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Nonna’s Italian Kitchen Brings Sardinian Heart to Sandton

Published

2 months ago

July 8, 2025

Chiraag

Nonna’s Italian Kitchen Sandton exterior, Nelson Mandela Square Italian restaurant, Napoli pizza and Arrabbiata pasta, Melanzane alla Parmigiana starter, farm to table Italian, modern Italian dining Sandton, Joburg ETC

Home-style Italian flavours land in Nelson Mandela Square with a modern, farm-fresh twist

When chef Maria, known affectionately as Nonna Mia, arrived in South Africa from Sardinia in 2005, she carried not only cherished recipes but also a familiar, comforting spirit. Fast-forward to 2025, and her legacy has found a stylish new home in Sandton.

Situated at Shop U108 in Nelson Mandela Square, Nonna’s Italian Kitchen now offers diners a taste of rustic Italy surrounded by the buzz of Sandton’s iconic precinct.

Also read: Inside Kings Kraal: Where Fine Dining Meets South African Soul in Johannesburg

From Sardinian kitchen to Sandton’s stylish square

Nonna Mia first shared her cooking in Senderwood, where rustic pastas and wood-fired pizzas earned her a cult following. That kitchen was all about simplicity, warmth, and authenticity. In 2024 she expanded into KZN, opening her second branch on Durban’s Florida Road. Now, she’s landed in Sandton’s high-end shopping destination, blending tradition with contemporary flair.

Farm‑to‑table feels in the heart of the city

Nonna’s menu remains rooted in seasonal, quality ingredients. Expect classics like Napoli pizza (Mozzarella, Pomodoro, Basil) and Arrabbiata pasta, alongside baked dishes such as Bolognese Al Forno and Beef Meatballs Al Forno. Fresh starters like Melanzane alla Parmigiana and Zucchini Fritti begin the journey. Desserts include light Tiramisu and Nutella Puffs.

The concept is modern, but the soul is timeless, designed to taste just like Nonna’s cooking back home.

Sandton Italian food bar opening, Nonna Mia heritage cooking, baked pasta dishes at Nonna’s, Zucchini Fritti starter, cozy Italian dining atmosphere, Uber Eats delivery popular picks, Joburg ETC

Image 1: nonnasitaliankitchen.co.za

Community and culture on the menu

Locals have embraced Nonna’s with enthusiasm. It’s now a regular family dinner spot, a relaxed business lunch venue, and a favourite for date nights. Ordering via Uber Eats maintains the same farm-fresh appeal at home, with hits like Chicken Alfredo and Imola vegetarian pizza among the top picks.

Part of the appeal lies in the atmosphere: casual Italian warmth meets Sandton sophistication. That’s why Nonna’s doesn’t feel out of place; it feels like it belongs.

A fresh perspective on Italian in Jozi

There are plenty of Italian options in Johannesburg, but Nonna’s stands out through its roots and authenticity. Under Nonna Mia’s watchful eye, every plate carries her story of heritage, home, and heartfelt flavour.

This is the kind of place where the food never feels trendy or overthought. It’s simply honest, comforting, and delicious, just like you’d hope Italian cooking would be.

Whether you’re tucking into pasta al forno with friends or grabbing a Neapolitan slice and spritz al fresco, you’re not just eating; you’re part of a family tradition.