Riposo Italian Eatery — Restaurant in Overstrand Local Municipality

Update, 1 year later: Vastly improved under new ownership. Food was great, service was top notch, the outside area has been charmingly upgraded, and the menu has been extended to include a bespoke selection of cocktails and small plates, of which we took full advantage.

Delicious bruschetta trio, artichoke, and mozzarella balls starters. Pizzas were great! The seafood pasta was ok: Slightly dry (could have been a tad more saucy, but delicious otherwise), and unfortunately the signature tagliatelle was out of stock, which, given that it was New Year’s Day, is excusable. And this time, we can say the carbonara was much, much better.

Owner was present at all times, friendly, and attentive. Our waitron was super.

Review upgraded from 2 to 4 stars.

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Original review from early 2023: At first glance, everything looked great. But on arriving, we were disappointed by the limited menu.

The waiter was friendly but could not answer any questions about the menu. For example, we asked about the “Italian Burger” (there was no description), and he could not tell us anything. My husband ordered it anyway (he’s a burger fan) but it was inedible. Dense bun, anemic patty, unidentifiable sauces and toppings, half-cooked chips.

He sent it back, and ordered the Carbonara, which was disappointingly dull. Beautiful pasta, but the sauce was thin and tasteless. Only seasoning was from the overload of bacon. Not a hint of the rich, silky sauce you should get from the egg yolk.

Pizzas were great, that I’ll say, so thumbs up for that!

My daughter’s R95 pasta (another gripe - no kiddies menu or option for half portions for a 4 year old) was tasty but the pasta was way overcooked to the point of being stodgy.

Then we dared ordered “classic tiramisu” because if there’s one thing an Italian restaurant should get right, it’s that. But it was pure Marscapone, bordering on sour, and at room temperature!! I mean! No ladyfingers. No taste of coffee. Just a pile of warmish white goo with some chocolate shavings on top.

Then, to top it off, every single plate, glass, and board stayed on our table until we left. Not once did our waiter come and clear our plates or check on us. We had to ask for him.

Overall, I can recommend their pizza but...

The pizza crusts are perfect, but the toppings are cut too small, i.e. Salami, and it is not enough. The cheese is also a bit on the stingy side. The pasta artichoke starter was delicious. The pasta Napolitana was ok, but a bit more sauce would be nice?; and we didn't get any Parmesan to add as a topping. We didn't have any olive oil nor balsamico on the table, but we did get some when we asked for it (we don't want to ask for it). No little bowls of garlic or parmesan was provided on the tables, which I always love to add to pasta, pizzas and other food. We found this to be a general practise in other restaurants, which is a very nice extra. The waiter were friendly. And: Please add a list of optional extras with prices for pizzas to the menu. We don't want to guess,and ask for everything.... If this will all be attended to it will make the dinner experience so much more enjoyable. Thanks and...

This restaurant has had loads of media and publicity BUT for all the wrong reasons! It has a new owner and manager who grew up in the wine and restaurant business. He always had a vision to own a small and powerful eatery - and now he has it!!

This energy is brought to the reception, creating the customers and right up to making food suggestions. Riposo has created the vibe that Onrus needed after @MilkOnTheBeach. Watch this area!

The food was fantastic and authentic Italian dishes. Pizzi and pastas for every member of the family young and old.

Stand out dish was the Eggplant Parmigiana - ordered and reorder by a number of our party (6 adults and 6 children). Please do not write off the seafood dishes!

One of the best Overstrand wine lists at good prices!

Have to mention that I saw loads of well known wine makers and owners having supper there. Food...