Ritrovo Ristorante: The Beauty of Italian Food

Ritrovo was established in 1995 as Tshwane-Pretoria's pre-eminent authentic Italian restaurant.  We invite you to enjoy the award winning cuisine of Giovanni and Fortunato Mazzone, Paulo Santo and their team in the five star ambience of our four dining rooms.

Father and son team Giovanni and Fortunato Mazzone dreamed of opening Pretoria's first true Italian fine dining establishment. After many years of success with the remarkable Giovanni's Restaurants their dream was realised in March 1995 with the opening of Ritrovo. In 2007 Chef Paulo Santo also became a shareholder and partner at Ritrovo and ensured an injection of new blood and ideas so ensuring our continuing longevity without stagnation.

Over the last 15 years, Ritrovo has become the iconic destination of choice for captains of industry, senior diplomats and prominent politicians. However, being Italian, we place high value on family, and the Deli / Bistro section, with its less formal atmosphere, is a hit with families. Consistency and respect for all our clients ensures a strong local following and a loyal clientele of regulars. Ritrovo has garnered over 50 major food and critical awards in the last 15 years ensuring that it is without doubt South Africa's most recognised Italian food rendezvous.

The cuisine is authentic and the service is old-school at Ritrovo. What attracts all is the unpretentious and warm feeling one encounters whilst indulging in The Ritrovo Experience.

Ritrovo consists of four classic European style dining rooms. The main dining room holds 60 (non-smoking) and the second dining room holds 45. The buzzing Bistro-style dining room has a traditional Italian delicatessen counter and seats 50. Our award-winning wine cellar offers private dining for up to 25.

Our dining rooms are styled for comfort and relaxation, unaffected by trendy fashions, steel and chrome. Ritrovo is driven by the need for real food, classic service and absolute comfort. The finest views of Pretoria over the diplomatic belt of Waterkloof Ridge are the only distractions for the serious diner.

An additional bonus is our state-of-the-art kitchen store, High End Kitchens. It offers the finest kitchen equipment and accessories at reasonable prices with advice given by professional chefs and not commission hungry salesmen.