La Trattoria - Stanford

Authentic Italian Dining in South Africa's Favorite Village

La Trattoria brings a genuine slice of Italy to the heart of South Africa's favorite little village. This family-run restaurant on Queen Victoria Street offers a warm "famiglia" atmosphere where Papa Corrado and his son Lionello welcome guests with traditional Italian hospitality.

The restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cuisine made from recipes brought directly from Italy. All pasta and pizza are freshly handmade daily in the Giovannetti preparation kitchen using only the finest ingredients—nothing is frozen except their popular gelato.

Culinary Experience

The menu is a journey through Italian culinary history, with each dish telling a story of its origins and regional influences. Standout offerings include:

• Fresh handmade pasta - prepared daily using traditional methods
• Authentic Italian pizza - made with proper Italian dough techniques
• Homemade mozzarella - crafted by Lionello himself
• Don Gelato - their renowned gelato made with farm-fresh ingredients, available in over 150 flavors

For the full Italian experience, locals recommend ordering the traditional way—multiple courses followed by dessert, which isn't optional in true Italian dining culture.

Wine and Digestifs

La Trattoria boasts the largest collection of Italian wines in the Western Cape, with some vintages exclusive to the restaurant. Patrons are politely requested not to bring their own wine, as the carefully curated list features over 100 local and international labels. The meal experience concludes with artisan digestifs like Limoncello, Frangelico, Amaretto, and Grappa.

Atmosphere

The restaurant seats 40 guests for regular service and 50 for functions. Inside offers cozy, traditional Italian décor, while the garden provides a tranquil outdoor setting that transports diners to Tuscany. On warm evenings, the garden is particularly popular for sundowners.

Visitor Tips

• Booking is essential - particularly for weekend dinners
• Sunday dining option - one of the few restaurants in the area open on Sunday evenings
• Try Don Gelato - available both as dessert in the restaurant and from the roadside kiosk
• Ask for recommendations - the passionate owners are happy to suggest dishes and wine pairings

La Trattoria has become a cornerstone of the Stanford dining experience since opening in 2016, offering a unique taste of Italy in the heart of the Overberg. It's well worth the drive from Hermanus or other nearby towns for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine.