I’d like to think that all of Cape Town has driven past Nonna Lina on the corner of Orange and Rheede Streets at least once … but not everyone may have stopped to enjoy a meal, which is a real pity since this Italian gem has been a local favourite for over 20 years (so, basically, a grandmomma in restaurant terms).
Back in my UCT student days, I walked down to Hiddingh Campus every morning to catch the Jammie Shuttle and I always had my eyes on Nonna Lina. How could I not? It’s perfectly situated at the intersection right in front of the entrance to Hiddingh, so it’s hard to miss. I’d also dined there back in the day, and while I can’t remember when exactly this was or what I had, I do remember being thoroughly impressed.
Why I never made it back is beyond me – trust me, it’s been on the list – so I was super excited to finally have the chance to visit more recently with a good friend to try everything that Nonna Lina has to offer.
Nonna Lina Restaurant & Menu
Nonna Lina isn’t a restaurant that aims to wow you with its ambiance. It’s comfortable, almost minimalistic in its approach, with open spaces, dark blue walls, white-and-blue table cloths, and a simple yet homely feel. Stand-out features include the giant pizza oven … and the smell of something delicious coming your way.
Left: Nonna Lina’s homely feel. Right: Delicious bruschetta to start makes browsing the extensive menu a dream.
The menu really does have it all, with multiple aperitivo, antipasti, salads, pastas, pizzas, meat and fish dishes, and, of course, desserts. If it’s choice you’re after, you can’t go wrong here.
Price-wise, you’re looking at an average of about R200 a meal, give or take, which is pretty decent considering not only the quality of the food but also the very generous portion sizes.
Nonna Lina Review
The I Love Foodies Experience
Nonna Lina knows that guests come hungry, and the complimentary bruschetta with tomato salsa was the perfect treat to settle in and browse the menu. Since it’s quite a lengthy menu, you’ll need it.
In true I Love Foodies style, we shared a few items to get a taste of what Nonna Lina is all about:
- Strawberry salad with fresh strawberries, creamy avocado, smoked salmon, tender asparagus, and buffalo-style mozzarella on a bed of baby leaves (R254)
- Milicia’s pasta with fresh tomatoes, white wine, and garlic, toosed with shrimp and a sweet basil petsto (R239)
- Nonna Lina pizza with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, chopped rosa tomatoes, rocket, and shaved pecorino (R188 for the small and R245 for the large)
- Tiramisu, crafted with love (R88)
- Ricotta cheesecake, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (R70)
If I were to describe the experience in one word or phrase, it would be that this is everything you could wish an Italian restaurant to be. Everything was cooked to perfection. Everything was fresh. Everything was delicious. There’s not a single dish that we tried where I’d have feedback or criticism.
Except, perhaps, that it’s so moreish that my heart is set on going back.
The main meals at Nonna Lina are all hearty and generously portioned.
Nonna Lina knows what it’s doing, and it’s evidently a Cape Town institution for a reason.
I will have to make a special note about the tiramisu, though. I had my first tiramisu as a teenager and absolutely fell in love with it. I’ve since gone through life trying tiramisu at every restaurant I go to, eternally trying to recreate that initial, mesmerising experience. But I’ve never even been able to come close.
Until this.
More than that, this tiramisu surpassed any and every tiramisu I’ve ever had before. It was exceptional.
Left: The ricotta cheesecake. Right: The best tiramisu of my life.
I’d go back just for this. Anything else is a bonus.
Visit Nonna Lina In Cape Town
Of course, I’d go back. And so should you. Nonna Lina is a lovely, homely restaurant that’s well worth a visit. And their tiramisu is worth writing home about.
You’ll find all the details below.
Nonna Lina Contact Details
Address: 64 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Website: www.nonnalina.com
Call: +27 21 424 4966
Email: info@nonnalina.com
Written by Benike Palfi
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Article Date: May 2026
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