The Woodlands Eatery — Restaurant in Oranjezicht

With warmer months approaching, I’ve realised it’s much too late for a “summer bod” challenge (not that I’d ever succeed, I love food far too much). So, rather than being hangry, I’ve embraced staying well-fed and happy this winter, and what better way to give diets the middle finger than with a full Italian feast: starters, mains, dessert, and red, red wine. After searching for a truly authentic Italian spot serving traditional ragu, I found The Woodlands Eatery. Their menu is a dream for food lovers, slow cooked lamb ragu, homemade pasta, risotto, everything calling my name. A booking was made immediately. It felt like destiny, I’m a pasta obsessive, Tumi lives for risotto, and we both agree lamb reigns supreme. The day arrived chilly (thankfully for my hearty meal choice) and we drove from Muizenberg, playlist on, stomachs ready. Stepping in, we were greeted by a warm, charismatic Italian host whose passion for food was obvious. The space feels like a beloved neighbourhood gem, natural, relaxed, with chalkboard specials, eclectic art, and soft lighting. It’s a homey, inviting atmosphere where you want to linger, sip, and savour. Speaking of sipping, I ordered a Syrah poured generously “Italian style.” Deep garnet, silky yet peppery, confidence in a glass, but soft enough to enjoy all afternoon. We started with a rustic bruschetta board of nine vibrant bites: a rich, mysterious terracotta spread (likely sun-dried tomato tapenade), a bold emerald pesto packed with basil and parmesan (my favourite), and a timeless tomato-mozzarella combo elevated by peppery olive oil. The ciabatta was crisp yet fluffy, the plating rustic yet refined, a love letter from Italy. Then came the star, Ragu di Agnello tagliatelle. Served on a dramatic matte plate, glossy brick-red sauce coating every silky ribbon of pasta. The lamb, slow-cooked overnight in a wood-fired oven, was melt-in-the-mouth tender, perfectly balanced by the tomato’s acidity. Every bite tasted of patience and respect for ingredients. A personal bowl of parmesan was a thoughtful touch. This dish could rival something from a tucked-away Italian village. Dessert was a twist on creme brulee infused with Amaretto, torched to a perfect snap, and served alongside bright mango sorbet. The custard was silky, warm, and nutty, the sorbet, tropical and refreshing, a sunny palate cleanser after a hearty meal. The Woodlands Eatery feels like dining at a friend’s home where Nonna has been cooking all day. Honest, confident Italian cooking, intimate vibes, and heartfelt hospitality. Do yourself a favour, order a lamb dish. You won’t regret it. Be prepared to be treated like family. Thank you!...

The moment you step inside, you're enveloped by an inviting ambiance characterized by warm lighting, a relaxed setting, and an intimate feel. The restaurant's decor, with its wooden furnishings and eclectic touches, creates an inviting space that feels both trendy and comfortable.

The menu at The Woodlands Eatery is a celebration of local and seasonal produce. Their focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish. From wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings to innovative small plates and hearty mains, each item on the menu showcases creativity and attention to detail.

The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and supporting local suppliers is evident, adding an extra layer of appreciation to the dining experience. Whether you're a vegetarian, a seafood enthusiast, or a meat lover, the menu offers a diverse selection to cater to various preferences.

The staff at The Woodlands Eatery contributes significantly to the overall experience. They are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring guests feel...

We've alway driven past here and decided to finally try this place out as it looks quite inviting from the outside...but little did we realise that it was quite far from it - especially the upper seating area.

Im not sure whether the chef of this place knows what salt is but our food was as bland as a piece of cardboard...

Great, the food portions are huge - in fact way too huge and does not compensate for the quality of the food.

The pricing VS the quality of food is unbalanced where you pay from R150+ for a basic pasta dish that doesn't even blow your taste buds away.

The pasta with prawns I had showed signs of freezer burn (whitish discoloration marks on the shell) - which essentially affected the flavor and texture.

The meatballs were as dry as the Sahara desert, we had to douse the meatballs with sauce to compensate for the dryness.

Overall conclusion is that if you want good Italian food, this is NOT the place to find that - especially the price you pay for subpar...