Beyond pizza and pasta: Exploring Italy’s hidden culinary gems

I love it when you are warned to come to an eatery on an empty stomach. And this was no different when we headed to Settebello, the popular Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

Yes, people living in Northern Joburg will tell you it’s a mini road trip, about 40 minutes away

but trust me, the destination is worth every kilometer.

Settebello has recently unveiled its reimagined La Ciccia experience, now themed ‘7 Stops of Northern Italy’. Building on the success of last year’s acclaimed ‘Carne Diem’ experience, which celebrated Italy’s extraordinary meat dishes, this year’s offering takes diners on a culinary journey through seven regions of Northern Italy. And, come spring, the menu will shift to the Southern region.

Settebello’s owners, Pino Di Benedetto and Miro Marques. Picture: Sandisiwe Mbhele

The experience is designed by owners Pino Di Benedetto and Miro Marques, who are passionate about showcasing Italy's lesser-known culinary traditions, proving there’s so much more to Italian cuisine than just pizza and pasta. Think of it like a journey on the iconic Settebello train, but instead of rolling through Italian landscapes, you’re travelling via your taste buds.

The La Ciccia experience

At the heart of 7 Stops of Northern Italy is the idea of family-style dining. Fifty guests share a communal table, indulging in a seven-course meal, complete with perfectly paired wines. It’s an intimate yet lively affair, bringing people together just like a traditional Italian family meal. The wines were perfectly paired, and I’ll be adding some to my collection.

The curated menu brings a taste of Northern Italy with a mix of highlights and surprises. The Vitello Tonnato, a delicate veal dish with tuna sauce, was elevated by briny capers, while the Trofie al Pesto Genovese, though beautifully presented, lacked the expected depth of flavor.

San Danielle, bread sticks wrapped in prosciutto. Photo: Supplied

Trofie al Pesto Genovese with potatoes and green beans. Photo: Supplied

Florentine served with polenta and spinach. Picture: Supplied

The Ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese delivered on comfort and richness, whereas the Tortellini in Brodo, though warming, could have used a bit more seasoning. The undisputed star of the night was the Fiorentina, a perfectly cooked Tuscan steak served with spinach, followed closely by the standout dessert, a delightful peach pastry with ice cream, ending the meal on a sweet high note.

Settebello’s La Ciccia experience takes place once a month, with each exclusive event priced at R1 200 per person. The Northern Italian journey runs until August, after which diners will be treated to an exploration of Southern Italy. The next evenings are on 24 April, 29 May, 26 June, 24 July, and 28 August 2025.

Bookings are essential, email eat@settebello.co.za or call 010 035 5207 to secure your seat.

If you love authentic Italian flavours, a warm, convivial dining experience, and the joy of discovering regional specialties, then 7 Stops of Northern Italy at Settebello is an unmissable food journey. And yes, I'll be running back for the bread too.