About Nonna Lina

A Family Story, a Timeless Kitchen

Nonna Lina was born from the desire to preserve and share an authentic memory: that of Italian cooking, rooted in the culture of the Italian family kitchen, respected ingredients, and recipes passed down naturally through generations. This is not about nostalgia, but continuity. Every dish tells a story rooted in tradition, interpreted with balance and care for the present.

Located in the Gardens district, next to the Labia Theatre and opposite the University of Cape Town, Nonna Lina is a place that welcomes without formality or pretence.

An Honest Italian Kitchen, Without Excess

Our culinary philosophy is clear: simplicity, identity, and respect.
The menu reflects Italy’s great regional traditions, with particular attention to home-style cooking — the kind that does not need explanation because it speaks directly to the palate.

No artificial constructions, no forced ideas. Just balanced dishes, recognisable flavours, and a constant focus on quality, starting with the ingredients. Every preparation is meant to be sincere, readable, and reassuring.

The Atmosphere: Feeling at Home, Away from Home

Walking into Nonna Lina means entering a warm, lived-in space, where elegance is never overstated, but comes naturally. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, suited just as easily to a romantic dinner, a lunch with friends, or a relaxed evening together.

This is not just a place to eat, but a place to feel at ease.
Hospitality is therefore an essential part of the experience, just as important as the food itself.

It is a place shaped by time, care, and the people who return.