What could be more satisfying than biting into a cheesy, saucy pizza that bursts with flavour? For most, the Italian treat forms part of their staple diet – whether you’re enjoying a night on the town with friends, or simply can’t muster the energy to cook a meal.
If you’re looking for pizzas of the finest quality in Johannesburg, have a look at our guide to the most authentic pizzerias around.
The Ant Café – Melville
The Ant Café has gained a reputation for being one of the finest (and oldest) pizzerias in Johannesburg. Known for their traditional, old-school Italian fare, the eatery is unpretentious and the pizza is always good.
Come hungry for their Monday night pizza special and munch on a ‘Republiek’ – a proudly South African treat topped with biltong, avocado, feta, cheese, pepperdew, and caramelised onion.
Ant Café’s have hopped on the ‘health pizza’ bandwagon and now serve a focaccia-salad combo. So, if you feel guilty about all the carbs you’re eating, complement the pizza with a Greek salad.
Pomodoro Ristorante – Morningside
Pomodoro Ristorante serves both classic Italian fare as well as more innovative creations.
The vast choice of pizzas is of the highest quality where only the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used. A couple of recommended pizzas include ‘La Pizza Con Zuccu e gorgonzola’ – a vegetarian-friendly dish – or if you enjoy seafood, ‘La Pizza con Gamberi’.
’86 Public – Braamfontein
’86 Public is a trendy pizza joint known for doing things a little differently. All the pizzas are given a number and instead of being served the usual thin-crust, diners can choose from beer, stout, lager, sourdough, whole wheat and gluten-free. If you don’t fancy the traditional tomato base, there are other options available.
As for the choice of pizzas, there is one for every taste and preference, handmade in a burning brick oven. While diners can order old classics – think Hawaiian or Margherita – there are several creative dishes which combine unusual ingredients, resulting in a taste explosion of epic proportions. These include the legendary apple and feta, or chicken pizza.
The Foundry – Parktown North
The Foundry is located in Parktown Quarter – an area boasting sidewalk cafes, bistros, bars and restaurants. The setting is akin to walking down a side-street and sets the mood for your imminent pizza-eating.
The Foundry is a place where you can enjoy a pint of craft beer, a neat whisky, coffee and rustic pizzas – all in one sitting.
Order a ‘Braised Fennel and Chorizo Pizza’ and pair it with a local brew.
Piza e Vino 4 Ever – Morningside
Pizza e Vino 4 Ever are known for their funky décor, signature pizzas and fun atmosphere.
The onsite microbrewery offers uniquely-named brews such as ‘Black River Coffee Stout’ and ‘Whale Tale’. These craft beers have a distinctive taste and texture and enhance the flavours of the pizza.
As for their pizzas, the eatery has received a reputation for excellence when it comes to preparing Italian fare. Coming highly recommended is the ‘James Brown’. The tomato base is topped with chicken in barbeque sauce, bacon, guacamole, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
Toni’s Fully Furnished Pizza Co – Menlo Park
When the restaurant boasts that they ‘serve the best pizza you will ever eat ‘, one is bound to visit Toni’s with high expectations – and they should!
The ingredients are premium and fresh and the pizzas themselves comprise of a unique combination of toppings. Try the ‘Coscio D’angnello’ if you’re in the mood for a meaty feast. The dish is topped with roast leg of lamb, yoghurt, feta, olives, mozzarella and coriander.
For dessert with a difference, order a ‘Belgian Chocolate Calzone’.
Gema Trattoria & Pizzeria – Kensington
This family-run trattoria is typical of a Northern Italy home. Guests will be warmly greeted and well-fed by an Italian mama.
The pizzas are homemade in a wood-burning oven and are prepared with love and care.
For a deluxe cheesy treat, go for the ‘Pizza 4 Cheese’, or if you’re a lover of good seafood, a ‘Marinara’
Topo Gigio – Greenside
The ambience at Topo Gigio is comfortable – there are no pretences, just wholesome, old-school pizza.
There is a massive selection from which to choose – over 30 varieties of pizza – ranging from a spicy ‘Chicken Tikka’ to Mozambican-style dishes.
