Mamma Luciana's

Italian food is one of our favorites, whether it is tasty pasta, delicious pizza or some gelato. Our number 1 choice of the best restaurants in Durban that are masters of Italian cuisine is always Mamma Luciana’s restaurant. It’s located along the bustling Florida Road in Durban’s Morningside suburb. It has other branches located in Glenashley and Hillcrest but this one is our favorite. 

Alfresco dining experience is offered with their outdoor tables. We love the styling and the decor, it gives a real sense of Italy. The wallpapers depict classic Mediterranean eateries and paired with the delicious aroma from the open kitchen, we know we are always in for an Italian treat.

Their menu contains all of our Italian favorites. We love their pizzas with their true Italian style crispy bases. We totally recommend their Seafood Pizza, each bite is a symphony of taste sensations that leaves us craving more. Their specialty dish is the Mamma’s special chicken parmigiana. It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and their signature pasta sauce adds a real savory tanginess. The melted Mozzarella cheese provides a gooey, rich finish that sends our taste buds into overdrive. Combine that with their perfect Al Dente homemade pasta and this dish is like a gift from the gods.

For the best of their homemade pasta dishes we suggest you take your pick from the pumpkin panzerotto, Mamma’s special Lasagna or their scrumptious gnocchi. Their risotto is also worth a try as it’s creamy, perfectly cooked and flavored in true Italian style. Our favorite from the anti-pasta is the Lumache al Forno (snails doused in garlic butter) but we sometimes opt for the Calamari Mediterranean with its topping of fresh Frutti de Mare (fruits of the sea) direct from the Indian Ocean nearby. It’s a culinary masterpiece. Another dish that we would absolutely recommend is the Stinco di Agnello Brasato (braised lamb shank in red wine} which is slow cooked overnight in the residual heat of the wood- burning pizza oven in the most exquisite red wine sauce. It’s a great choice when you dine in Mamma’s as it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, awesomely flavored and very tasty.

Dessert time is the most awaited and Mamma’s does not disappoint. We suggest you opt for their take on the famous classic Italian dessert tiramisu. It is beautifully presented and way too morish. The perfect way to end your meal. It’s our favourite Italian and if you’re nearby seeing a Durban attraction , go check it out.

Our final thoughts? In our opinion, Mamma Luciana’s restaurant makes the best Italian food in Durban. The ambience is great and the food is exceptional.  It has a vibe that resonates with great Italian hospitality and creative cuisine. It’s a true Italian cultural oasis deep in the heart of Durban. For us, it’s an important part of what we define as the Durban Vibe, the heartbeat that makes Durban what it is. As far as Italian cuisine goes, we think they offer the best of the best!

If you need a local to show you all these amazing places or simply help you explore and enjoy the real culture of Durban then get in touch with us. Durban Vibe Guides with language skills are waiting to help and can be booked on this site. Support can be given in person or remotely via Whatsapp. See the real Durban and experience the unique Durban Vibe.

Low cost fixed price transport can also be requested with us in the same way to travel in real time or for future bookings. This includes Taxis, Tuktuk, and Pillion seats. Safe drivers and fixed prices. Click on the menu links at the top of the page or scroll down to find out more.

We provide full up to date tourist information for Durban along with a full What’s On Guide listing music, clubs, cultural events, activities, food, drink and Durban attractions.

Check out our events news page or our what’s on in Durban calendar to find out what’s happening in Durban during your stay. There is so much going on here. Daytime and Nighttime. You will soon understand why we feel Durban is the most wonderful place in the world