Indulge Yourself | Old Town Italy

December usually means family time, and family time means bringing me back to my Italian roots; pasta, wine, panetonne, parmigiano….the list goes on!

Until recently, there were very few places that captured the true essence of what always reminds me of being an Italian. While my verbal skills in the language leave something to be desired, my feelings for the food and culture are very strong and that’s why, when I visited Old Town Italy at Menlyn Maine, I was honestly blown away. This + 1000 square meter space is a culmination of EVERYTHING that I remember growing up with, and everything that I remember from my trips to the beautiful country.

Old Town, the very word, evokes a sense of history and a portal back to a time when life itself was defined by a seemingly more romantic set of values.
Romantic values based on a simpler, slower and better quality of life. At Old Town these values, as old fashion as they may be, still stand.

I absolutely love the above statement, taken form the Old Town Italy website – the simplicity and quality ring true from the moment you step into this sensory world! From the artisanal bakery and the pastry bar to the cold meats and delectable cheese variety – each ‘station’ is managed by a unique member of the team, allowing the focus on quality to stand out!

The space has been described as an authentic Italian market where you can shop, talk, eat and learn – I hope my photos (there are many) can do some justice do this exact experience that we had!

Fresh produce heaven!

Ice-cream all made from scratch – in-house!

It’s a market place for all the senses. 

It’s hard not to go mad at this Pastry Bar!

This olive bread was some of the best I have ever tasted – I wish I could convey the smells that came out of the bakery!

I mean?! Could you make me any happier? Parmigiano heaven!

The Deli and The Butcher Station

Gorgonzola Gnocchi and Bombolone (stuffed donut balls) – two of my favourite dishes!

If you are looking for something different, interesting and indulgent this festive season (and if you love food as much as I do) make sure you give Old Town Italy a visit and ‘experience’ it! Jo’burgers – don’t think the culinary experience starts and ends in the city of gold. This is really worth the drive out to our northerly neighbours! 

Old Town Italy | Pretoria

Shop 53, Menlyn Maine Shopping Centre, 210 Amarand Avenue, Pretoria

Open Monday – Sunday / 07.00 – 21.00

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