decor and they host regular ride-outs. Rustle up the whole family and head to Kantien for truly delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas – their crusts are truly a cut above the rest.
Pro tip: If the heat’s getting too much, order a soft-serve ice cream – they’re highly recommended and a crowd favourite!
Kantien is incredible. The food and vibe is really great. Great for kids too.
Stellenzicht
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
With breathtaking views of the Helderberg mountains, vineyards, and fynbos, the eco wine pod at Stellenzicht is a great spot for wine and pizza in Stellies. With large glass doors opening out onto the shaded deck, enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by nature and tuck into a glorious wood-fired thin-based pizzas cooked to perfection. As for the menu, each pizza comes with a recommended wine to pair, ensuring that whatever you order, it will be “chef’s kiss”!
Friendly and knowledgeable waitrons that help each other help the patrons. Excellent service. Delicious pizza. A wine tasting and lunch you won’t forget quickly. Lets not forget the breathtaking views.
Tasting Destination at Mulderbosch Vineyards
(Stellenbosch, Western Cape)
Next time you’re in Stellies, head to Mulderbosch for one of their legendary lunches. Wednesday to Sunday, between 12 – 5 pm, they serve piping hot, thin-based pizzas straight from their wood-fired ovens. With perfectly blistered edges and sensational toppings like their slow-roasted oxtail and apricot chutney, they’re sure to tantalise your taste buds – and keep you coming back for more! Book your lunch and savour your pizza with serene views over the vineyards, crisp wines to sip on, and a game of pétanque on the courts.
Most sensational pizzas. Look forward to coming back to try others!
Johannesburg
Café 28
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Overlooking a 9-hole golf course, Café 28 at Inanda has built up a loyal following of pizza aficionados over the years. Run by the maestro of pizza himself, Andrea Giromini, this authentic Italian restaurant has a reputation for serving up some of Johannesburg’s best Neapolitan-style pizzas, topped with quality ingredients straight from their very garden or imported directly from Italy. Whether you’re a fan of spicy salami, earthy artichokes, or salty anchovies, Café 28’s mouthwatering selection of pizzas has something for every kind of pizza lover. If you’re in Cape Town, their sister restaurant Lievita will be happy to have you!
Excellent Neapolitan pizza, comparable with pizza served at “L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele” established in 1870 Naples.
Coalition Pizza Blairgowrie
(Randburg, Johannesburg)
Dubbed Jozi’s original Neapolitan pizza experience, Coalition in Blairgowrie is a small, authentic pizzeria offering an intimate dining experience. As soon as you take your seat, order an Aperol Spritz or Negroni from their selection of Italian aperitivi. The small-but-mighty menu features a selection of salads, melanzane parmigiana, dessert, and, of course, the star of the show – pizzas! From classic Margheritas and bianco-style pizzas to more “gourmet” toppings like white anchovies and pulled Wagyu beef, every slice will be pure perfection. Add a burrata to your choice for an extra decadent dinner!
Exceptional service, food and value for money. We travelled all the way from Midrand for this experience and we’re definitely coming back.
Reflection
(Broadacres, Johannesburg)
Find peace from the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Reflection. Ths unique restaurant is an urban jungle oasis and invites the whole family to enjoy crispy, cheesy pizzas in their outdoor space. Take a seat at one of their picnic-style lounges and order from a selection of wood-fired pizzas. Opt for a crowd-favourite, like a classic regina, or try something different like “The Robertson”, which comes topped with baby spinach, artichokes, feta and olives. Yum! Join the team on the weekends for live music, a glass of wine from their extensive collection, and an oh-so-good slice of pizza.
Great pizza and fantastic environment. Going back for sure.
Saint Restaurant
(Sandton, Johannesburg)
Guided by Head Chef, David Higgs, the team at Saint brings their A-game to the kitchen, serving up top-notch, handmade Neapolitan-style pizzas. Once your order is placed, the dough is kneaded and stretched, slathered with sauce and cheese, and topped with the finest ingredients – like paper-thin prosciutto, charred sirloin, smoky aubergines, and mussels. Each pizza is then wood-fired in one of their TWO stunning gold pizza ovens imported directly from Naples. What truly sets Saint apart is the incredibly beautiful dining room, which will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into an oil painting.
Everything was exceptional. The service was amazing and the food was out of this world. I highly recommend this restaurant, you wont regret it.
SetteBello at The Italian Club
(Bedfordview, Johannesburg)
Pino and Miro, affectionately known as “The Bellos”, have created a little piece of Italy in Jozi. Aiming to be a home-away-from-home kind of place, SetteBello at the Italian Club in Bedfordview serves up delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, traditional antipasti, and all your favourite Italian classics. Cosy up in the dining room or outside by the kids’ play area, and enjoy pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. The pizza oven reaches a searing 400°C, making the crust nothing short of magic. With family and friends at the core of their philosophy, book a table and experience a slice of Italian hospitality in Johannesburg.
Tip: Order an Aperol Spritz. Here, they’re “made the right way”!
Best pizza and great family vibe.
Durban
Casa Nostra
(Umdloti, Durban)
Known by many as “a little piece of Italy”, Casa Nostra in Umdloti will make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. From the quaint al fresco courtyard to the red-bricked interior, you’ll be welcomed in and made part of the family. Behind the scenes, chefs cook up deliciously light and crispy pizzas and calzones that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Choose a bottle from their wide selection of wines to pair with your slice, and then order an espresso to finish off your meal like a true Italian.
Best Italian food. Casa nostra’s pizzas are the best!
Grimaldi’s
(Multiple Locations)
With a fresh and contemporary menu that pays homage to Italy’s timeless flavours, Grimaldi’s crispy thin-based pizzas with homemade Neapolitan sauce are an instant favourite. Decide on your toppings, choosing from options such as the drool-worthy “The Diva” with bacon, camembert, and cranberries, or a classic “Pepperoni” which heroes Italian salami. If you consider yourself a true pizza lover, then a stop at one of three Grimaldi’s locations dotted around Durbs is a must!
Lupa Osteria
(Multiple Locations)
With spots throughout Durban, find your nearest Lupa Osteria and enjoy some authentic Italian pizza. Cooked in wood-fired ovens until the base is extra crisp, and topped generously with delicious ingredients, the pizzas are made from scratch by the team of talented chefs. The menu offers both classic favourites or more gourmet options. Join them on Sunday and Monday to make the most of their pizza and beer special. For only R129 per person, grab yourself a classic pizza and a 500ml Wolf Lager draft or glass of wine.
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Spoon Eatery & Pizzeria
(Assagay, Durban)
Head a short way out of Durban and wander into Spoon Eatery & Pizzeria for a glass of something sparkling and a delicious bite to eat. Take your pick of their pizza options, made using locally sourced ingredients from farmers in the area or harvested from the gardens that surround the restaurant. Unwind indoors or outside on the covered patio to enjoy the breeze and views of the farms and outdoor pizza oven.
Please note: A pair of friendly dogs roam the property, so kindly leave your beloved pets at home.
Absolutely amazing setting and decor. The food was out of this world! Thank you so much!
Tiger’s Milk
(Multiple Locations)
Gather up your crew and make your way to the nearest Tiger’s Milk, where perfectly crispy pizzas are fired in the oven and covered with an assortment of mouthwatering toppings. A favourite across South Africa, the pizzas at Tiger’s Milk promise everything you look for in a slice of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re watching a game, enjoying a night out on the town, or grabbing a quick bite to eat, their thin-based pizzas, paired with an ice-cold Part Wolf Lager, are sure to hit the spot.
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Trattoria La Terrazza
(Southbroom, Durban)
La Terrazza, affectionately nicknamed “The Tratt” by regulares, is a pizza stop you can’t miss. But be warned, their oven fires up only between May and November, serving pizza for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch. Mark your calendar though, it’s worth the visit! Take a seat inside or out on the charming deck to gaze over the estuary as you tuck into one of their famous pizzas. With perfectly crisp bases, lots of cheese, and generously topped with whatever toppings you crave, you’ll be transported to Italy as you sip on wine and catch up with family, friends and strangers.
Always such a pleasure to dine at Trattoria.
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