il Giardino Degli Ulivi is an Italian restaurant situated amongst the olive trees in one of the courtyards at the vibrant 44 Stanley precinct (you can read more about 44 Stanley here). I don’t think it is possible to pop in here just for a quick bite - no, this is one which just begs for the spend of a long lazy afternoon. It is just that kind of restaurant. Even in winter, they light fires in braziers to make it perfectly cosy and impossible for you to hurry your meal.
What I also notice every time we go is how family friendly it is. Kids play in between the tables and under the olive trees, try their hands at pentanque and my little one loves the swirling fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Add to that the live music on Sunday (played by writer Rian Malan and his gypsy-jazz band, Ensemble Borsalino) and the place just oozes atmosphere. On Friday nights their band plays fabulous Roots, Bluegrass and honky tonk music – perfect music for those after-work-sundowners under the fairy lights.
The Italian menu includes fantastic starters such as bruschettas, cheese platters and also, a collection of great salads. The pizzas with their paper-thin crusts are made in a wood fire oven and all pastas are home-made.
There are only a few restaurants, I think, where location, menu and atmosphere all equally add to the experience. This is one of them.
44 Stanley Avenue
Johannesburg
Phone – 011 – 482 4978
Visit their website or Facebook page.
Image credits: All photography by me
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