Nestled in amongst the bustle of Burnedale Farm in Umhlali, Caffè Giordano and Fratte provide a peaceful corner of Italy on South African soil.

You might know Caffè Giordano from its famous giant coffee cup exterior and excellent drinks, but neighbouring Italian Street Food Eatery, Fratte, has recently opened to scratch that Italian food itch.

Both are owned by Giordano “Jordi” Bellusci, who draws on his Italian heritage to provide delectable delights – some familiar and some that you may never have tried before.

Served out of Fratte’s converted shipping container home, there are all manner of foods to discover, from traditional pizza to the lesser known piadina.

Piadina is an unleavened folded flatbread, packed with delicious fillings like Parma ham, crumbed aubergine, roasted peppers and provolone, among others.

The dish is not widely known outside of Italy but is popular across the region of Romagna where it originated.

Those ties to the motherland run deep at both Fratte and Caffè Giordano, where authenticity and flavour are found in every bite.

The nearby village of Fratterosa is where Jordi’s father, Patrizio, comes from and also the namesake of his new Street Food Eatery.

If you are not in the mood for a piadina, then perhaps the homemade thin-crusted pizzas will take your fancy. There are a few great menu options, and you can also build your own slice of heaven.

Once the savoury craving has been satiated, make sure you try the sweet stracci – delicate lemon-scented dough strips fried in olive oil and topped with icing sugar.

Stracci are typically served at carnivals and will be the perfect end-of-night snack at this week’s Burnedale Night Market.

So too will Caffè Giordano’s extensive coffee selection. Alongside the traditional coffees, matcha and iced latte options, try the caffè alla Salentina for an authentic Italian summer experience.

The star of the show, however, is the fabulous frappe which will keep you coming back for more.

Find Caffè Giordano and Fratte at Burnedale Farm in Umhlali. Both are open from 7am-3pm on Tuesday to Sunday.

Follow Caffè Giordano on Facebook and Instagram for more or reach Jordi directly at 074 892 3563.

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