Magica Roma

We had not been to this restaurant for about 5yrs as the last few times we were not happy with the evenings overall. Its frequented by locals and the owners and chef dance around their tables treating them like gold and having long conversations. And not one of them approached the other tables, including mine, to say hello or are we enjoying the food. They all just walked right past. They give the attitude they dont need your businesss

This is clearly a hugely popular restaurant with locals, whether mostly Italian or not. And they are very successful. An old established restaurant with good reviews.But we won’t be going back.As ‘English tourists’ we didn’t get the handshakes, chat, and backslapping that went on at every table around us. We went early, but our waitress left much to be desired as she was clearly frustrated by our indecision.The food is good quality, but heavy old style Italian.Before Christmas we visited a long established Italian restaurant in Miami, USA. So good we went back the second night.We did make our thoughts known to staff as we left, and with due credit we were telephoned the next day by the proprietor to apologise, and invited back.

I have been to this restaurant many times- it is my favorite restaurant in Cape Town.The welcome you get is full of smiles.The service the two owners provide is genuine, warm and always welcoming.The food is always consistently good. When I am with my clients- they can do a starter platter for you - normally including salads, pizza, calamari and/or tuna carpaccio. Don't be scared to order from one of the two owners off the menu- especially if you like the a bespoke pasta.I am not much of a desert person but the family enjoy their crème boule.They have nice Italian wines as well.Three tips:Always book- don't expect to just walk in.The parking is insane so get there 10 minutes early to find parking.Try there pizzas for takeaways if you are in the area.

I had such a lovely birthday dinner here. Rebecca was wonderful and the food and exceptional standard. Made my birthday magical. Thank you to the whole team :)

Do not miss this one. This is possibly the best Italian restaurant in Cape Town. Of course there are some defects like everywhere. The “special” asparagus is funny as a starter and deserves to be a side dish. If it should stay a starter it should at least be wrapped in Parma ham or bacon. As it is, it’s not enough and it’s expensive. On a recent occasion my mother and I decided to order two starters instead of a main as we were not too hungry. The waitress did tell us the starter soup was quite big but failed to say that she was ordering it as a main and hence the price would double. It was an innocent mistake but I believe every waiter should inform clearly guests if they are booking a starter as a mains, especially when the guests are saying they are not too hungry and “we prefer to order two starters”, in which case the customer is the one who is right. The pasta al oglio was tried twice and twice it was excellent. The pannecotta desert was amazing. The Pasta Vongole was okay. The fried calamari were good but not the best in town. (I suggest Imhoff farm or Chapman’s peak hotel). The pasta carbonara was very good. Overall the place is worth going more than once. I dined there twice with a Michelin standard chef Amr Wuerz and he agreed with me.

Really enjoyed this restaurant and highly recommend it. It reminds me of the slightly old-fashioned Italian restaurants which are hard to come by these days. Friendly, efficient service. Wonderful!

We used to live in Pinelands and had regular meals at Magica Roma. Glad to see they are still serving great food and value for money.Decor needs updating but the food is good and is complimented by good service. Pasta dishes are still good value for money.

Have visited on many previous occasions but never really convinced as to food quality.A busy lunch service with what appears to be many regular customers and mainly an older age group. Predictable menu but food preparation requires more care. Pasta was watery and lacked taste and veal schnitzel was more coating than meat. Service was efficient but not that friendly. If not over concerned with quality then visit. Maybe your experience will be better.

Great pizza and pasta. Food was fresh and very tasty. With awesome friendly service. Had devine chocolate semifreddo for dessert.

Veal in lemon was more like beef hammered flat to death. Why can’t an Italian restaurant serve real Parmesan with their pasta? Truly the worst meal we had in Cape Town.