Fratelli Ferndale — Restaurant in Gauteng

Fratelli in Ferndale is a typical suburban restaurant in Johannesburg but it is very "Italian" in its authenticity if you are looking for more than a fast food pizza or similar. I love the naive-type paintings on the "booth wall": they depict scenes from Italian cities and countryside, so you can imagine enjoying a glass of wine in Venice with your lover or what it feels like to live under a Tuscan sun. Fratelli also has verandah seating for summer and warmer days but they light flame heaters in Winter and there is a cosy fire in the middle of the shop for really cold evenings which is irresistible. The food is usually very good and on week nights, most medium-sized pastas and pizzas cost R55 which is excellent value. On this visit though, I enjoyed an Italian salad with a large herb foccacia both of which I shared with my partner, and then I enjoyed the chicken liver starter which is served with slices of ciabatta as a main. The sauce is Neapolitan-peri peri and it is delicious if you like something with a tasty bite to it. My partner had a penne Alfredo which he ordered with a request for extra sauce and the chef obliged. Most of the pastas and the pizzas are very good but my favourites are the Alfredo, the quattro stagioni and the maradonna. I have also enjoyed the chicken schnitzel on previous occasions but you need to be hungry if you are going to finish it. What my partner and I really find good about Fratelli is the fact that they provide extra chili, garlic, balsamic, olive oil and Parmesan for free on the side; many Italian places don't. The service is always friendly...

Not hard to fault Fratelli for their amazing taste of Italy! The service is on point and the atmosphere is relaxed and chilled. We had the most amazing salads, pizza and pasta. The team are obliging and offered a chicken swap on the Mediterranean pasta which had Chourico in it.....the dish was fantastic to say the least, reminiscent of Mimmos famous New Age Mariana pasta...which is a nicely done Aglio olio style pasta with sundried tomato and olives. Pizza bases are light and crispy baked in a wood fired oven. Fratelli has been around the block, literally, they were a staple at the Randburg waterfront up until 2008 when they moved to their corner spot in this shopping centre. Still friendly owner and staff, still amazing food and now here for lots of...

I've only eaten here twice but both times the service was impeccable. They really go above and beyond. Also the best gin menu I've seen, really delicious combinations. The pizza have crispy thin base with excellent toppings. Generous portions of great pastas with excellent sauces. Our table of 8 last night were all very very impressed (and 3 of them are Italian). I know I'm gushing but I love this place. Did I mention the service was excellent? Update: a few years later, and many many more visits: I don't know how, but the service is even better. The manager, Mandy, takes care of everyone. She seems to be everywhere, making sure everyone has a drink and is comfortable. The waiters are all on point. And the food is...