Address
64 Orange Street
8001 Cape Town
At Nonna Lina, our menu reflects a simple and honest approach to Italian cooking. Many of our pasta dishes are prepared using fresh egg pasta, made to order, and paired with traditional sauces that respect regional Italian recipes.
We focus on carefully selected ingredients, seasonal produce, and flavours that are balanced rather than excessive. Our menu evolves quietly over time, remaining rooted in Italian tradition while adapting to the rhythm of the kitchen and the availability of quality ingredients.
Menu
Honest Italian and Sardinian cooking, served with simplicity and care.
Aperitivo ·
Antipasti ·
Salads ·
Pasta ·
Pizza ·
Carne ·
Pesce ·
Dolci ·
Wines
Aperitivo
Little snacks or “aperitivi” ideal for a quick bite with a glass of wine.
Bruschetta Trio (V) — R62
Three bruschette with Mediterranean-inspired toppings, served on crisp toasted bread.
Tagliere — R113
A generous selection of our cured meats, served with oven-baked pane focaccia.
Calamaretti Solo — R99
Patagonian squid tubes grilled on the flat top for a delicate, smoky flavour.
Calamari Solo — R91
Calamari steak strips cooked in our signature Veneranda sauce.
Aubergine Parmigiana (V) — R75
Char-grilled aubergine in herb tomato sauce, finished with mozzarella and Parmigiano.
Antipasti
Bruschetta (V) — R20
Crisp toasted bread topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and a hint of garlic.
Calamari di Serramanna (starter) — R180
Pan-fried calamari strips tossed in our signature Veneranda sauce, served with aglio e olio pasta or a fresh side salad.
Calamaretti Grigliati (starter) — R231
Grilled Patagonian squid tubes finished with parsley and extra virgin olive oil, served with aglio e olio pasta or a side salad.
Celina’s Aubergine (V) — R138
Char-grilled aubergine layered in rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmigiano.
Zucchine Gratinate (V) — R141
Oven-baked baby marrows with béchamel, garlic, parsley and breadcrumbs, finished with Parmigiano.
Bresaolata — R211
Shaved air-cured beef dressed with lemon juice, rocket and Parmigiano cheese.
Prosciutto Crudo Platter — R227
Delicate slices of artisanal air-dried ham, served simply and traditionally.
Nonna Lina Misto — R321
A selection of prosciutto crudo, salame and coppa with Parmigiano, blue cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes and olives.
Salads
Side salads (V) — R88
A refreshing mix of baby leaves, ripe tomatoes, red onions, and crisp cucumber — a vibrant, light accompaniment to any dish.
Artichoke (Carciofi) (V) — R226
Since our opening, this has been our best-selling salad: marinated artichokes, Parmigiano, caramelised red onions, roasted pine nuts, baby leaves, and a bright chive vinaigrette.
Casa Italia (V+) — R187
Steamed broccoli, marinated artichokes, caramelised red onions, olives, and baby leaves, tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty chive vinaigrette.
Mediterranea (V) — R200
Crushed tuna with fragrant herbs and Italian cannellini beans, with olives, anchovies, and boiled egg, finished with a lively chive vinaigrette.
Pappadidda (V) — R124
A playful Caprese: hand-torn mozzarella fior di latte with ripe Roma tomatoes and oregano, finished with sweet basil oil.
Parmigiano e Noci (V) — R202
Sweet pear, Parmigiano, walnuts, rocket, and crispy fennel, tossed in a refreshing lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.
Pollo — R242
Grilled marinated chicken with avocado, Parmigiano, roasted pine nuts, and caramelised red onions over baby leaves, brought together with a bright chive vinaigrette.
Selvaggia — R242
Tender bresaola paired with sweet pears, fresh mint, and mozzarella fior di latte, served with a fragrant citrus vinaigrette.
Serramanna (V+) — R183
A traditional Sardinian salad of baby leaves, crisp celery, fennel, plum and rosa tomatoes, dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Strawberry Salad — R254
Fresh strawberries, avocado, smoked salmon, tender asparagus, and buffalo-style mozzarella on baby leaves, drizzled with a vibrant raspberry coulis.
Tricolore (V+) — R174
A lively pasta salad with avocado, peppadew, rosa tomatoes, spring onion, and herbs, tossed in a roasted tomato and chilli dressing.
Pasta
All sauces are freshly made. Some are prepared to order and may take a few extra minutes. Dishes marked (⏱) are quickly prepared and perfect for those in a hurry.
We prepare our gnocchi, culurgiones, ravioli, and tagliatelle by hand in our kitchen and use only professional-grade dry pasta imported from Italy to ensure an authentic taste in every dish.
Pasta Options
Spaghetti, Linguine or Penne ⏱ — No charge
Gluten free penne — R26
Egg tagliatelle — R26
Homemade gnocchi — R31
Pasta parcels — R52
Ravioli
Baby spinach and ricotta
Culurgiones
Potato, pecorino & ricotta
Traditional Sauces
Tomatello (V+) ⏱ — R125
Savour the essence of Sardinia with our classic tomato sauce made from sun-ripened tomatoes for a pure, comforting flavour.
Arrabbiata (V+) ⏱ — R132
A fiery variation of our tomatello sauce, a bold blend of chillies and ripe tomatoes that awakens the palate.
Creamy Tomato (V) ⏱ — R149
A smooth variation of our classic sugo al pomodoro, enriched with a touch of cream for a soft, luscious finish.
Pasta con piselli e prosciutto — R149
A creamy sauce with tender garden peas, sweet onions, and gypsy ham, comforting and full of nostalgia. Recommended with tagliatelle, gnocchi, or penne.
Pasta con broccoli, zucchine e ricotta (V) — R149
A garden celebration of fresh broccoli, zucchini, and spring onions blended with velvety ricotta for a light, creamy dish. Recommended with tagliatelle or linguine.
Pasta ai funghi (V) ⏱ — R157
A rich and creamy mushroom sauce infused with fragrant herbs that fills every bite with warmth and earthy flavour. Recommended with any long pasta or gnocchi.
Nonna Lina (V+) — R185
A house favourite with a blend of rosa and plum tomatoes, white wine, garlic, sweet basil and Italian parsley for a true taste of home. Recommended with long pasta.
Bolognese ⏱ — R198
Our traditional slow-cooked meat and tomato sauce that brings together richness, depth and timeless comfort.
Polpette ⏱ — R204
Nonna Lina’s signature meatballs served in a rich tomatello sauce that captures the essence of homemade Italian cooking. Recommended with long pasta.
Sugo alla crema di gamberi — R233
A creamy tomato sauce enriched with prawns and a hint of chilli that brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to your plate.
Pasta al salmone — R233
Smoked salmon in a delicate creamy sauce with fresh dill and juicy tomatoes.
Specialty Sauces
Served with Spaghetti, Linguine or Penne — No charge
Gluten free penne — R26
Homemade gnocchi — R31
Egg tagliatelle — R26
Pasta alla Campidanese ⏱ — R198
A Sardinian classic featuring a hearty ragù of pork sausage mince delicately flavoured with aniseed and herbs. Recommended with penne or gnocchi.
Milicia’s — R239
Fresh tomatoes, white wine, garlic, shrimp and sweet basil pesto capturing the essence of the Mediterranean.
Carbonara vegetariana (V) — R134
Tender aubergines, baby marrows and peppers enveloped in creamy beaten egg. Recommended with tagliatelle.
Zio Giuseppe — R189
Tomato-based sauce with gorgonzola, sweet peas and tender calamari tentacles. Recommended with penne or gnocchi.
Estate Fresca (V) — R180
“Fire & Ice”: hot pasta with a cold salsa of fresh tomatoes, rocket, garlic and herbs, topped with buffalo-style mozzarella. Recommended with long pasta.
Pasta al Tonno e Salvia — R195
Cold salsa of olive oil, tuna, sage, lemon and herbs with buffalo-style mozzarella. Recommended with long pasta.
Pasta alla Carlofortina — R195
Pesto alla genovese, garlic, rosa tomatoes and tuna in a traditional Sardinian speciality from Carloforte.
Spaghetti Pancetta e Asparagi — R207
Guanciale, asparagus, Parmigiano and beaten egg for a rich carbonara-style dish. Recommended with long pasta.
Carbonara ⏱ — R180
Guanciale, creamy beaten egg and aged pecorino. Recommended with long pasta.
Pasta Pocket
Culurgiones (V) — R171
Classic Sardinian pasta pockets filled with potato, mint, ricotta and pecorino, served with mint-infused tomato sauce.
Baked
Lasagna vegetariana (V) — R162
Layers of lasagna with tomatello, grilled aubergines, mozzarella, béchamel and Parmigiano.
Lasagna di Carne — R227
Traditional beef lasagna with rich meat sauce, béchamel and cheese baked to perfection.
Pizza
Our pizzas are carefully balanced in flavour, and we prefer not to alter their original composition. Any additions or ingredient swaps will incur an extra charge.
Pizza Bread
Pizza bread plain (V+) — R76
Add garlic — R12
Add tomato base — R25
Gluten free base — R28
Vegetarian
Estate (V) — Medium R163 · Regular R213
Tomato, mozzarella, rosa tomatoes, buffalo-style mozzarella, basil
Formaggi (V) ⏱ — Medium R153 · Regular R200
Mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino, ricotta
Gorgonzola (V) ⏱ — Medium R153 · Regular R200
Gorgonzola, caramelised onions, mushrooms, tomato base
Margherita (V)* ⏱ — Medium R116 · Regular R150
Tomato and mozzarella
Nonno Vittorio (V) — Medium R174 · Regular R217
Tomato, mozzarella, grilled aubergines, rosa tomatoes, rocket, shaved pecorino
Siciliana (V)* ⏱ — Medium R154 · Regular R201
Capers, olives, grilled aubergines, tomato, mozzarella
Vegetariana (V) — Medium R154 · Regular R201
Marinated artichokes, mushrooms, olives, grilled aubergines, peppers, tomato, mozzarella
Non-Vegetarian
Cape Seasons — Medium R187 · Regular R243
Seasonal combination: ham & mushrooms · pancetta & asparagus · artichokes, broccoli & olives ·
fior di latte, basil & rosa tomatoes
Davideddu ⏱ — Medium R172 · Regular R224
Tomato, mozzarella, caramelised onions, peppadew, pineapple, smoked chicken
Godfather — Medium R188 · Regular R245
Tomato, mozzarella, rosa tomatoes, prawns, chilli olive oil
Isabella — Medium R184 · Regular R239
Tomato, mozzarella, bresaola, rosa tomatoes, rocket, shaved pecorino
Messicana* — Medium R175 · Regular R228
Jalapeños, spiced mince, onions, tomato, mozzarella
Napoletana ⏱ — Medium R134 · Regular R175
Tomato, mozzarella, anchovies, capers
Nonna Lina — Medium R188 · Regular R245
Tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, chopped rosa tomatoes, rocket, shaved pecorino
Pancetta e Asparagi — Medium R178 · Regular R232
Tomato, mozzarella, pancetta, asparagus (subject to availability)
Pancetta e Gamberi — Medium R194 · Regular R253
Tomato, mozzarella, pancetta, prawns
Patatina — Medium R171 · Regular R222
Tomato, mozzarella, salame, gorgonzola, peppadew, potatoes
Prosciutto e Funghi ⏱ — Medium R159 · Regular R207
Tomato, mozzarella, gypsy ham, mushrooms
Quattro Mori — Medium R172 · Regular R224
Four quarters: gorgonzola · salame · artichokes, onions & olives · tuna
Sarda ⏱ — Medium R159 · Regular R207
Tomato, mozzarella, pecorino, salame, rosa tomatoes
Salmone — Medium R172 · Regular R224
White base, mozzarella, smoked salmon, ricotta, dill, capers, crème fraîche
Tirolese — Medium R172 · Regular R224
Mozzarella, ricotta, rocket, coppa
Tonno e Cipolle — Medium R166 · Regular R217
Tomato, mozzarella, tuna, caramelised onions
Pizza Calzone
Margherita (V)* — Medium R134 · Regular R169
Tomato and mozzarella
Messicana* — Medium R194 · Regular R247
Tomato, mozzarella, jalapeños, spiced mince, onions
Siciliana (V)* — Medium R174 · Regular R220
Tomato, mozzarella, capers, olives, grilled aubergines
Prosciutto e Funghi* — Medium R177 · Regular R227
Tomato, mozzarella, gypsy ham, mushrooms
Extra Toppings
Basil, chilli, garlic, onions — R13
Aubergines, capers, jalapeños, ricotta, tomatoes — R25
Olives, anchovies, peppers, rosa tomatoes — R33
Artichokes, avocado, grilled chicken, mozzarella, mushrooms, pecorino, rocket, sundried tomatoes, tuna — R41
Fior di latte, gypsy ham, gorgonzola, grana, pancetta, salame, smoked chicken — R55
Bresaola, coppa, prosciutto crudo, smoked salmon — R66
Porcini (if available), prawns — R76
CARNE | THE MEAT
Served with aglio e olio pasta, side salad, or side potatoes
Pudda — 170
Char-grilled chicken fillet marinated in a zesty blend of chilli and lemon, offering a flavourful, smoky finish.
Rump steak — 254
Grilled to perfection and served according to your preferred doneness, ensuring a tender and juicy cut of meat.
Served as per description
Pudda pizzaiola — 194
Succulent char-grilled chicken fillet topped with a robust pi…auce, served on a bed of aglio e olio pasta for a hearty meal.
Stracci di Carne e Spinaci — 259
One of our best-selling dishes. Tender veal roughly cut and…erved with spinach on a bed of linguine for a savoury delight.
Vitello al Limone — 279
A best-selling classic. Veal steaks simmered in a tangy white…ne gratinate or a side of pasta for a true Italian experience.
Tagliata di Manzo — 297
Juicy rump steak grilled to your liking, thinly sliced and se…shavings and a rich red wine reduction for an elegant finish.
Fish
Our fish dishes are prepared with care, using fresh ingredients and simple combinations that respect the natural flavours of the sea.
Calamari alla Griglia — 235
Tender grilled calamari served with lemon, extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs.
Calamari Fritti — 235
Lightly fried calamari rings, crisp and golden, served with lemon.
Kingklip alla Mediterranea — 265
Pan-seared kingklip with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers and herbs.
Line Fish of the Day — SQ
Fresh line fish prepared simply, depending on daily availability.
SIDES
Side potatoes (V) — 79
Side pasta (V) — 93
Side pasta tomato (V) — 105
Side roasted vegetables and potatoes (V) — 97
Dolci
Our desserts are homemade and reflect the comforting, honest flavours of Italian tradition.
Seadas Nostras — 84
Savour our Sardinian specialty, a delicate pastry filled with fresh cheese and served with honey.
Cioccoblocco — 70
Experience Nonna Lina’s walnut chocolate brownie served warm.
Merenguita — 70
Homemade meringue served with cream or ice cream.
Tiramisu — 88
A traditional family recipe for the classic tiramisu.
Ricotta Cheesecake — 70
Homemade Sicilian-style cheesecake made with ricotta.
Don Pedro — 81
A delightful blend of vanilla ice cream with a shot of liqueur or whisky.
Wine List
Sparkling Wine
Lomond Romans Bay Rose Sparkling Wine — Bottle 268
Sartori Prosecco — Bottle 464
Rose Wine
Lomond Romans Bay Rose — Glass 68 · Bottle 204
White Wine
Fairview Chenin — Glass 55 · Bottle 165
Wild Peacock Unwooded Chardonnay — Glass 83 · Bottle 249
Warrelwind Sauvignon Blanc — Glass 83 · Bottle 249
Ayama Vermentino — Glass 85 · Bottle 256
Springfield Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc — Bottle 405
Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc — Bottle 347
Lomond Sauvignon Blanc — Bottle 336
Simonsig Chenin — Bottle 224
Ayama Muscat d’Alexandre (Demi Sweet) — Bottle 295
Red Wine
Lomond Romans Bay Shiraz — Glass 58 · Bottle 175
Fairview Sangiovese — Glass 60 · Bottle 181
Groote Post Old Man’s Blend — Glass 99 · Bottle 298
Lomond Merlot — Bottle 421
Alto Rouge — Bottle 324
Thelema Mountain Red — Bottle 301
Allesverloren Cabernet Sauvignon — Bottle 386
Bookdale Mason Road Syrah — Bottle 330
Mooiplaas Pinotage — Bottle 405
Steenberg Nebbiolo — Bottle 667
