I’ve been coming to Papa Giovanni’s since moving to Hillcrest in 2015, and it has never disappointed. The food is always delicious, the vibe is warm and welcoming with a crackling fire, and the wine and service are consistently excellent. It’s become a favourite spot for me over the years, and I truly hope I’ll be enjoying Papa’s for another 10 years (and more!).
Overview
If you’re ever in Hillcrest, Durban, and in the mood for a satisfying meal in a welcoming atmosphere, Papa Giovanni's should be your next stop. Located at Shop 20F, Hillcrest Centre, 40 Old Main Rd, this Italian gem offers a delightful blend of comfort food and warm service that will have you coming back for more.
As soon as you step into Papa Giovanni's, you're greeted with a cozy and vibrant atmosphere. The rustic decor, combined with modern touches, creates a relaxed dining environment perfect for any occasion-whether it's a casual meal with friends, a family gathering, or a special date night. The restaurant’s layout makes it ideal for a comfortable dine-in experience, with plenty of seating to accommodate both small and large groups.
The menu at Papa Giovanni's is a true reflection of traditional Italian cuisine, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to fresh pastas, and indulgent desserts. One of the highlights is their signature pizza, which boasts a crispy yet chewy crust topped with a rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a variety of fresh ingredients. The toppings range from classic margherita to more adventurous choices like smoked salmon and capers, catering to all kinds of taste preferences. Each pizza is made with care and is bursting with flavor, making it a favorite among locals.
For those who prefer pasta, Papa Giovanni's serves up an assortment of Italian classics. From creamy carbonara to tangy tomato-based bolognese, each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. One standout is the fettuccine Alfredo, which is both rich and creamy, with just the right amount of seasoning to bring out the flavor. The pasta is always al dente, ensuring a satisfying texture with each bite.
Vegetarians and vegans are not left behind at Papa Giovanni's. The restaurant offers a variety of plant-based dishes, including vegan pizza options with dairy-free cheese and a selection of hearty vegetable pasta dishes. For those on a health-conscious journey, the menu includes lighter choices like fresh salads made with the finest seasonal ingredients, drizzled with tangy vinaigrette or rich balsamic glaze.
The drink menu is just as impressive as the food. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, a glass of wine, or a refreshing beer, there’s something to pair perfectly with your meal. The staff at Papa Giovanni's are knowledgeable and always ready to suggest the perfect drink to complement your dish, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
What sets Papa Giovanni's apart is not just its delicious food but also the exceptional service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and quick to make recommendations if you're unsure of what to order. The overall vibe of the restaurant feels like a community gathering place where everyone is treated like family. It’s not uncommon to see regulars chatting with the staff, creating an inviting, homey feel that’s hard to replicate.
Papa Giovanni's also excels when it comes to takeout and delivery. If you’re in the mood for their delicious pizza or pasta at home, simply call ahead or place an order online, and you’ll enjoy the same high-quality meal in the comfort of your own space. Whether dining in or taking out, the quality and taste of the food remain consistent, which speaks to the restaurant’s commitment to delivering excellence every time.
For those who live in or are visiting Hillcrest, Papa Giovanni's is a must-try restaurant that captures the essence of Italian dining. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta, a mouthwatering pizza, or simply looking for a place with great ambiance to spend quality time with loved ones, this restaurant ticks all the boxes. It’s no wonder that so many people keep coming back for more. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere makes it a standout choice in the Hillcrest dining scene.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Papa Gs is one of our favorite places to go. They have amazing specials and on a Saturday afternoon they have live music which is conducive to a little jig on the dance floor. Lovely crowd
We have dined at Platzz countless times now - breakfast, lunch, dinner, late afternoon drinks and snacks. We have NEVER had a bad meal or bad service. The staff are exceptional - friendly, attentive and a real asset to the restaurant. We recently gave their Date Night a try and cannot recommend it enough! 3 generous courses for 2 people, a bottle of wine and a truly exceptional evening for the price of R450. DELICIOUS pizzas and some of the best burgers we've had the pleasure of tasting! Also, the best jalapeno poppers in KZN in my mind!
Papa G’s is the place to be! Whether it’s a Saturday with live music or a Thursday evening for their fun Sip & Paint event, the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. I’ve been to Papa Giovanni’s a few times now, and every visit leaves me wanting to come back for more. The food is absolutely incredible, the service is consistently friendly, and the whole experience is just fantastic. This is one restaurant you definitely don’t want to skip!
A thoroughly enjoyable evening - Date Night on Tuesday. Excellent in all respects. Comprehensive menu, superb service and value for money. Beyond expectations. You have to give it a try.
When 5 of us got there it wasn't very buzy. The place is very clean and tables neatly arranged for arriving patrons. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive toward us. The portion sizes were adequate and very flavourful. As fast as the sauces go I would have preferences traditional crushed garlic instead of the smooth paste they served us. The manager as well as the waiter cameras to check up on us to ensure we were happy. The one unisex ablution at the back was very clean too. I recommend this pizzeria to all pizza & pasta loving folks out there.