Cape Town does exceptional fine dining. But sometimes you do not want the tasting menu, the wine pairing, or the ceremony of it all, writes Zoë Erasmus.
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Sometimes you just want a bowl of pasta that tastes like someone’s nonna has been simmering sauce all afternoon.
Luckily, the city delivers. From neighbourhood stalwarts to buzzy urban spots, there are plenty of places serving genuinely good pasta without the white tablecloths and hushed tones. These are the restaurants to book when you want comfort, flavour and atmosphere, but none of the fuss.
Nonna Lina
Tucked into Gardens, Nonna Lina feels like it belongs in a small Italian town rather than a city centre. It is warm, cosy and proudly old school in the best way.
The focus here is on traditional recipes and handmade pasta. Expect pillowy gnocchi, silky tagliatelle and rich, slow-cooked sauces that lean into depth rather than drama. The menu celebrates regional Italian dishes, so you might find Sardinian specialities alongside classic favourites like lasagne or spaghetti alla carbonara.
What makes Nonna Lina special is its refusal to overcomplicate things. The portions are generous, the flavours are bold and the atmosphere is relaxed enough for a weeknight dinner but charming enough for a low-key date. It is the kind of place where you linger over a glass of red wine and mop up the last of your sauce with bread.
Best for: Proper, traditional pasta that tastes like home.
Bardelli’s
If you grew up in Cape Town, chances are you have eaten at Bardelli’s at least once. This Kenilworth institution has been feeding locals for decades and remains one of the most reliable spots for classic Italian comfort food.
The menu covers everything from pizza to veal, but the pasta is where Bardelli’s shines. Think hearty penne arrabbiata, creamy fettuccine Alfredo and seafood linguine loaded with flavour. Nothing feels pretentious. It is just good, generous cooking served in a buzzing, family-friendly space.
Bardelli’s is ideal when you want a proper sit-down meal without the pressure of a fine-dining setting. It works just as well for big group dinners as it does for a casual midweek catch-up. The energy is lively, the service is unfussy and the pasta always hits the spot.
Best for: Neighbourhood Italian with consistently solid pasta.
Libertino
Libertino brings a slightly more modern, city feel to the pasta scene without tipping into fine dining territory. Situated in De Waterkant, it blends bold interiors, good music and an energetic crowd with a menu that takes Italian classics seriously.
The pasta options are thoughtful and well executed, whether you are ordering a simple cacio e pepe or something richer and more indulgent. There is a sense of fun to the space, which makes it great for birthdays, girls’ nights or a spontaneous Friday dinner.
What sets Libertino apart is that it manages to feel stylish without being intimidating. You can dress up if you want to, but you do not have to. The pasta is the anchor, and it is consistently well made, comforting and full of flavour.
Best for: Trendy but relaxed pasta nights in the city.
Gusto Urban Italian
Gusto Urban Italian, located in Century City, offers a solid line-up of pastas in a straightforward, accessible setting. It is the kind of place you can pop into after work, or just to satisfy a random craving.
The menu leans into familiar favourites. Expect classics like bolognese, carbonara and creamy mushroom pastas, all served in generous portions. There is nothing overly complicated here, just comforting plates that deliver on flavour.
Gusto works particularly well for groups with mixed tastes, since there is something for everyone and the vibe stays relaxed throughout. If you are looking for pasta that is satisfying and dependable without the fine-dining price tag, this is an easy choice.
Best for: Casual dinners that do not require planning weeks ahead.
Life Grand Cafe
Set at the V&A Waterfront, Life Grand Cafe offers a slightly more polished setting while still keeping things approachable. It is not fine dining, but it does feel elevated enough for a special lunch or sunset dinner overlooking the harbour.
The pasta dishes are elegant but comforting, whether you are ordering a seafood pasta with a light tomato base or a creamy truffle-infused option. The ingredients are fresh, the plating is refined and the overall experience feels relaxed rather than formal.
Life Grand Cafe is ideal when you want to pair your pasta with a view. It works well for visitors and locals alike, especially when you are in the mood to linger over cocktails before or after your meal.
Best for: Waterfront pasta with a touch of polish, minus the ceremony.
The beauty of unfussy Italian
Not every pasta craving calls for a multi-course tasting menu. Sometimes what you want is a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, a good glass of wine and a table where you can actually hear your friends speak.
Cape Town’s casual Italian spots deliver exactly that. Whether you find yourself in Gardens, Kenilworth, De Waterkant, Century City or the Waterfront, there is a comforting plate of pasta waiting without the fine-dining theatrics. And honestly, that is often when Italian food tastes its best.
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