When it comes to culinary delights, Cape Town is a city that never disappoints, and its pizza scene is no exception.
Join us as we explore the best places to indulge in pizza of all types – the thin and crispy ones, the pillowy and stretchy kind, those with traditional toppings and those that experiment with wild flavours.
Ciao Pizza
In the bustling heart of the city, Ciao Pizza stands out as a rare gem in Cape Town’s pizza scene, offering wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas that are completely Halaal. While traditional toppings like bacon and authentic salami are absent from the menu, this makes it a fantastic option for selective dietary preferences.
Diners can enjoy a variety of vegetarian choices, as well as unique toppings like brisket ‘macon’, peppadews, and feta. Although alcohol isn’t served, you’ll find a refreshing selection of mocktails and sparkling juices to complement your meal.
- Times: 9:30am – 10pm
- Location: 309 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
- Website: ciaopizza.co.za
- Contact: 067 057 3712
Nonna Lina
Since 2003, this charming Italian eatery has captured the hearts of locals with its fantastic pasta dishes, but the pizza is equally impressive. Nonna Lina offers generous toppings, ensuring you’ll likely have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Among the extensive menu, the Cape Seasons pizza stands out with its creative flair: it features a delightful four-part combination of mushrooms (autumn), pancetta and asparagus (winter), artichokes, broccoli, and olives (spring), and fior di latte mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes (summer). It’s the perfect spot for a delicious dinner before catching a film at the nearby Labia arthouse cinema.
- Times: Monday, 4:45pm – 10:15pm | Tuesday to Thursday, 12:30pm – 10:30pm | Friday to Sunday, 12pm – 10:30pm
- Location: 64 Orange St, Gardens
- Website: nonnalina.com
- Contact: 021 424 4966
Ferdinando’s
Named South Africa’s favourite pizzeria in 2022, this family-run establishment in the vibrant suburb of Observatory has quickly become a beloved spot. Ferdinando’s, the passion project of Italian chef Diego Milesi and his late partner Kiki Bisogno, radiates warmth and dedication in every wood-fired pizza.
If you’re unsure where to start with the extensive menu, try the signature Turbanite – an enticing vegetarian creation topped with grilled marrows, feta cheese, and caramelised onion jam.
- Times: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm – 9pm | Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
- Location: 205 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
- Website: ferdinandospizza.com
- Contact: 084 771 0485
Massimo’s
Many locals credit Massimo Orione with bringing Neapolitan-style pizza to Cape Town, and his casual, family-friendly pizzeria, Massimo’s, in the lush suburb of Hout Bay, continues to be one of the city’s top spots.
The pizzas are wood-fired, showcasing Massimo’s commitment to quality ingredients, featuring Parmesan imported from Italy, along with locally cured meats and cheeses sourced from Cape Town’s finest Italian cheese-maker, Puglia. Additionally, there are dedicated menus for both vegans and kids.
- Times: Monday to Thursday, 4pm – 9pm | Friday and Sunday, 12pm – 9pm
- Location: Oakhurst Farm Park, Hout Bay Main Rd, Hout Bay
- Website: massimos.co.za
- Contact: 021 790 5648
I Love The Dough
You won’t want to miss I Love The Dough, located at the lively end of Kloof Street within a vibrant food hall. This pizza spot, marked by its bright pink neon signs, attracts a fun, youthful crowd.
Perfect for fuelling up before a night out, you can enjoy your pizza alongside a few cocktails – be sure to try the ‘Love Jugs’! Their thin-crust pizzas are top-notch, offering an extensive selection of toppings. And, true to its name inspired by a Biggie song, you’ll find a DJ spinning tracks in one corner, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Times: Sunday to Thursday, 11am – 11pm | Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 12pm
- Location: 101 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
- Website: ilovethedough.co.za
- Contact: 072 145 9988
Aegir Project Taproom
Aegir is a family-friendly restaurant set in the sleepy suburb of Noordhoek with an excellent brewpub menu designed to complement its flavourful craft beers.
The menu isn’t extensive but bring your appetite because the dishes deliver on taste and substance! Next to their succulent burgers and loaded hotdogs, the kitchen dishes out amazing hand-stretched Neapolitan-style pizzas topped with flawless flavour combinations like white truffle oil, field mushrooms and chilli or tenderstem broccoli with cremezola and miso yaki glaze.
They also serve dipping sauces, basil mayo, chipotle aioli and Thai black pepper sauce made for dunking those leftover pizza crusts.
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 9am to 11pm
- Location: 65 Beach Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
- Website: aegirprojectbrewery.com
- Contact: 066 587 9324 | manager@aegirprojectbrewery.com
Ariel
Ariel is a modern Italian eatery on Sea Point’s Regent Road bubbling with cool character and even cooler hostesses.
Everything that comes out of the kitchen is legit, and the pizza is no exception. The dough is made with Doppio Zero flour, the tomatoes are San Marzano, and the mozzarella is none other than Fior di Latte.
And that’s just the base; the toppings pair simple but meant-for-each-other flavours like pepperoni and chilli, or mushrooms, black truffle and basil – it’s all drool-worthy.
- Location: 90 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 10pm
- Contact: info@nonamehg.com | 021 023 3643
- Bookings: dineplan.com
- Website: nonamehg.com/arielcapetown
Borruso’s
Borruso’s on Mains Avenue in Kenilworth has been a restaurant synonymous with great pizza in Cape Town since 1997. Ask any local where the best pizza in the city is to be found, and chances are Borruso’s will come up more than once.
On the menu you’ll find pizzas with winning topping combinations and great prices.
- Location: 2 Mains Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town, 7708
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 5pm – 10pm
- Contact: 021 761 5822
- Website: www.borrusos.pizza
Pizza Shed
This cosy Bree Street pizzeria is a must-visit for pizza lovers, serving up wood-fired favourites like the famous Hot Honey Pizza and other unexpected delights.
The 48-hour proved dough makes for an exceptional crust, while the wood-fired oven ensures a perfectly charred finish. With limited indoor seating but ample space outside, it’s the perfect spot for an alfresco pizza experience.
Friendly staff and a lively ambiance round out this 10-out-of-10 experience.
- Location: 231 Bree St, Cape Town
- Times: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9:30pm
- Contact: 071 342 5681
- Website: pizzashed.co.za
ALSO SEE: 5 Must-visit Italian restaurants in Cape Town
Written by Aiden Daries for Cape Etc.
Feature image: Pizza Shed/Facebook
