If you’ve lived in Cape Town for more than a week, you know that the “Great Pizza Debate” is a high-stakes sport. Every local has a hill they are willing to die on. For some, it’s all about the blistered, leopard-spotted crust of a Neapolitan pie in the City Bowl. For others, it’s the thin-and-crispy “suburban style” that defined their childhood. But if you want to find the true soul of the city’s pizza culture, you have to head south.
The Southern Suburbs aren’t just for school runs and leafy avenues; they are the undisputed capital of the “neighborhood” pizzeria. The scene is more competitive than ever. We’ve seen legendary founders retire, new wine-focused dens pop up in Little Mowbray, and the eternal rivalry between Kenilworth’s heavyweights reach a fever pitch.
Whether you’re carb-loading before a hike in Newlands Forest or looking for a post-cricket feast near the stadium, here is your definitive guide to the best pizza spots in the Southern Suburbs right now.
1. The Kenilworth Rivalry: Borruso’s vs. Bardelli’s
In the heart of Kenilworth, two institutions sit practically within breadstick-throwing distance of each other. Deciding between them is like choosing a favorite child—impossible, yet everyone has a secret preference.
Borruso’s Pizza & Pasta
Tucked away in a charming, slightly cramped spot on Mains Avenue, Borruso’s is the definition of a “suburban gem.” It still feels like a secret club for locals. The lighting is low, the service is bustling, and the smell of wood smoke hits you the moment you turn the corner.
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The Style: Super-thin, crispy bases with generous, high-quality toppings.
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The “Must-Order”: The Da Luca. It’s a masterclass in balance with bacon, feta, and avocado (the holy trinity of Cape Town pizza), but it’s the quality of their tomato base that really carries it.
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The Vibe: They still don’t take bookings for small tables, so show up early or prepare to have a glass of wine on the sidewalk while you wait. It’s part of the ritual.
Bardelli’s Kenilworth
Located in a beautiful old house built in the late 1800s, Bardelli’s offers a completely different energy. It’s a maze of cozy rooms and a leafy courtyard that feels more like a Sunday lunch at an Italian nonna’s house than a commercial restaurant.
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The Style: Slightly more traditional, often featuring heartier toppings and a crust that has a bit more “chew” than its neighbor.
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The “Must-Order”: The Olympia. It’s topped with spinach, bacon, feta, and olives. It sounds simple, but when it comes out of that wood-fired oven in a 130-year-old building, it tastes like history.
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Key Takeaway: Go to Borruso’s for a high-energy date night or a quick, elite-tier takeaway. Go to Bardelli’s when you want to linger over three bottles of red with old friends in a courtyard.
2. Newlands: Posticino and the Stadium Spirit
Newlands is the green lung of the South, and after a morning spent wandering through the Arderne Gardens, nothing hits quite like a wood-fired slice.
Posticino Italian Restaurant
While the Sea Point original is more famous among tourists, the Newlands branch of Posticino is where the locals congregate. It captures that elusive “casual Italian” vibe where you feel equally comfortable in a suit or in your gym gear.
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The Vibe: It’s loud, friendly, and unapologetically old-school. With the cricket season in full swing at the nearby Newlands Stadium, this place is the unofficial after-party spot.
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The Order: The Posticino Pizza. Mushrooms, olives, ham, and artichokes. It’s the “Quattro Stagioni” of your dreams.
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Key Takeaway: Posticino is about consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting every single time, which is why families have been coming here for generations.
Basilico
Just down the road, Basilico offers a slightly more “refined” suburban experience. It’s bright, airy, and features a great outdoor seating area that’s perfect for those balmy February evenings.
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The Difference: Their menu is a bit more diverse, but the pizza remains the star. They offer a great range of “white pizzas” (no tomato base) for those looking to switch things up.
3. The New Wave: Novo Pizza in Little Mowbray
If you think the Southern Suburbs are only about “old-school” spots, Novo Pizza + Wine is here to prove you wrong. Located in the increasingly trendy pocket of Little Mowbray, Novo is part of a new generation of pizzerias focusing on craft techniques and curated wine pairings.
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The Crust: This is closer to the Neapolitan style—puffy, light, and airy edges (the cornicione) with a thin center. They use high-hydration dough and long fermentation periods, which means you won’t feel like a lead balloon after eating a whole one.
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The Pairings: Unlike the “coke and a slice” spots, Novo encourages you to pair your pizza with a funky Swartland Chenin or a chilled light red.
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The Spot: It’s small and intimate. If you’re planning a walk through the Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary nearby, Novo is the perfect reward.
Key Takeaway: Novo is the choice for the “foodie” pizza lover. It’s where technique meets a modern, urban aesthetic.
4. The Hout Bay Icon: A Milestone at Massimo’s
I know, I know—Hout Bay is technically “over the hill,” but no Southern Suburbs pizza guide is complete without mentioning Massimo’s. A legendary spot.
The End of an Era (and a New Chapter)
AThe eponymous founder, Massimo Orione, has officially retired after 17 years of feeding the valley. But don’t panic—the restaurant has transitioned to new owners who were hand-picked to keep the flame (literally) alive.
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The Legacy: Massimo’s wasn’t just about food; it was about the “Pay It Forward” campaign and their massive support for local charities and animal shelters. The new team has committed to keeping these initiatives going.
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The Pizza: The Boscaiola (mushroom and truffle oil) remains a life-changing experience. They still use some of the best local ingredients, including fior di latte mozzarella that actually tastes like cream.
Key Takeaway: Even with the change in ownership, Massimo’s remains a pilgrimage site. It’s the “soul” of the peninsula’s pizza scene.
5. Practical Tips for the Southern Suburbs Pizza Hunter
Before you head out to reclaim your calories, keep these local insights in mind to make your life easier:
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The “Corkage” Factor: Many suburban spots like Borruso’s and The Hussar Grill (which also does a sneaky good pizza in some branches) have very friendly corkage policies. However many are moving toward “R50 per bottle” to keep up with rising costs. Always check the current rate before you bring your vintage cellar gems.
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Parking Logistics: Kenilworth Main Road and Newlands are notorious for “creative” parking. If you’re heading to Borruso’s, try parking in the residential side streets toward Harfield Village—just be sure to tip the local car guards, as they are a vital part of the neighborhood ecosystem.
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The Monday Blues: A lot of these independent spots used to close on Mondays. Most are now open 7 days a week to accommodate the “remote work” crowd who treat Monday night as the new Friday.
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Check the Wind: If the South Easter is pumping, avoid the outdoor seating at Basilico or Massimo’s. Your rocket garnish will end up in the next suburb.
The Verdict: Which Slice is Yours?
The “Best” pizza is subjective, but in the Southern Suburbs, you can categorize your craving:
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For a cozy, historic date: Bardelli’s.
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For the thinnest, crispiest base in the city: Borruso’s.
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For a post-hike family feast: Posticino.
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For a modern, wine-forward experience: Novo.
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For pizza with a conscience: Massimo’s.
The Southern Suburbs aren’t trying to be “trendy” or “industrial-chic.” They offer something better: a sense of belonging. These are restaurants where the waiters remember your name, the dough is made by hand every morning, and the “vibe” is built on decades of shared meals and spilled wine.
In a world of fast-food chains and frozen bases, these seven spots are keeping the art of the wood-fired oven alive. So, grab a map, pick a suburb, and start your own crawl. Just don’t ask me to choose between Borruso’s and Bardelli’s—I’ve already got enough enemies.