Cafe 28 — Restaurant in Gauteng

When you are considered to be amongst the "heavy hitters" of specialist Italian pizza, a firm but fair review is inevitable. My unbiased review is based on the pizza I was privileged to taste in Naples, Italy; as well as pizzas at other specialist Italian places, such as Midlands Fable and Coalition.

I've been wanting to try this spot for over a year now. We were blown away by the swift service, pleasant views across the golf course, Sandton skyline, blue skies and beyond. The authentic pizza base texture is very difficult to get spot on, Cafe 28 do a splendid job here; I get caramelised/slight charring but parts of the pizza were not edible due to the amount of charcoal bits on the dough, and this is the reason for one star removal. The second star removal is due to the almost ridiculously little cheese on the pizza, and even the tomato base seems to be scant(as can be seen in the pic where I outlined in purple). Cafe 28's competition currently come in R5 cheaper on the Margherita, perhaps that can be "written off" due to the fact that Cafe 28 use fior di latte cheese instead of mozzarella, but the competition I'd personally say is 40% better.

I believe these are two things that can be fixed, if the Owner is fixated on attention to detail and gaining a top spot in the mind of a...

I only tend to write a review when I’ve had an exceptionally good, or in this case, exceptionally bad overall experience. A restaurant visit is a combination of the food, ambience, service and value-for-money. Unfortunately, Cafe 28 managed to only get the food and views right. Everything else stretched from adequate to left much to be desired.

My summary comment is pretentious & over-priced.

There were multiple things that irritated me, but the primary one was being charged for returning a drink that had a fly in it. When I alerted the manager, he offered to fish it out and bring it back. I thought that was poor form and asked to have it remade. Thought nothing more of it until I saw I was charged for two drinks.

Other things that I thoroughly didn't enjoy was the lack of sanitiser, waiting over an hour for four pizza's and getting wet being seated outside with no offers to move us. Slow overall service didn't help either.

What an overall terrible experience. I can’t recommend to anyone. I’d have been happier going...

Been here multiple times and will never go to another Italian restaurant because this is the “Italian” restaurant (in my personal opinion). The Imported cheese, tomatoes, olive oils, home grown vegetables, what could I say more. This place is so special and has a place in my heart. One of my absolute favorite restaurants. I am starting to become a local here. The servers and owner is very kind and is so helpful if you don’t know what you want. My Italian background is screaming with joy. My favorite dishes is the Burrata and bufalina pizzas with added Parma ham. Highly recommend their Milanese burger too! The dough of the pizza is so light and fluffy. The sauce mixed with the cheese and olive oil just melts in your mouth. Parma ham adds that perfect saltiness although having just an iconic cheese pizza is best. Every ingredient is such quality. The pricing is reasonable as everything is imported. My opinion is that it’s so worth it. Every moment gets better and better and I get so excited to go back for their food...