25 February 2022: Dining in Trentini Alto Adige
Friday night we will land in Trentini Alto Adige.
Lionello Giovanetti was born in Rome and grew up in Venice where the words food and family go hand-in-hand. Lionello’s dad, Corrado, had always had a deep passion for the kitchen which in true Italian style was passed on to his son. Lionello began his career in the Gelato industry and then went on to attended the only pizza making academy in Italy.
After arriving in South Africa in 2013, the Giovanetti family moved to Stanford and opened The House of Don Gelato which was an instant hit with locals and holidaymakers. The family quickly made plenty of new friends in the village and their outgoing personalities meant that there were many delicious lunches and dinners served around the Giovanetti family dining-room table. The traditional Italian recipes were such a hit that, as Lionello laughingly states, “we were forced to open to the public”, in 2016, La Trattoria was born. The table in the Italian culture is the heart of the house and with this ethos in their hearts and minds, the Giovanetti family invite you to La Trattoria to share in their culture and cuisine.
The menu at La Trattoria includes the history of each dish such as the origins, region and year that the cuisine can be traced back to. All pastas and pizzas are freshly made by hand on the premises of La Trattoria in the Giovanetti preparation kitchen, just the way Nona and Mamma used to make it. Only the freshest and finest produce and products are used in the delicious recipes and nothing is frozen, except for the melt-in-the-mouth frozen gelato. A peep in the Giovanetti pantry is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach and you will discover rosy red tomatoes, fresh herbs, cured meats and mozzarella cheese made by Lionello himself.
Wine is a big part of the La Trattoria experience and this is why the Giovanetti’s have a “don’t bring your own” policy. Although there is a selection of South African wines on the wine list, Lionello prides himself on having the largest collection of Italian wines in the Western Cape - which includes Collebello Toscana, Livio Chianti, Chianti Classico and Volpaia Chianti Classico. There are wines that are only sold at La Trattoria and nowhere else because Lionello enjoys sourcing and then buying the entire batch of vintages that he finds to be outstanding. And, for those who have special wine needs, La Trattoria stocks an organic wine that is sure to please.
To round off your meal there is artisan Limoncello made by an Italian friend of the family as well as favourites such as Frangelico, Amaretto and Grappa. Decadent desserts include cheesecake, apple strudel, tiramisu and affogato.
There are over 150 flavours of this real Italian ‘ice-cream’ that are forever changing according to the seasons, trends and to demand. Don Gelato creates customized gelatos that have included, artisan-style concoctions such as the popular caramelized bacon gelato.
Don Gelato is available as a dessert option on La Trattoria’s à la carte menu or from the Don Gelato kiosk outside the restaurant in Queen Victoria Street in Stanford. Large quantities are available on order by prior arrangement.
Operating Hours: Friday - Sunday (10:00 - 16:00)
“THIS is a true Italian restaurant, and not just because Italians own the place. Italian food is about Italian spirit and hospitality. This you find in spade-fulls at La Trattoria. Papa cooks in the kitchen. Son waits tables. You'll find yourself in Tuscany in no time. Fresh, homemade pasta, locally sourced meats, and their world-famous gelato for dessert-- rated #1 in South Africa.” Nairbay, Tripadvisor.
“Let Lionello and Corrado take care of you one night, and you'll be back. for sure. Having a meal at Lionello’s restaurant today felt like a true taste of Italy. Everything about La Trattoria was truly special. His gnocchi gorgonzola is a must.” Athos, Tripadvisor
“What a delightful evening spent at La Trattoria. The food was excellent, the personal service was great. The waitress gave a very detailed explanation of the menu. Compliments to the chef and all the staff. Great food. We honestly felt like we knew a little more about Italian food and culture when we left there. Thank you for the great experience. We will most definitely be back.” Melanie Harel, Eat Out
“Amazing Food!!! Waiters are Awesome! Definitely going back!” Michelle Rall, Facebook
“I took a friend there for a Sunday birthday lunch, we were served by Lionello and the service was great. His recommendations and wine pairing were excellent. We had a lovely prepared three course meal. I can highly recommend La Trattoria. Corado the chef also came around to the table during the courses and we appreciate it very much. It is a family run business.” Carelcarel, Tripadvisor
“Authentic Italian food and delicious gelato to finish off the meal. staff are so friendly and a super garden for sundowners. Will definitely be back.” Talita Calitz, Google