Villa San Giovanni Reviews
Villa San Giovanni (Wonderboom, Pretoria)
Sandy
31-Aug-2010
Had the best pasta that I have had in a very, very long time - the Capelli di Preti alla Gorgonzola was fantastic - worth the long drive to get true Italian hospitality and food!
Villa San Giovanni (Wonderboom, Pretoria)
Andy Paps
11-Jun-2009
What a wonderful restaurant! The only place I've been to where the staff make you feel like family! I've been going to VSG for the past 3 years now and it has definitely become my restaurant of choice. Keep up the fantastic work guys!
Villa San Giovanni (Wonderboom, Pretoria)
WilliamvR
23-Apr-2009
Villa San Giovanni is a great place for a lovely meal - just make sure you book in advance as it can be very busy over weekends!
They prices are very good. I've been coming here for over a year now at least once every two months and have tried a variety of dishes. Their Pasta dishes are of high standard and recommended. They have a nice selection of wines.
I do believe that they can train their waiters better - there always seem to be some communication problem. They do however try and do their best so I’m not sure where the problem lies.
Value for money – if you stay in Pretoria and haven’t been here before you are losing out!
Villa San Giovanni (Wonderboom, Pretoria)
Italy Frank
11-Oct-2006
The Perfect Treat!
Villa San Giovanni - Ristorante - Review on www.dining-out.co.za
It will come as a very pleasant surprise to know that, whilst this restaurant is indeed located in Wonderboom Airport, it bears no resemblance to the huge, impersonal, and often chaotic establishments that the word “airport” brings to mind! Villa San Giovanni is like an oasis in the desert and has been owned and operated by the Maiorana family since 1981. This is quite an achievement when one considers the short life-span or multiple owners of many restaurants today. The spacious interior is certainly appealing with beautifully presented tables and handsome hand-crafted display cabinets showcasing cigars, whiskies, champagnes and glassware. Pride of place is reserved for the magnificently carved and decorated wine cabinet which is a unique feature of the restaurant and was meticulously designed by Christian Maiorana.
The family philosophy at Villa San Giovanni is “if you are going to do it, do it properly” and they have certainly lived up to this as the restaurant is renowned for hosting functions whether it be a wedding, birthday party or corporate affair. With two inter-leading rooms, the versatile interior can incorporate a dance floor and separate bar area depending on your requirements. There is also a piano player to entertain you 3 nights a week with a variety of popular compositions.
Villa San Giovanni is justifiably proud of its wine list, having won a Diners Club 2007 wine award. The impressive selection of local wines lists many award-winning favourites, some of which are available in magnums, along with the odd jeroboam and rheoboan, and an even a Goliath (27 liters!). The main focus of the imported wines is on Italian varieties, French champagnes, and an excellent selection of liqueurs which includes a wide range of Grappas. Whilst great care has gone into producing a first class wine list, even greater care is taken when it comes to serving wines at the correct temperature, which is something that Christian believes is essential, in order to achieve a perfect marriage between wine and food. The Whisky cabinet offers a selection of premium brands and connoisseurs will be pleased to know that Whisky tastings are scheduled to commence on a regular basis.
In addition to a substantial a la carte menu, there is also a specials board that changes weekly according to what’s in season, and often features new dishes that Giovanni has conjured up in the kitchen.
All the pastas are home made (whether you choose the lasagna, ravioli, or gnocchi) and so too is the tomato base used for both the pastas dishes and the pizzas. A herb garden supplies a bouquet of fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary parsley and mint which are used extensively in many of the dishes featured on the menu. Italian gelato and ice creams are also made on the premises, together with the crème patisserie used in all the cakes and pastries.
Starter recommendations are the pan-fried snails with onions, garlic and tomato salsa, and the Springbok Carpaccio. There is an abundant choice of pasta dishes including the Cannelloni (which is available in both beef Bolognese and ricotta & spinach options), and the Spaghetti Carbonara with mushrooms, onions, bacon and egg. Steak lovers will relish both the delicately flavoured Fillet Alla Gorgonzonla, and the Fillet Della Casa with its creamy peppercorn, mushroom and white wine combination.
Villa San Giovanni Terrace and Pizzeria - Review on www.dining-out.co.za
Whilst the Pizzeria & Terrace is adjacent to the upmarket Villa San Giovanni Ristorante, here the emphasis is more on casual dining where shorts and t-shirts are standard attire and family fun is high on the priorities. The Pizzeria & Terrace provides a refreshing change from the run of the mill restaurant chains, as it offers an enormous outdoor jungle gym in a secure setting. Whilst the kids let off steam and have loads of fun, the parents can enjoy really good food in a hassle free environment. Children’s parties are a breeze at the Pizzeria & Terrace thanks to the creative skills of the “Giggles & Glamour” company and its association with the San Giovanni group.
In contrast to the traditional ambience of the Ristorante, the Pizzeria is very modern both in looks and concept. Not only does it have 5 plasma screens for simultaneous viewing of different tv channels, but the kitchen boasts the first ever rotating pizza oven in South Africa! A focal point of the restaurant interior is the impressive granite topped bar with accent lighting, whilst stone cladding provides a perfect contrast both in colour and texture. Large floor to ceiling windows overlook the greenery of the terrace as well as an exciting collection of small aircraft parked directly opposite on the airfield. The location of the Pizzeria is certainly unique, as where else could you enjoy delicious food surrounded by a fleet of magnificent flying machines?
It’s no wonder that breakfasts are enormously popular, particularly on a Sunday, when groups like Harley Davidson and well known car clubs ensure that the Pizzeria is definitely on their route. Besides hearty breakfasts, the menu features an assortment of light meal options ranging including sandwiches, tramezzinis, salads and burgers. The selection of pizzas includes all the well known favourites (as well as “make your own” combinations) and thanks to the ‘state of the art’ pizza oven, all the pizzas are perfectly crisp all over with no chance of burnt edges on one side! For more substantial meals, the menu has much to choose from by way of fish, meat and pasta options.
The new Jet Lounge is nearing completion and will feature leather chairs, marble topped tables and granite counters, as well as offer exceptional elevated views across the airfield. The Jet Lounge will host both Whisky and wine tastings, and private functions with meze platters and cocktail snacks available to suit your requirements.
Villa San Giovanni - Review on www.eatout.co.za
If you’re craving food like mama used to make, then head down to VSG where you’ll fi nd delicious food and true Italian hospitality. The interior has an old-fashioned feel, with peach-coloured walls and fresh roses in matching colours on each neatly laid table. During the day the terrace overlooking the runway is a popular spot for outside dining. Savour the yummy panzerotti – large pasta cushions generously fi lled with spinach and ricotta, topped with tomato salsa; or osso bucco, served with wholesome veggies. If you’re unsure what to choose, opt for one of the pizzas. Service is utterly charming and there’s a fi ne wine list. (MP)
Villa San Giovanni - Review on www.food24.com
Quite a surprise. Excellent Italian style food on well laid tables makes you think you're in an old colonial hotel. The hospitality of the owner manager and his staff is unsurpassed. If you feel for a less formal environment, they cater for that also. Live music over weekends makes it a perfect place to visit again and again.
Without a doubt the best pizzas in Gauteng and maybe even South Africa! This traditional Italian restaurant caters for both the casual and the smart. It has a wonderful laid-back outdoor patio overlooking the runway at the Wonderboom airport, a large indoor area with a big screen for watching the Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon, and a beautiful and intimate main section. The food is all Italian and the owner takes a very hands-on approach to both the cooking and the hospitality. My personal favourite is the pizza, followed by their fabulous lasagne and pastas (the Fettuccine Alfredo is amazing!). I have tried the chicken, red meat, and fish dishes as well, and they are all made with real Italian passion and you can taste it! This is by far my favourite restaurant and I make sure to go back at least once a month.
Best Pizza in the world. Made by italians in a real wood burning oven.
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