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Ottimo: The Joburg Pizzeria That’s Been Winning Hearts Since 1992
A Slice of Joburg History
Johannesburg’s dining scene is fast-paced. New restaurants open with fanfare, only to close their doors a few years later. Yet one neighbourhood favourite has managed to keep its ovens burning for more than three decades. Ottimo, established in 1992, has served over one million pizzas, a milestone that tells you everything about its loyal following.
For many Joburgers, Ottimo is more than a restaurant. It is the spot where families gather after school events, where friends share bottles of wine late into the night, and where generations keep coming back because the food feels like home. In a city that often reinvents itself, Ottimo is comfortingly consistent.
The Pizza That Put Ottimo on the Map
At the heart of Ottimo’s charm is its pizza. Each one is a generous 30 cm, made for sharing but often finished solo thanks to its irresistible flavours. The menu balances the classics with unique house creations.
There’s the humble Margherita, an Italian staple of tomato, cheese, and herbs that proves simple can still be spectacular. For something bolder, the Rocket Man brings together cheese, tomato, and herbs with a punch of fresh rocket. One of Ottimo’s classics, the Pizza Ottimo, has historically featured prawns, shrimp, and crab sticks, a favourite for seafood lovers. The Vespa, with its mix of salami, feta, mushrooms, and peppadews, is a firm favourite among regulars.
South African touches sneak in too. The seasonal Bacon and Avo pizza is a nod to local tastes, while the Hawaiian keeps pineapple fans happy. The menu encourages variety, with options to turn any pizza into a calzone or even order it gluten-free.
And if none of the combinations appeal, Ottimo invites diners to build their own masterpiece. With extras ranging from Parma ham and artichokes to spicy chourico and fresh prawns, the result is a pizza menu that feels both timeless and personal.
Image 1: Facebook/Ottimo pizza & pasta
Pasta, Salads and More
While pizza is the star, Ottimo’s pasta selection is equally beloved. Comforting bowls of penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or tagliolini arrive with sauces that lean into tradition. The puttanesca is rich with tomato, anchovies, olives, and capers, while the aglio olio keeps things simple with olive oil, garlic, and chilli. For groups, Ottimo offers trays serving up to six people, making it a strong choice for birthdays and celebrations.
The salad menu rounds out the offering, proving this is not just a pizza joint. Fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, green peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes form the base, while add-ons like mozzarella, olives, and tuna bring Italian flair. The Caprese and Greek salads are favourites, but the Nicoise, topped with tuna and boiled egg, is a standout for those looking for something heartier.
The Ottimo Way
What has kept Ottimo thriving since 1992 is its philosophy. This is not fast food. Dishes are made fresh to order, and the team is upfront about it. Meals take time, but that’s the point. Sitting down at Ottimo is about slowing down and enjoying a plate of food with company.
The restaurant insists that drinks are served with meals, reinforcing its role as a sit-down destination rather than a quick takeaway. Larger tables are welcomed, with platters designed for sharing, but service comes with structure and respect for the kitchen’s pace. For Joburgers used to the city’s rush, Ottimo offers an antidote: a place where food and time are valued equally.
A Community Staple
Over the years, Ottimo has built a reputation as a community hub, often chosen for family gatherings and celebrations. Reviews highlight the consistency of the food, the no-nonsense menu, and the feeling that Ottimo is as much about tradition as it is about taste.
It’s a rare thing for a restaurant to last this long in Joburg, and Ottimo’s longevity speaks to a recipe that goes beyond the food itself. It is about familiarity, trust, and a steady commitment to quality.
Why It Still Matters
In a city filled with gourmet experiments, Ottimo’s success is almost rebellious. It proves that you don’t need complicated concepts or flashy plating to stay relevant. What Joburg wants, sometimes, is a proper pizza, served hot, with no shortcuts. Ottimo delivers exactly that.
For newcomers, it’s an introduction to Joburg’s Italian dining scene. For regulars, it’s a second home. Either way, Ottimo is not just a place to eat; it’s a piece of Johannesburg’s dining history that continues to grow with every pizza pulled from its ovens.
Also read: Why Trabella Pizzeria in Parkview is Still a Neighbourhood Favourite
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Source: ottimo.co.za
Featured Image: Facebook/Ottimo pizza & pasta
