Piza ē Vino Melville — Restaurant in Gauteng

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A Taste of Italy, Touched by Shakespeare: Lunch at Piza ē Vino

Stepping into Piza ē Vino was like crossing a threshold into a sun-drenched trattoria nestled in the heart of Italy. The ambiance was simply amazing, a warm embrace of rustic charm and vibrant energy that immediately set the stage for a delightful afternoon. The air hummed with happy chatter and the tantalizing aroma of authentic Italian cuisine – a symphony of garlic, basil, and melting cheese that promised culinary delights.

While my colleagues embarked on a glorious tour of Italy with their orders – vibrant pastas that shimmered with rich sauces, pizzas boasting blistered crusts and generous toppings, a chicken salad that looked like a Mediterranean masterpiece, and a lasagne promising layers of comforting goodness – the "boring me," as I jokingly considered myself, opted for the beef burger. However, even my seemingly simple choice was elevated beyond expectation, the juicy patty nestled in a soft bun, accompanied by fresh, flavourful accompaniments. Yet, it was the sight and smell of my colleagues' Italian fare that truly transported me. Each dish looked like it had been lovingly crafted by a Nonna in a sun-drenched kitchen, and the aromas wafting our way were nothing short of heavenly.

But what truly elevated our lunch from simply delicious to utterly memorable was the exceptional care we received from our waiter, Sky. He was a true gem, anticipating our needs before we even voiced them, offering insightful suggestions that ranged from refreshing mocktails to the perfect, frothy cappuccinos to end our meal. Sky’s attentiveness ensured our glasses were never empty and our smiles never faded.

And then there was the je ne sais quoi, the unexpected flourish that made our experience truly unique. Sky possessed a delightful, almost Shakespearean flair to his commentary and remarks. His turns of phrase were witty, charming, and added a layer of theatrical delight to our afternoon. Each interaction felt like a little performance, leaving us chuckling and thoroughly entertained. It was a touch of unexpected magic that will linger in my memory long after the last morsel was savoured.

Piza ē Vino isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's the taste of Italy crafted with passion, served with genuine warmth, and sprinkled with a touch of Shakespearean charm. If you're looking for a flavourful escape and a truly memorable meal, look no further. This is a place where the food tastes like it was made in Italy, and the service feels like it was delivered by the Bard himself. Highly, highly...

😭 I don’t even know where to begin describing how special this place is. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel so welcome, every single person was warm and friendly, creating an atmosphere that feels more like home than just a restaurant.

Gavin, the manager, truly went above and beyond 😭. He surprised us & spoiled us with desserts, and since we mentioned we had been looking for a moist, fresh cake, he spoiled us with a fresh chocolate fondant made from scratch, which was absolutely incredible, it made my heart so content as a cake lover 🥹. While waiting for our food, he came & turned a straw wrapper into a rose, and later even sat & taught us how to make one when we asked 🥹. But honestly, what stood out the most was how every chat we had with him everytime he came to our table, is the kind that leaves you with something valueable to takeaway ✨ It’s rare to meet someone who makes your dining experience not just enjoyable but meaningful.

Our server (I wish I had caught his name!) was equally amazing, attentive, kind, and genuinely a joy to interact with. Even the other guests around us added to the welcoming atmosphere, it felt like everyone there was just happy to be part of it 🥹. I also want to acknowledge the gentleman at the gate, who welcomed us so warmly from the very beginning and again when we left. That first and last impression really set the tone, it made the whole experience feel complete and genuine 🤍.

We also loved the reflection wall where you can leave behind an inspiring or thoughtful message for others, such a unique touch that shows how much this place values connection and positivity. The food itself? 😭❤️ Absolutely delicious, don’t even have the words to describe it, from the meals to the desserts, everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Overall, this was an impromptu study date for both me & my friend but it turned out to be such a wholesome experience, one filled with kindness, creativity, and warmth. Thank you to Gavin and the team for making our day so memorable. It has definitely earned its spot as place we will be frequenting, and we highly recommend this place to anyone who values not only good food, but also genuine hospitality and...

Situated in an old house in Aukland Park, this little Italian eatery has good parking [off street). I was met and seated on arrival, but everything seemed to go into slo-mo after that. Drinks took forever to come. I only ordered 3 starters, that seemed to take ages to appear and when they did, it wasn't quite what I'd ordered. The bruschetta with cambozola was substituted with the roast tomatoes, except they weren't roasted. The triple fried chips were slap tjips and no sign of any aoli and truffle oil and pecorino. Just a tomato sauce of some description. Even after asking for the chips to be refried there was no discernable difference. The carpaccio was fair, although no sign of the mushrooms and fried capers and all the rest, just Parmesan and rocket. The requested oil and vinegar took ages to be served. The ice cream was pleasant but no taste of salted caramel, just chunks of chocolate (I think). The double espresso was minutley small, less than a quarter of a demitasse cup., lukewarm in a cold cup.

All in All, not the best Italian I have ever tasted. The final indignity was that in the outside seating area, nearly half dark as only 1 light on the string of bulbs was working was the alternate wafts of raw sewage and cannabis....not pleasant either one.

Generally I am not so negative in my reviews, but there was no sign of a manager to talk to, just 2 harried waiters, and don't ask your non-waiter for service, you get completely ignored with a shrug of indifference and shoulder pointing in your waiters diretion, who also pointedly looks the other way. Only when it came to presenting the bill and eyeing his tip did he suddenly wax all talkative about the weather!!

I am told by locals, who recommended the restaurant to me, that the food (pizzas and pastas) and service are really good. Maybe I got there on the chef's night off, and the manager's, and the barman's, and the barista's too. (Definitely the lightbulb changer's...