Flavour Faves
Café 28: Where Sandton Finds Authentic Italian and Perfect Pizza
A calm escape in the heart of Sandton
In a city known for its rush and high-rise hustle, Café 28 offers a welcome change of pace. Tucked inside Inanda Greens Office Park, overlooking a nine-hole golf course and lush gardens, it has quietly become one of Sandton’s most loved dining spots since opening in 2016. Regulars say it is more than just a restaurant; it is an escape and home to what many call the best pizza in Johannesburg.
The Maestro behind the magic
The driving force of Café 28 is Andrea Giromini, affectionately known as “the Maestro.” Born in Piedmont, Italy, Andrea grew up around family meals that sparked a lifelong passion for food. He later trained on the Amalfi Coast, learning the fine art of Neapolitan pizza. By 2013, Johannesburg became his new home, and three years later, Café 28 settled into its current location at Inanda Greens.
Andrea insists on authenticity. Many ingredients are imported directly from Italy, while organic produce is grown in Café 28’s own garden. It is this blend of imported tradition and homegrown freshness that has won over Joburgers and turned the restaurant into a social media favourite.
A menu that speaks Italian
The menu is as comforting as it is impressive. Sharing boards (taglieri) arrive piled with prosciutto, burrata, and grana padano, perfect for lingering afternoons. Pasta dishes are crafted with care, from pappardelle alfredo with truffle to baked gnocchi with gorgonzola.
And then there is the pizza, wood-fired, thin-based, and loaded with flavour. Options range from spicy salami to creamy burrata and earthy truffle, earning Café 28 a reputation that few restaurants in Joburg can rival. For those with a sweet tooth, Nutella pizza and pistachio-filled bombolone are desserts that leave a lasting impression.
Vegetarian diners are well catered for, and a frozen range makes it possible to take Café 28 home.
Image 1: Facebook/Cafe’ 28-Inanda
A place for every occasion
Café 28 is more than a dining destination. With its scenic location and relaxed elegance, it doubles as a popular venue for birthdays, intimate weddings, and corporate gatherings. Whether it is a casual weekend lunch or a milestone celebration, the setting feels both refined and welcoming.
Why Joburgers return
At its core, Café 28 offers more than good food. It offers consistency, authenticity, and a sense of place. Andrea’s commitment to Italian tradition, combined with the serene Sandton setting, has created a restaurant that stands out in a city brimming with choice. For those who know it, Café 28 is not just a hidden gem; it is a ritual worth returning to.
Also read: Lupa Osteria: Authentic Italian Dining in South Africa
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Source: Cafe 28
Featured Image: Facebook/Cafe’ 28-Inanda
