Restaurant review – Gianni’s

It wasn’t the most pleasant weather over the weekend but I braved the rain to enjoy a lunch at Gianni’s, which, is celebrating its first birthday in November.
The restaurant is located at the bottom of Ballito over looking the Ballito tidal pool and Salmon Bay.
I really love this venue. It has such a great atmosphere and the menu is not overwhelming and has a good balance of all your Italian and seaside favourites. The porcini and Parma ham pasta was really calling my name but I opted for something a little lighter and had the restaurants namesake pizza, ‘The Gianni,’ consisting of prawns, calamari, mussels and olives. The pizza is definitely above average with a nice light tomato base that didn’t overpower the topping and the base was very good.
My wife had the main course beef Carpaccio that was a very well executed dish with wafer thin slices of fillet topped with rocket and Parmesan shavings, finished off with a balsamic reduction. My only major criticism was the balsamic reduction which was a bit too sweet, but besides that I would most definitely order it again. We also had the snails as a starter which were also very nice with a good gratin* on the cheese which really brings out the nuttiness of the Gorgonzola.
With the amazing sea view, ample parking and big plans ahead for this establishment, it worth a visit, be it for the R20 breakfast, lunch special or romantic dinner.
P.S for all the budding chefs out there don’t forget about the Super Chef competition happening this weekend at The Quarter on Saturday and Sunday. It’s going to be a fun day out.
I can’t wait.