About Gemelli
Gemelli was founded on the concept of great, wholesome, Italian food ideal for the entire family. Founder, Alessandro Mosupi Khojane, grew up in Rome, Italy, surrounded by a large family who enjoyed entertaining friends, which sparked his own love for people and food. With over 10 years in the industry, Alessandro has developed a passion for seeing truly happy customers enjoying their food experience.
The Gemelli Feel
Gemelli is inspired by the style of a New York loft. While the interiors exude contemporary elegance with a mix of wood, leather and concrete complete with a rich-hued palette of bronze and copper tones, the restaurant's décor pièce de résistance is a mural created by LA-based street artists, Cyrcle, conjuring the might of ancient Rome, adorning the wall of the marble bar that runs the length of the restaurant. There is a vibrant atmosphere and a truly cosmopolitan crowd.
While being modern and trendy, the Gemelli team strives to make all patrons feel like their restaurant is a home away from home. They live and breathe their ethos – La Familia Prima (where family is always first).
Explore Their Tantalising Menu
Gemelli’s contemporary Italian food menu explores innovative, contemporary ways of paying homage to Italian timeless flavours and combinations, with a memorable touch of Gemelli personality. Modern, innovative cooking styles and techniques, coupled with inspired yet classically definitive flavour pairings translate into multiple courses intended to be light at heart in concept, yet entirely poignant and sincere in their delivery.
Gemelli, whilst simple in its approach, aims to always deliver high on food expectation. Each plate is a play of flavour, colour and detail, full of fresh, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients.
There's a classic pasta selection that'll ensure traditionalists feel at home – puttanesca, aglio olio and other innovative dishes such as Penne Alessandro, an artful combination of prawn tails, smoked chicken and prosecco-mustard cream.
You’ll find a hearty selection of meat dishes, plus prawns and sea bass for mains served with Gemelli’s rich signature flair.
Be sure to try their delicious selection of starters before tucking into a main, with a variety of options from pork belly springrolls to their well-known Gemelli Calamari starter.
To end your Gemelli experience on a high note, their Gemelli Signature Almond Nougat Cheesecake is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Craving something incredible for breakfast? Try their signature flapjack stack or the breakfast quarter pounder!
They're Open For Takeaways!
Gemelli is open for takeaways in proud partnership with Avis, and will also be open for orders for collection from Monday, 01 June 2020.
You can either call the restaurant directly to place your order on 010 591 4333 or WhatsApp your order to 060 670 1364.
Trading hours and days are as follows:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00
Please note: trading hours and days are subject to change as the lockdown regulations alter.
Also, more exciting news! Pantry (also owned by Alessandro and downstairs from Gemelli) is now open with their all-day breakfast menu, also available for takeaways from Gemelli.
For More Information
For more information about Gemelli, visit their website at www.gemellirestaurant.co.za.
Follow Gemelli on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to view updates to their takeaway menu and trading hours as we progress through the different levels of lockdown.
You can also contact them on 010 591 4333.
Dolci Café Is A Family Affair
Dolci Café – one of Johannesburg’s destination restaurants when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine – has an impressive pedigree. It’s owned and run by Chef Jackie Righi-Boyd and her husband, actor Clayton Boyd (Generations: The Legacy is just one of his impressive credits) as well as their partner Zoran Mijailovic. Righi-Boyd comes from a dynasty of restaurateurs and her mother – super-nonna-chef Luciana Righi of Assaggi, Tre Nonni and Amarcord fame – is part of the team in this friendly neighbourhood eatery.
Although the restaurant business is in her blood, Chef Jackie was originally not interested in a career in food. It was only in her final year of university, studying industrial and organisational psychology, that she started a pastry course and fell in love with patisserie. After working in the corporate world for four years, she ended up as an apprentice to a pastry chef in Italy.
“Dolci Café is truly a family affair and I love it," Chef Jackie tells me over a bold and well-bodied double shot espresso. "It’s hard work but I wouldn’t want to do anything else. People sitting in your shop, having an amazing experience and coming back with their friends and family and telling you how much they love your restaurant makes it all worthwhile. I especially love making birthday cakes for the same people each year and being a part of their lives and special occasions.”
From Pasticceria To Trattoria
Dolci Café originally opened in 2015 as a small Italian pasticceria (pastry café ) but has evolved into one of the Joburg's favourite trattorias (a laid-back Italian eatery), tripling in size along the way. On the menu are many of the signature dishes found on Luciana’s past menus, including zucchini chips, Lasagne Brie (a twist on the classic made with melt-in-your-mouth, thin, home-made pasta, oozing Brie and asparagus), fluffy gnocchi, as well as a selection of delicious veal dishes.
There’s also Tagliata di Manzo (sliced beef fillet with slow-cooked Italian tomatoes and potato wedges), Tagliatelle Ragù (home-made flat pasta with the traditional Bolognese sauce) and the Cotoletta di Pollo (chicken schnitzel served with freshly sliced tomato, boiled baby potatoes in butter and parsley and a home-made cheese sauce).
Italian Kisses
Desserts are a highlight and include Italian pasticcini, tiramisu and the sublime Dolce Della Nonna, Jackie’s grandmother’s and Luciana’s mother’s famous dessert comprised of layers of zabaglione, cream, Amaretti biscuits, pecan nuts and dark chocolate. Over and above the comprehensive restaurant menu, Dolci Café also offers fabulous pastries and desserts including cannoli (cream horns), lemon meringue and bignè (eclairs). A delicious high tea can be booked in advance.
Although Dolci Café's focus is Italian, there are some other items on the menu including hamburgers, and tapas such as jalapeño poppers and falafel.
Dolci Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sundays. It is fully licensed and offers a range of top South African and international wines. The address is Shop 6, Lancaster Village, 28 Clarence Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg. Telephone: 010 900 2274.
Social media:
· Facebook: /DolciCafeSA
· Twitter: @Dolci_SA
· Instagram: dolci_sa
· Web: dolci.co.za
Dolci Café Is A Family Affair
Dolci Café – one of Johannesburg’s destination restaurants when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine – has an impressive pedigree. It’s owned and run by Chef Jackie Righi-Boyd and her husband, actor Clayton Boyd (Generations: The Legacy is just one of his impressive credits) as well as their partner Zoran Mijailovic. Righi-Boyd comes from a dynasty of restaurateurs and her mother – super-nonna-chef Luciana Righi of Assaggi, Tre Nonni and Amarcord fame – is part of the team in this friendly neighbourhood eatery.
Although the restaurant business is in her blood, Chef Jackie was originally not interested in a career in food. It was only in her final year of university, studying industrial and organisational psychology, that she started a pastry course and fell in love with patisserie. After working in the corporate world for four years, she ended up as an apprentice to a pastry chef in Italy.
“Dolci Café is truly a family affair and I love it," Chef Jackie tells me over a bold and well-bodied double shot espresso. "It’s hard work but I wouldn’t want to do anything else. People sitting in your shop, having an amazing experience and coming back with their friends and family and telling you how much they love your restaurant makes it all worthwhile. I especially love making birthday cakes for the same people each year and being a part of their lives and special occasions.”
From Pasticceria To Trattoria
Dolci Café originally opened in 2015 as a small Italian pasticceria (pastry café ) but has evolved into one of the Joburg's favourite trattorias (a laid-back Italian eatery), tripling in size along the way. On the menu are many of the signature dishes found on Luciana’s past menus, including zucchini chips, Lasagne Brie (a twist on the classic made with melt-in-your-mouth, thin, home-made pasta, oozing Brie and asparagus), fluffy gnocchi, as well as a selection of delicious veal dishes.
There’s also Tagliata di Manzo (sliced beef fillet with slow-cooked Italian tomatoes and potato wedges), Tagliatelle Ragù (home-made flat pasta with the traditional Bolognese sauce) and the Cotoletta di Pollo (chicken schnitzel served with freshly sliced tomato, boiled baby potatoes in butter and parsley and a home-made cheese sauce).
Italian Kisses
Desserts are a highlight and include Italian pasticcini, tiramisu and the sublime Dolce Della Nonna, Jackie’s grandmother’s and Luciana’s mother’s famous dessert comprised of layers of zabaglione, cream, Amaretti biscuits, pecan nuts and dark chocolate. Over and above the comprehensive restaurant menu, Dolci Café also offers fabulous pastries and desserts including cannoli (cream horns), lemon meringue and bignè (eclairs). A delicious high tea can be booked in advance.
Although Dolci Café's focus is Italian, there are some other items on the menu including hamburgers, and tapas such as jalapeño poppers and falafel.
Dolci Café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sundays. It is fully licensed and offers a range of top South African and international wines. The address is Shop 6, Lancaster Village, 28 Clarence Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg. Telephone: 010 900 2274.
Social media:
· Facebook: /DolciCafeSA
· Twitter: @Dolci_SA
· Instagram: dolci_sa
· Web: dolci.co.za
Jamie's Italian
For authentic, fresh, seasonal and carefully sourced ingredients that make phenomenal Italian dishes, Jamie's Italian is the place to go. Offering everything we love about Italian cuisine – from pasta and pizza to scrumptious salads, this is our top pick restaurant for rustic meals that are sure to satisfy anyone.
Address: Jamie’s Italian Melrose Arch, Shop 00513, Building 13, High Street, Melrose Arch.
Our top pick: The silky spaghetti carbonara featuring sweet tender leeks, golden smoky pancetta, cracked black pepper and Parmesan. Yum!
La Trinita
If you’re a fan of authentic Italian food, there’s no better place to get it than at Ristorante La Trinita in Kyalami. Run by a mother and daughter team, it really is a gem of a restaurant. If ever you go back more than once, both these women will recognise you immediately and Lala, the daughter, will be able to remember exactly what you ate when you first paid them a visit (even if you go back 100 times after that).
Address: Shop G1A, Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, Kyalami Boulevard and Main Road, Kyalami, Midrand.
Our top pick: The lasagne – it’s seven layers of pure pasta heaven.
Nonna Mia’s Kitchen
Nonna Mia’s Kitchen is known for their delicious pizza, so when you pay them a visit, this is your best bet. They come in various sizes – six, eight or 24 pieces – which will satisfy your craving for something warm and cheesy from the first bite.
Address: Corner Grant Avenue and Henrietta Road, Norwood, Johannesburg.
Corner of 1st Avenue & 12th Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg.
Kingsway Student Centre, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Melville, Johannesburg.
Our top pick: The Bari, which is a pizza topped with ricotta, spinach and olives.
Pronto
Situated in the Colony centre, Pronto is a wonderful Italian restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is fantastic, so it’s definitely recommended that you go all out and order a starter, main and dessert – just be sure to arrive hungry, so that you've got room for everything!
Address: The Colony Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg.
Our top pick: The penne chorizo, which is chunks of smoked Spanish chorizo cooked with garlic, chilli, basil, Spanish paprika and cream.
Super Sconto
Super Sconto is a family-run restaurant and supermarket where you can pick up all kinds of goodies. The upstairs deli section is where you can find what’s arguably the best sandwich in town: pick a freshly baked panini (small or large) and choose your toppings from the deli counter. Super Sconto also has daily pasta specials, so be on the lookout for those. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, so just keep this in mind the next time you’re thinking of heading over.
Address: 169 to 171 Louis Botha Avenue, Corner Fifth Street, Orange Grove, Johannesburg.
Our pick: You can't go wrong with a classic panini with pesto, robiola, mortadella, artichokes and sundried tomatoes.
Café Del Sol
Café Del Sol is a well-known family-run Italian establishment that only produces top-notch food – they don’t have a stellar reputation for nothing, you know. It’s safe to say that, no matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. This goes for both branches – Café Del Sol and Café Del Sol Botanico. P.S. Both restaurants are winners when it comes to celebrating special occasions.
Address: Olivedale Corner Shopping Centre, Corner Olive and President Fouche Roads, Olivedale, Johannesburg (Café del Sol).
Bryanston Shopping Centre, Corner William Nicol and Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg (Café Del Sol Botanico).
Our pick: The black sesame-crusted salmon, served with avo mash, Campari and fresh grapefruit salsa with a vanilla and sweet chilli sauce.
Trattoria Renato Pizzeria
Trattoria Renato Pizzeria is a homely restaurant as authentically Italian as they come – it almost feels like you're in the middle of Italy. When deciding on what to devour, always start with their basic salad – it’s super-simple yet a must-have to whet your appetite. Next, check out the specials board for something different that might just catch your eye, and it'll be well worth it!
Address: 39 Greenhill Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
Our pick: Plain and simple – go for the butter and sage gnocchi.
Gemelli Cucina
Gemelli Cucina Bar is a popular spot in Bryanston where you can treat your taste buds to everything from pasta and meaty dishes to prawns, chicken and so much more. What’s great is that, when it comes to pasta, if you want to share with your table, you can order family-sized bowls. A little bit of everything sounds pretty great to us!
Address: 13 Posthouse Link Centre, Corner Main and Posthouse Street, Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Our top pick: The 'Honeymoon' seafood linguine, which is linguine, prawns, mussels, squid, vodka, roasted onion and garlic, rosa tomatoes and parsley cream.
Casalinga
Situated in the stunning Muldersdrift area, Casalinga, a fabulous Italian eatery, is perfect to visit for a long, leisurely Sunday lunch spent admiring the country scenery. Why not take the whole family along and make a day of it?
Address: Rocky Ridge Road, Off Beyers Naudé Drive, Muldersdrift.
Our top pick: Ravioli All’Impasticciata – homemade pasta parcels filled with beef, and served with a fresh tomato, cream and chilli sauce.
Luca’s
Luca’s does real Italian, and it does it well. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta or even a main meat dish, you’ll find what you're craving for at this place. Whatever you decide to order, just be sure to leave some space for dessert – let's just say that the tiramisu comes highly recommended.
Address: 3 Achter Road, Corner of Witkoppen Road and Rivonia Road, Sunninghill, Johannesburg.
Our top pick: Their gourmet pizza called the Salmonata (wheat, gluten-free or whole wheat options are available) topped with oak-smoked Norwegian salmon trout, dollops of mascarpone, capers and caviar.
By Nikki Samakosky
Know of other great Italian restaurants not mentioned above? Let us know below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.