What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Osteria Tarantino
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Authentic Italian family-owned restaurant. Fresh Italian dishes by Chef Enrico Tarantino. Bookings essential via phone, WhatsApp or SMS. No email bookings.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Neapolitan, Campania, Tuscan, Central-Italian, Southern-Italian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
BYOB
Free off-street parking
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking
Does this restaurant serve Ligurian food?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Opens in 11 min
Sunday
Closed
Monday
13:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
13:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
13:00 - 21:00
Thursday
13:00 - 21:00
Friday
13:00 - 21:00
Saturday
9:00 - 21:00
Contribute
4.7
(520)
Excellent
437
Good
50
Average
16
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Cardus-Hall
Cheddar35 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
What a great place to eat! Osteria Tarantino is run and owned by Enrico who is the most friendly and accommodating host you could wish for. Like many Osteria’s the menus is simple but exquisite.
From beautiful pasta dishes to sumptuous mains, the whole menu is to die for.
They also have a great selection of both world and local wines and all this is offered in the setting of a delightful family atmosphere.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dieter V
Leonberg24 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
By chance I was one of their first guests in 2016 and was warmly welcomed by Enrico and his family who own the restaurant. We regularly went back with friends, colleagues and family because it was so pleasant. There is nothing better than a friendly greeting, good food and great service to those that deserve it. The food is well presented, tastes great and is clearly sourced well. Now that we live in Germany and visit SA on the rare occasion, a visit to Enrico is definitely part of the itinerary.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisak12
342 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
Osteria Tarantino is absolutely brilliant -- a tiny hidden gem away from the tourist trail (only a brief cab ride away and well worth the 5 minutes it takes to get there), with food that is to die for. We have traveled extensively around the world and spend most of our time in the US and South Africa, with a good bit of time in Europe, including Italy. We came here two nights in a row we liked it so much. It's a small dining room with very few tables so must reserve in advance. We loved the unpretentious service, with many dishes arriving in the saute pans they were cooked in. I highly recommend the following dishes: tuscan cigars, burrata veg, artichokes with gorgonzola, Italian salad, 4Ps (pappardelle, pancetta, porcini, parmesan), gnocchi gorgonzola, veal meatballs, veal saltimbocca, ravioli in truffle cream sauce, tagliatelle bolognese. I only missed having a piece of bread to mop up the sauces with. If you have any room left, the frozen chocolate truffle is our top choice of the desserts although the tiramisu and the ferrero rocher ice cream are close second choices. Don't hesitate, just go!
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian N
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
We had the misfortune to have a meal on Thursday night the 11th of January 2024 at Osteria Tarantino in Waterkant street, Cape Town. The standard of the food was below average and the portion were small and the prices were sky high. The wine served was the worse I have ever drank and then you pay R360 for a bottle that is undrinkable. When it came to paying, no Invoice was given, just a written note of what was served and then to my dismay an extra bottle of wine was added to this bill. Our party of four all agreed that we would never again go back to this restaurant and would strongly suggest so to all members of the public.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hhk
Hilton Head9 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
Delicious dinner in a quaint little restaurant. Pastas, veal saltimbocca and salads were all fresh and prepared to order.
Plenty of reasonably priced wines by the glass or bottle.
Host and staff were welcoming and helpful.
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GillyMM13
Cape Town Central509 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
A delight, small and authentic Italian restaurant in the colourful BoKaap. Delicious home made pasta, a good wine list that includes an Italian style wine made with grapes from Sardinia, grown and produced locally. A good idea would be to have a few non alcoholic cocktails for the growing number of guests who do not drink alcohol . Make sure you book as the tables are limited and it is always full. The owner is a delightful Italian gentleman who steers you in the right direction with choice. This is a casual eatery perfect for family and friends.
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William Mb
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
The waiter who served us, along with Enrico, the owner, were phenomenally friendly.
The food was absolutely delicious, and reminded me a lot of my time travelling through rural Italy. It was extremely simple, but high in quality and abundant in taste.
I personally recommend the 4P ravioli with tomato-based sauce.
Enhancing the setting, the background classical music was delightful, giving a real sense of Italy in the restaurant. The presence, taste, and style of Italy were evident in everything
We visited on a Monday night and it was so good we had to come back for Lunch the next day before our flight out of Cape Town.
One of the best restaurants around - cannot recommend you visit here strongly enough! Go go go.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell
Maidenhead37 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Just returned from a great evening at the well hidden gem of a restaurant run with much love by Enrico.
True Italian fare of all the typical pasta combinations but not ever tasted so good or like this. We had Arancini, Beef Carpaccio and Vittelo tonato followed by carbonara and veal saltimbocca a bottle of red with cassata to complete the evening.
All wonderful and Mustafa is a star assist for Enrico. Thank you both fab evening. Don’t miss out …. Visit soon to enjoy.
Written 5 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda J
Atlanta65 contributions
May 2022 • none
Having just come off a week on safari, we were craving something different to eat that was not as meat centric. The food was incredible and Enrico (the owner) could not have been more graciuos. We had arancini and octopus salad as appetizers and both were very authentic and flavorful. The Pasta Bianco was wonderful as well. Make reservations well in advance (they squeezed us in because we were willing to eat early so try that if they are full).
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham H
Calgary19 contributions
May 2024 • friends
On our recent trip to Cape Town we were lucky to get in for two meals and both were spectacular home made tasting meals. The starters were so flavourful and the pastas cooked to perfection and the wine suggestions paired perfectly. Guaranteed to return on our next visit to Cape Town.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilstabb
Ondara37 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We were tired after a long haul flight and wanted an early meal. Whilst the restaurant was only just laying up and was fully booked the waiter said we could have a meal so long as we had finished before 6.00pm which suited us perfectly. He was very pleasant and helpful and interested in us and helped make our experience. We both had pasta which was very authentic and served in the pan it was cooked in. We had 2 beers each as it was quite hot still. The cost was 470r. As we were finishing the owner arrived and came over to ask if we had enjoyed our meal. We will return but definitely book. It was in a nice neighbourhood and we felt safe.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SWinter
Roanoke13 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
The pasta was as fresh as could be and hand made by the restaurant! Salads fresh and delicious. Some great wine was recommended and we ended up with two bottles!
Very reasonable pricing and great presentation. Ambiance was comforting with the fire place keeping us toasty on a cool night!
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pierre Strydom
Cape Town Central7 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Tarantino's is arguably the best authentic Italian pasta joint in town. The pappardelle (of course handmade) carbonara was perfect. Crisp pork cheek, not chewy and not swimming in cream. My wife had a tomato-based spinach ravioli which I tasted was as great. The highlight was the octopus and (2) prawns starter from the Chef's Table which was so tender and full of flavour. At R120 per portion, quite enough to be shared or eaten as a main.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meli Mel
15 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
My friends and I traveled from NY and went there after a long day of touring but was told that they were booked but our waiter Mustapha (spelling unsure) found a way to get us a table. The host and him had the most welcoming personality. They were able to suggest great appetizers and entrées based on our taste buds. Apart from the service, the food was so tasty. We cleaned our plates off and finished off with a bottle of Sauvignon blanc. This place is a 10/10 and I highly recommend to eat here. You may have to book ahead of time because this place is small and intimate.
Written 5 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel M
Hermanus137 contributions
Dec 2023 • friends
Incredible hidden and small restsutant - less than 30 covers - with beautiful food indicated on the menu on the wall and explained by the owner himself . Very tasty and generous portions in a grest atmosphere : everything was spot on . An incredible place not to be missed
Written 12 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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