We are not in Italy but like the rest of the world South Africans love most things Italian. 

From pizza to pasta and of course, the infamous Tuscan houses in Jo'burg. Hooked, we are.

GoTravel24 plots a basic South African Little Italy, to give you an easier time the next time you feel like indulging in something Italian on your travels.

And it's all cheaper than an actual trip to Italy.

Before you set off for your best pizza search, see our competitive deals.

For posh Italian pizza, with a similarly superior price tag, most people go for Col'Cacchio in Jo'burg and Cape Town; also try Cornutti in Jo'burg.

If you love thin crusts then you'll be happy to spend just a bit extra.

The toppings come in ever more exotic offerings. You can put anything from cranberries to duck and smoked salmon on your pizza. Or you can do it the simple Italian way and just get a margherita with extra mozzarella.

Then there's the more popular Primi Piatti brand, found in all major cities around the country. If you’re young and trendy you've probably been served by the orange overall-ed staff.

If you haven't, you'll love the food (try the chicken liver pasta) and you won't be dissatisfied with their mammoth portions.

Of course the best Italian food isn't just from franchised establishments. You can always find smaller restaurants around our cities. And dare we say it, some of these are better than the fast turning big chains (of course you can suss out the authenticity for yourself).

In Jo'burg look out for Magica Roma in Pinelands, Paolo's in Linden, and Giovanni's in Rosebank.

Then there's the upscale Al Dente in Sandton. Check out their daily fish and meat specialities, traditional pastas and their freshly made pesto.

In Durban there's the perennial favourite, Spiga d'Oro on Florida Road. It’s kind of silly to go to Durbs and not eat here. Even politicians like it, apparently.

In Cape Town there's the popular Strega on Heritage Square. The meals are very contemporary so don't go expecting traditional Italian fares. Open your taste buds and gobble up the chef's creations.

Then there are the Italian speciality shops in Jozi.

Sconto is one of the favourites. It’s been part of the Italian Orange Grove community for more than ten years. Despite the self-relocation of the Italian community to the northern suburbs, Sconto remained in OG - and they in turn keep coming back to buy his supplies.

You can buy anything a supermarket offers, Italian style. So if you want genuine Italian floor polish for your Tuscan-styled villa, by all means pay a visit.

There's olive oil, coffee, cheeses and pasta, all imported from the land of pizza and pasta.

Super Sconto, 169-171 Louis Botha Avenue, Orange Grove, 011 728 7561

For delicious Italian meats visit Fama Delicatessen. Owner Roberto Sa Gimenez cures the meats himself using a traditional Roman method. For his products to be as authentically Italian as possible he makes sure that he produces his products under a climate that's as closely Mediterranean as possible.

See it to believe it.

Fama Delicatessen, 12 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville, 011 618 3048

Then there's the big daddy, Monte Casino. A monstrous Tuscan-inspired building.

It’s impressive and an overwhelming step further from all the Jozi Tuscan houses that people still love so much.

Check it out for the pure escapism and if you're not feeling the current economic pinch, then by all means, you'll love the gambling too… which in itself is not a genuine Italian pastime but who's judging.

Share with us some of your favourite Italian hangouts in the comments section.

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