Illovo Mastrantonio — Restaurant in Gauteng

Honestly a hugely dissapointing experience. I was hoping for a classic Italian square meal, a good salad and a filling pasta. I was expecting simple, generous cooking at a fair price point for good ingredients, in short a value for money experience. I ordered a rocket, tomato and fennel salad and a tagliatelle al uovo with fresh truffles. Simple good food that should be generous and filling, something rich and something fresh, recipes that are supposed to showcase good ingredients and leave you with a full belly and an appreciation of an important culinary tradition. Unfortunately, the experienced betrayed the expectation. What arrived at our table felt more closely suited to a rustic tasting menu, the portion sizes on these items would be ok if it was part of a 6 course tasting menu, but we were there for a single course square Italian meal. I tried to get the attention of the manager on duty twice to share this concern to no avail, I didn't want to make a fuss in front of the other guests, so I positioned my body directly towards him and looked straight at him with my hand slightly open and raised. He walked past me twice, completely absorbed with telling his monologues to the bigger tables, fine and good we were just a table of two. But quite honestly, for a +R1000 bill for a simple two person single course dining experience this was really dissapointing, Italian hospitality is not supposed to leave a bad taste in one's mouth and one's heart. But Illovo Mastrantpnio left me feeling really sad, like the cultural ethics of generosity and warmth that should define Italian cuisine have taken a back seat to the theate of pretense and unreasonable profit. I worry about the future of Jozi's culinary scene if this is happening in a nice restaurant in Illovo, it doesn't bode well for the setting...

Yet another exceptionally memorable family meal at MA in Illovo last night. We started off with a selection of starters that included their very special wild mushroom appetiser (in season) and the Buffala mozzarella with the trademark thicker skin hiding a creamy inside. Mains consisted mainly of veal dishes for us but equally noteworthy was the linguine Portofino, with fresh seafood and pasta that is freshly handmade in-house and the rack of baby lamb chops that were devoured. We finished off with a selection of desserts. Excellent tiramisu and beautiful crepes with a dulce de leche sauce. In my years of living, holidaying and eating in Italy, I can say hand on heart that this place is no different to anywhere you might find while on your travels in that country. Italian food is often mimicked and mistakenly thought of as "simple" to produce but it is quite difficult to get it right - especially when it comes to the tomato sauce. It is rare to find a gem that holds true to the values of the origins of the cuisine by using fresh ingredients, and providing light but tasty meals that do not rely on the dreaded heavy cream for taste, which is so ubiquitous in your average restaurant - instead, at MA you will find tasty tomato bases, and beautifully balanced wine sauces - cream is nowhere to be found. Tender and tasty meats, more-ish clam pasta (my absolute favourite)...the...

Maestrantonio in Illovo is hands down the best restaurant in Joburg! I find myself returning time and time again! From the moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

The cooking here is simply outstanding. Their handmade gnocchi is a standout dish—each bite is incredibly light and fluffy, paired with rich sauces that elevate the entire experience. The veal is another specialty that I can't resist; it’s cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.

And of course, I have to mention the tiramisu; it's the best I've ever had! The layers of coffee-soaked goodness are simply divine and the perfect way to end any meal.

The staff are always friendly, knowledgeable and attentive, making every visit feel special. If you're looking for a place that offers superior cooking and a delightful atmosphere, Maestrantonio is the place to be. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and can’t recommend it...