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Old Town Italy Umhlanga
39 Meridian Drive Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, 4319, South Africa
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An
Review โ„–1

Enjoyed the very warm welcome provided to us. A personal touch. Many people went out of their way to ensure our comfort. This place is simply beautiful. A feast to the eyes as well. Love the ambience ๐Ÿ’•

Ma
Review โ„–2

Always busy, but worth the wait for a table. We had the paninis and a pizza, outstanding quality. The complimentary bread basket served was superb, I was more than happy with just that. We had cannolis and cruffins thereafter, outstanding quality. Cannolis filled with marscapone was far too sweet, I prefer the traditional ricotta cheese filling

lo
Review โ„–3

Loved the ambiance, food was lovely.

Ro
Review โ„–4

Absolutely exquisite.Place to go too, for amazing drinks with a vibe. Food is flavourful and service was emaculate. Will be visiting more often.

Me
Review โ„–5

Cute little restaurant located in umhlanga.The inside of the restaurant was quiet lively with a band. Outside was quiet and peaceful.Food wasnt as good as Id expect it to be especially for the price alocated.Presentation of food was good.Taste of food was bland.

Ja
Review โ„–6

Love the atmosphere of Old Town Italy. I feel as if I am somewhere in Europe. And the custard croissants are the best

Cz
Review โ„–7

This is an absolute awesome place. You are transported to an old town in Italy. An extensive menu with lots of options and choices. Lots of vegan options as well. Even has a Gelato corner. Lots of ready made meals to buy and take home. Loads of items to purchase ie food from deli, meat from butchery. Pastas, marmalade etc. It is an Italian shopping mecca inside a restaurant. Lots of seating, friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere. Book for a 4 course meal and learn to make your own pasta by attending a class. Learn about wine pairing with your different courses. Also look out for the upcoming High G & T promotion. Will definitely go back soon.

No
Review โ„–8

Beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere. The staff and management is extremely friendly and they made sure we were happy throughout our visit. The food and drinks were of superb quality, we went back the next day. Would definitely recommend

Ma
Review โ„–9

Beautiful setting with the most deliciously prepared food, cant wait to visit again!

Ze
Review โ„–10

Beautiful place to sit and eat...with the most delicious food!! Service was great!Definitely popping in again when I come back into town!

Kh
Review โ„–11

One of my favorite restaurants. Love their cute teapots and teasets, their past and pizzas. The live band during weekends. The one thing I disliked is that close to closing time, their staff kept switching the lights off, ours was not the only table that was occupied, eventually a gentleman at one of the tables addressed this with the bar man and it was sorted...Im aware that they were closing at 21:00 but they couldve given us an hour while shutting down and cleaning up etc or dimmed the lights, not switch off the lights with patrons still in the restaurant โŒ๐Ÿšฎ...

An
Review โ„–12

We reserved a table for six yesterday, and arrived to a jam packed restaurant with no reserved table. No Covid protocols were observed except face masks. After 20 minutes of waiting outside in the wind at a dirty bar table, i went inside to find out how long we still have to wait. The manager was rude and abrupt and told me he runs a busy restaurant and if i donโ€™t like waiting I can leave. Absolute fail for the hospitality industry. I will spend my hard earned cash somewhere else and go to restaurants that want me there.

Ca
Review โ„–13

Oh wow, I am so impressed with this lovely place. Amazing. Cant wait for my next visit to Durban. ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‘Œ

Me
Review โ„–14

Good food. Service needs to be faster as waiters take a long time to get to youEDIT - Visited Old town Italy again and the service was just as poor as all the other times. Its impossible to track your waiter or even ask for the bill. Initially gave them 5 stars for the food, but its truly not worth spending your hard earned money here.Dont let me get started on being seated. Its a mission. Being ignored by waiters from pillar to post. Why does nothing change at this establishment?I will NOT be returning. Ive been here 5 times,with extremely poor service 5 times.

sh
Review โ„–15

It was a beautiful experience for a quiet, classy evening for a birthday celebration. Not just pizzas and pastas but the extra little bits of Italy for that authentic feel. The food was exquisitely presented and you can taste the freshness and quality of ingredients that were used. Our waiter , Figo, was most polite and friendly and very helpful with our vegetarian needs for the evening and certain food allergies. Will definitely come back and try out the meaty options when we arent fasting ๐Ÿ˜Š. Humbly request for egg free pasta option to be available. Please and thank you ๐ŸŒป

Ro
Review โ„–16

The breakfast was just too delicious and the red cappuccino in that gorgeous tea cup was everything! Thank you so much. Its always such a great eating there. Friendly staff and great chefs. Not to mention the beautiful and welcoming atmosphere is so lovely!

Qu
Review โ„–17

Next best thing to being in Italy, Old Town takes you along for the journey. Italian culinary delights at its best, great atmosphere and excellent service.

Me
Review โ„–18

Excellent service. Food very good. Love the ambience. Such original decor. Very well run and clean.

Ni
Review โ„–19

I absolutely Love this restaurant. The authenticity, the decor, the ambiance, the attention to detail and the food are simply superb. From the very moment you walk into this restaurant, you really do feel like you have stepped out of durban and into Italy. Waiters are dressed like Italian waiters, the little displays of biscuits and pastas are beautifully put together. We were seated at a cosy little table close to the bakery. The view of freshly baked pastries and cakes was absolutely beautiful. Every single one of the cakes in the display looked decadent. We tried a chocolate canolli, filled with cream and dipped in tiny lemon bits. There are authentic Italian treats for sale, which are freshly made. They also have a butchery, with cold meats. One can find all kinds of butter biscuits, sweets, pastas, sauces, wines, wafers and loads more to purchase here. I have to say, even the toilets are so authentic and beautiful. For breakfast, we had the salmon on bread topped with a poached egg, roasted tomatoe, avo and rocket, which was so perfectly balanced in taste and flavor. This is an absolute must try!

Sa
Review โ„–20

At first no service at all from the first waitress, was walking out and the manager asked if we could give him the chance to make it up n so we did. Awesome service from the new waiter. Place is lovely, food great but I think the waitresses are letting u guys down as we werent the only table complaining about the service.

Pa
Review โ„–21

My favorite place in Umhlanga. Great service great vibe.

Sa
Review โ„–22

Our experience was awesome.The staff was very friendly, polite and had a very warm approach to us.When the waiters went passed they always checked on you although it was not their table.I had also complimented one of the managers there.Food is great , a wide variety and fresh.It is very seldom I give a 5 star rating .I will highly recommend this place if u have not been there.Well done to the staff and management of Old Town Italy.I can clearly see u take your bussiness and customers seriously.

za
Review โ„–23

The atmosphere is out of this world, the live band the romantic scenery especially the back drop light ๐Ÿ˜. I was there with my family but its a relaxed environment with Italian delicacies.

Br
Review โ„–24

Close friends of ours ensured us we wont go wrong with Old Town Italy. Apparently they had excellent coffee and even better food. So off we went to go try this out. My o My. Restaurant has this amazing Italian feel. Food is excellent, staff are friendly and very welcoming. There is even a small shop inside where you can shop. It really was an out of this world experience. Their ice-creams are to die for! Can not wait to go visit again.

An
Review โ„–25

There is a certain magic, coming in to collect a pizza, having a beer from the tap, and listening to some beautiful music. Whether its jazz, or a lovely lady singing popular songs, it is a real treat. Food is totally delicious too. Highly recommended.

da
Review โ„–26

Ordered take away pizzas, told 15 to 20 min wait arrived after 25 min and waited a further 40 min for the food to be ready. Asked for extra cheese on 5 x pizzas and was surprised it cost R250.00 for this, a tad expensive I felt for what was a sprinkling more of cheese than normal. Pizzas once received very tasty but service delivery and extra item prices need to be looked at.

Ha
Review โ„–27

Old Town Italy is all it purports to be. Its the closest I have ever come to experiencing a few hours in Parma, Rome or Verona. The ambience is carefully understated yet so effortlessly welcoming. There is something so familiar yet thoroughly fascinating about products which are artfully displayed. However, my purpose was enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and boy did the chef deliver in spades! I gladly rate Old Town Italy my number one eatery.

St
Review โ„–28

I was expecting a fantastic cappuccino bit it was weak and had a lot of milk. I would have thought being Italian that they would have strong tasteful coffee there. Food was ok, service was ok.

Tr
Review โ„–29

Great vibe, brilliant coffee and good food. A lovely selection of food and drink

Br
Review โ„–30

It was stunning, a coffee shop with incredible character ๐Ÿ˜๐ŸŽต๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒน๐Ÿ‘Œ

Br
Review โ„–31

Delicious coffee and cakes from their bakery. This is not the cheapest spot to get stuff, but the stuff you do get is really good.A very nice place for a treat and worth travelling a fair distance if you have to.

Ch
Review โ„–32

Devine Italian goods, ice cream is delicious.

Wh
Review โ„–33

What a special place, the ambiance is amazing, a great spot for a coffee & convos. Tried out their frappe, milkshake, croissants & tarts and all was just served perfectly.

Ni
Review โ„–34

The food was absolutely spectacular and the cocktails out of this world. The atmosphere was so warm and it felt as if I truly was in Italy. One of my favourite places in Umhlanga thus far.

Ja
Review โ„–35

Delicious food.Very relaxing environment

za
Review โ„–36

The service is absolutely perfect. The food is even better

Ch
Review โ„–37

One of the best places to eat in Umhlanga. my wife and I have been working our way through their menu and have yet to be disappointed with the food.Services is always friendly and efficient (even during their busy times) and the atmosphere of the venue gives you the feeling of being in a European cafรฉ.

Mo
Review โ„–38

Had a late lunch. Waitress was friendly and meals were served quickly. Clean and lovely atmosphere. Money well spent ๐Ÿ˜Œ

NJ
Review โ„–39

Good, but not that goodโ€ฆ

Ju
Review โ„–40

Such a lovely restaurant with a big deli and pantry shop. Their coffee and food is amazing and I am addicted to their gelato. Lovely spot for breakfast with MIMOSAS!

Th
Review โ„–41

Beautiful place and I loved their waffles ๐Ÿง‡๐Ÿ˜

An
Review โ„–42

Just 5โ˜† on everything. Fabulous!

Yv
Review โ„–43

The place has a great ambiance.I came for breakfast with my family.We were welcomed nicely and because my son 7months and was in his car seat.The owner made sure we were seated comfortably in one of the couches in a cosy corner with views in all angles. The food was amazing.

Am
Review โ„–44

Good service and meal options.Very nice spot to chill and meet with friends

Ri
Review โ„–45

1st time visitor. Very impressed. Its a whole world of Italy from the tables outside to the bakery and lots of speciality items. Quite a nice surprise and the food was good quality too. Will definitely be back.

Ti
Review โ„–46

We had an incredible anniversary lunch at Old Town Italy in Umhlanga. The atmosphere was incredible and the feel was authentic. The Margherita pizza was divine and our waitress Melissa was just perfect. She was so attentive, positive and went above and beyond at every opportunity.Thank you for a memorable experience.Well definitely be back.

Ma
Review โ„–47

Good food, comfy cute little spot! The Gelato station was the highlight for me, especially the small Italian grocery shop in the restaurant.

Ta
Review โ„–48

Gets busy, but food is amazing.

Lo
Review โ„–49

What an amazing place! We shared the chefs platter (variety of things from the street food menu) and were blown away!

Ro
Review โ„–50

Absolutely love this place the management was amazing๐Ÿ˜ considering we got there 5 mins before the kitchen could close and they never turned us away.Now that is service at its best Perfect for date nite, even a family outing or coffee with a friend food was absolutely devine. If u feel for seafood try their seafood pasta its the best Ive tasted in Durban, hubbys steak was done to perfection. The ambience was awesome. Love love love this place

Si
Review โ„–51

I love the food here, this was my second time coming here and the food was exquisite. The staff was friendly and very helpful.

Te
Review โ„–52

One of the best restaurants Ive visited in Durban!

Di
Review โ„–53

What a great experience!

El
Review โ„–54

Excellent food. Lovely atmosphere - even though we waited outside in the car due to lock-down restrictions - we heard the music and remembered our previous visits. Very good service.

Ju
Review โ„–55

Cute, charming little store with a pretty setup and some interesting Italian goods on offer. We ordered lunch at the restaurant... the food was decently prepared but not particularly special. Enjoyed the ice tea though. Service at the restaurant was good enough. We sat outside and really enjoyed watching the fancy cars drive by :)

Mm
Review โ„–56

Hands down the best OTI in the country!

B
Review โ„–57

Excellent service, presentation and quality.

Ka
Review โ„–58

Great food and great service. Situated close to the Umhlanga Gateway shopping mall this eatery offers a pleasant escape from the humdrum of the shopping masses and mallrats. The decor offers something interesting at every turn and the little supermarket set up seems like something from an old movie. The menu is unique and personal modifications are entertained. I will definitely be going back.

Ti
Review โ„–59

Good vibes for any day of the week, Nice atmosphere with an great live music. Best food in town

Th
Review โ„–60

A very vibrant place. Waiters know the menu very well and pay attention to the needs of the guests. There are full and half pasta dishes. The bar is well stocked. Cocktail creations are to die for. A highly recommended place.

Ch
Review โ„–61

Awesome food, great atmosphere and fantastic decor. Must be experienced to appreciate it.

Ba
Review โ„–62

It was a superb experience with very delicious and tasty pasta. What else would I go for to an Italian Restaurant?The owner is also very cautious of Covid19 impact. Sanitizers everywhere. Ample parking. The sad part was having to rush our meeting and meal because the restaurant closes at 8pm. This, however, must not be viewed in a negative light because the restaurant is observing the current South African curfew times and for their staff to travel and get home within the allowed curfew time.All in all, the restaurant is ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿพ

sa
Review โ„–63

Amazing lace with great vines, soulful music and wholesome food

De
Review โ„–64

Now our favourite for family birthday lunch

Si
Review โ„–65

I looovee everything about it. It has everything in one place.....And if you are a lover of vintage you will most def. love it

Ga
Review โ„–66

An absolute gem of an eatery. Easily the best breakfast I had in 2019. Always packed but the service and quality never disappoints. The attention to detail and brand presence is exceptional. Recently sold and expanding to the US I believe

Na
Review โ„–67

Nice place, but not much options for breakfastPoor menu

Ju
Review โ„–68

We had such an incredible lunch at Old Town Italy Umhlanga this afternoon to celebrate my grandmothers 80th birthday! The food was delectable and we all walked (or rather rolled) out making definite plans to return before our holiday comes to an end. The service was outstanding - Melissa you were so attentive and accommodating, you really are a shining star and an ambassador for the kind of service that should be the standard in the hospitality industry, thank you so much! Do yourselves a favour and try the Joey Zasa accomoanied by the Malfy Coastal Business (and of course, ask to be seated in Melissas section!) - you will not be disappointed!

Ju
Review โ„–69

Simply the best pizza Ive ever had in South Africa.What a great little Gem of a place.You have to visit and experience it for yourself. Words simply cannot describe this place adequately.

Si
Review โ„–70

One of the best places to go to. The customer service is exceptional. A phonecall the next day after a surprise gesture just to check up was priceless. Thanks Old Town Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Umhlanga. Definately coming there again.

Ne
Review โ„–71

You definitely feel like youre in a vibey little Italian market! Such a cool concept. Also, the food from both the deli and the sit down restaurant is exceptional!

CA
Review โ„–72

A Very interesting corner of Durban. On our way to the airport, since we had extra time, we went to pay a visit to this pitoresc and popular restaurant, and have a bite.Amazing... the setup, the menus, the food... the real Italian scents and great food...We loved it. Its normally crowded, fast going, even have a separate are for ice-cream.A must visit.

Va
Review โ„–73

Tucked away in the bylanes of downtown Umhlanga is this blissful Italian eatery. Upbeat ambience is a complement to the fanciful contemporary food choices on offer. Kudos to the general manager for his tough negotiation ability. Highly recommended

Sh
Review โ„–74

Stunning inside. Service great. Milkshakes the best๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‘thank you.

He
Review โ„–75

The food was divine. Excellent service.

Je
Review โ„–76

Buying our favourite treats during lockdown. Ciabatta and custard croissants

ni
Review โ„–77

Old Town Italy just says it all. Awesome place to meet up and fantastic food.

Dr
Review โ„–78

Little hidden gem! Great place. Coffee and cake are awesome. Their gelato is also a winner!!! Love the fact that their meat is free range, grass fed and hormone free. Winner!

Wa
Review โ„–79

Had a lovely afternoon at Old Town Italy. Great food and service.

Yo
Review โ„–80

The BEST Italian eatery in Durban. Takes me back to Italy every time we eat there. Lovely vibrant atmosphere and the friendliest staff.

No
Review โ„–81

Delicious lunch! Great ambiance. Superb service from Melissa. Left with a full belly and grateful heart. Love Old Town Italy ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ™

Sa
Review โ„–82

First time at Old Town Italy, love the set up and the vibe. Service was great. 6 ladies enjoyed a womens day breakfast - had Tonys Soprano was delicious! Cappuccino hit the spot, will definitely be back again!

Ch
Review โ„–83

Great food, fast efficient friendly serviceA wonderful experience

Me
Review โ„–84

Not very friendly staff, to full and congested on the inside.

El
Review โ„–85

Had such a great evening here. Come hungry! Huge menu, including Italian beers and spirits on HAPPY HOUR 4-6PMFantastic, large area building, and they have seriously everything. Bakery, pasta making classes, italian goods shop, huge pizza oven and kitchen.

Vi
Review โ„–86

Just looking at the goods for sale and reading the menu makes one hungry ๐Ÿ˜‹Delicious food. Beautiful space. Iโ€™d recommend this place!

Th
Review โ„–87

We were seated quickly and then left unattended for 10min. We eventually got up and each went separate ways to try and track down a waiter, Im happy to report that I was the 1st to find one, in the kitchen. She seemed confused that we needed service, as if she thought we had just arrived to kill time..The food came quickly and was pretty good but, when it came time to pay, again we were on the hunt for a waiter. Its was my partner this time who had walked around to the front of the restaurant and found someone to assist.For those prices we should have had a waiter each..When the bill came we found that it was actually 2 Bills, 1 for each of our meals. We were left to calculate the total ourselves and pay the bill with our card.. but the card machine had run out of paper so we waited an extra 5min for the slip..If youre up for a frustrating experience or a good game of find a waiter, Old Town Italy is the place for you.. if youre not retired or unemployed and only have an hour for lunch, go somewhere else..

Kh
Review โ„–88

Absolutely beautiful little place with delicious food, although the downside is that the portions are quite small. We made a reservation about a week in advance but unfortunately on the day there wasnt a table ready and we had to wait a little bit. Other than that, the overall experience was great.

Lu
Review โ„–89

Awesome vibe and food is of top quality. Great service and friendly staff!!

Ca
Review โ„–90

Amazing! Absolutely devine! Warm vibe and beautiful space! Looking to try something different? This is the place to do it!

Ru
Review โ„–91

Old Town Italy great location, food was amazing, lovely vibe .

dr
Review โ„–92

Very disappointing visit today. Staff were helpful, but could not find fresh basil pesto and crumbed chicken schnitzels. Shop appears to be lacking stock...limited pasta selection compared to my previous visits (pre-Covid)

Ho
Review โ„–93

Only had the ice cream and a browse through the store but itโ€™s definitely an experience! Loved the vibe and atmosphere

Ke
Review โ„–94

Awesome food and awesome people, had a great time

Kh
Review โ„–95

Great ambiance and a really lovely place to enjoy a meal and even buy some goodies at the deli. Iโ€™ve had breakfast here as well as lunch awhile back. The food is great and as a plus they have great coffees and gelato. Only reason for taking one star off is that service is a little lacking. Have to sometimes go looking for your waiter to get service. But still a really lovely place and always an enjoyable experience

Sa
Review โ„–96

When you talk about a food experience Old Town Italy was great. With a walk through environment full of interesting imports to a lovely bar. I Enjoyed their desert and their menu was great too.

le
Review โ„–97

It was awesome ,would recommend anyone to try it. Great staff and awesome menu.

Na
Review โ„–98

Excellent service. Delicious starters. The Nutella special, hot drink was the bomb. Fantastic! Going back for mains next time.

Ge
Review โ„–99

Great food and service. We keep coming back and ordering something new, and each time its great. The shop also has some really cool unique things.

Eu
Review โ„–100

What a great place to eat out and the staff really look after you.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:39 Meridian Drive Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, 4319, South Africa
  • Site:https://oldtown.co.za/the-restaurant/%23umhlanga
  • Phone:+27 31 566 5008
Categories
  • Deli
  • Italian restaurant
  • Italian grocery store
Working hours
  • Monday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Tuesday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Wednesday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Thursday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Friday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Saturday:7AMโ€“11PM
  • Sunday:7AMโ€“11PM
Service options
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Health and safety
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Temperature check required:Yes
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
  • Staff get temperature checks:Yes
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Offerings
  • Alcohol:Yes
  • Healthy options:Yes
  • Organic dishes:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cosy:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
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