Fugazzi Italian-American Diner in Rosebank

Fugazzi is a playful and easy-going Italian restaurant in Johannesburg by the Colada Group which is also responsible for Mamasamba, and Proud Mary. So you know you’re in for a carefully curated space that comes with an equal dose of aesthetics and identity. On the menu, you’ll find New York-style Italian fare such as chicken parmigiana, a modern take on mac and cheese, and effortless eats that are easy on the wallet. Read on to find out more.

The atmosphere at Fugazzi

The name comes from what New York and New Jersey Italians call “fake” which gained prominence in the 1997 cult flick “Donnie Brasco,” which starred Johnny Depp as an FBI agent working undercover as a jewel thief.

The interior and atmosphere at Fugazzi is modelled after an authentic Italian-American diner concept. Inside, colourful mid-century prints play off against elements of glass and accent light fixtures while the cosy timber booths really hone in on that cinematic diner feel. A small terrace space gives you a good view of the lively energy at The Zone precinct but with a facade of greenery for some privacy.

What’s on the menu

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a special kids menu. Colada Group Chef, Marc Robert’s fine attention to detail is in full force with a list of famous and modernised Italian-American dishes.

To eat, start with some antipasti such as the spinach and ricotta dumplings in napoli sauce baked in the pizza oven, topped with parmesan and crispy basil, beef carpaccio with crispy capers among others. The crowd-favourites such as veal limone and linefish cooked in the style of Amalfi is also there and a selection of pasta made in-house.

We tried the popular Chicken Parmigiana of crispy fried chicken breast, red sauce and mozzarella with light side of spaghetti tossed in herbs and olive oil. Make sure you request that your chicken fillet is fried extra crispy for that true Italian touch.

If you’re leaning towards the pizza, Chef Robert uses a proofed sourdough base where you can choose from both funky and familiar toppings. And in true New York style, Fugazzi’s pizza is crispy, thin, and foldable.

Dessert is also a moment with shortlist tried-and-trusted favourites such as tiramisu, pana cotta, cannoli and gelato flavours. And if you’re unsure, try one of the shakes or sundaes (the banana split is peak decadence!).

Drinks at Fugazzi

The cocktail and spritz section is short but to the point with cheeky signature cocktails, mocktails and apertivos. There’s the classic Aperol spritz and porn star martini but go for something a little different with their Limoncello Rita (a concoction of Limoncello, Cuervo Silver Tequila, triple sec and sweet syrup).

South African wines feature heavily with Italian-driven labels such as Idiom and Terra De Capo, as well as white and red varietals from the likes of Hartenberg, Springfield, Bosman Family Vineyards, and Paul Cluver.