Nonna Lina Ristorante Pizzeria — Restaurant in Gardens

Was pretty disappointed with this place. The food kind of resembles Magica Roma in Pinelands, but double the price and half as good. Had the bresaola, hoping it would be similar to carpaccio, based off the garnishes, but it tasted like an overpriced hybrid between jerky and Parma ham, with no moisture. Ordered a Margherita with salami and ricotta, which was very bland (salami cooked into the pizza is also my preference), similar style to col cacchio, but seemingly little to no seasoning and not as crisp cheese. Lasagne, the pasta was good, bechamel was very bland and the bolognaise was stodgy, reminded me of woolworths but thicker. With 2 drinks came to R670, but doesn't come close to competing with more reasonably priced establishments like Magica Roma, Bacinis, Ferdinandos, etc.

Also booked a table and was told they couldn't find our booking and we were given no seating options other than by the street. It also became quite clear that we were expected to be quick, despite the restaurant still being below half capacity in the area we had asked for by the time we'd left.

The venue, on the inside, is what you'd expect from this type of Italian place, homely with no thrills. Outside by the road isn't great, right next to traffic and loiterers.

Expected a better Valentine's dinner, but at least don't have to wonder about this...

There are many Italian restaurants in the Cape Town area, I have been to most, Including both “Romas” What hit me first when I walked in was the incredibly delicious smells emanating from the kitchen. They transported me back to Italy instantly. The restaurant was in-between services so was quiet. The owner and waiter were both shining wine glasses on the tables. There is a lot of pride in this establishment. Decor is unpretentious, maybe a little dated, but that’s okay. I am here for the food.

When I go to an Italian restaurant for the first time, I order a really basic dish. My theory is if they can get the basics right we can continue to the fancy stuff next time. There are very interesting food options from Sardegna which I’ll give a go next time.

Back to the food, Oh boy!!! Bolognaise was delicious. I do believe this was cooked as it should have for hours and hours. Pasta cooked perfectly al dente. I had a small side of plain pizza/focaccia no toppings. The dough was well fermented, flaky and light. Almost like Phylio pastry. The pudding was another Italian staple; Tiramisu and was to die for.

The portions are generous, so come hungry. Waiter was attentive but not invasive. Congratulations to the owner/manager Georgio and team. I’ll be back to try the rest of...

Really disappointed with our date night experience at Nonna Lina!

It was my first time there. Myself and my husband both ordered pasta. He ordered the traditional beef lasagne. I must say it was pretty damn good, minus a few burnt bits on the bottom. Taste wise I would give it 4 stars 🤩

However that's where the positive ends. The waiters were not very friendly and kept serving us drinks without ice, which is unusual in any establishment in Cape Town.

Also for the worst part - I ordered an asparagus and guanciale carbonara with homemade egg tagliatelle (that costs extra btw), only to receive the worst pasta of my life. The pasta itself was very thick and way harder than Al dente. In fact, it tasted pretty old and was the consistency and shape of stale spatzle. As for the sauce, my bad pasta was drenched in raw egg yolk with bits of snotty egg white floating around the plate. As an avid carbonara enthusiast I expected a beautifully emulsified, tich, creamy sauce and was utterly disappointed.

I won't lie, despite the gross pasta, I still ate it (don't hate a runny egg to be fair and was absolutely starving 😭). It just didn't hit the mark and made the entire experience pretty poor!

We decided to ditch the pizza order and went up the road to NYC slice instead....