You know that feeling when you walk into a restaurant and it just feels right? The smell hits you first, then the warmth of the space, and before you’ve even sat down you already know the food is going to be good. That’s Picola Italian and at Core Catering, we’re all about shining a light on places that get it right.
So, What’s the Fuss About?
Nestled in the Linden Square Shopping Centre in Randburg, Picola Italian has been a neighbourhood favourite since 1999 and in the restaurant world, that kind of longevity means something. This isn’t a trendy pop-up or a flashy new opening. It’s the real deal. A place where the regulars are greeted by name, the menu feels like a warm hug, and the food is made with genuine care.
Let’s Talk About That Wood-Fired Oven
Here’s where things get really exciting. Almost everything coming out of Picola’s kitchen is kissed by a wood-fired oven and once you’ve tasted the difference, there’s no going back. Their pizzas have that perfect combination of crispy base and flavour-packed toppings that chain restaurants just can’t replicate. The lasagna with its layers of slow-cooked minced beef and béchamel baked right in the oven is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.
And the pasta? Oh, the pasta. Whether you’re a carbonara person (creamy, cheesy, topped with parmesan… yes please) or you lean more towards a rich napolitana, there’s something on this menu that’s going to become your new regular order. Feeling adventurous? The pork ribs are sticky, tender, and dangerously good, and the chicken prego roll with house peri-peri sauce hits just right when you want something with a little kick.
Your Wallet Will Thank You Too
Great Italian food at around R200 to R250 per person? In this economy? Yes, really. Picola has somehow managed to keep things accessible without cutting corners on quality and their customers have noticed. Hundreds of glowing reviews, top ratings across multiple food platforms, and a well-deserved spot on Restaurant Guru’s Top 10 Best Pizza Restaurants in Johannesburg for 2025 all speak for themselves.
The Kind of Place You’ll Keep Coming Back To
What makes Picola truly special isn’t just the food. It’s the whole experience. It’s cosy without being cramped. It’s busy because people love it, not because it’s overhyped. The staff are warm, the vibe is relaxed, and whether you’re popping in for a quick takeaway or settling in for a long lunch with a glass of wine, you’ll leave feeling like you got more than you paid for.
And Now… Meet Piccola Express in Greenside
Good news for those of us who love Piccola but don’t always have time to sit down for a full meal. Piccola Express has just opened in Greenside and it’s everything you love about the original, designed for the pace of modern life. The same trusted flavours, the same care in the kitchen, but built around those moments when your day is running away with you and you still deserve something genuinely good to eat. Whether you’re grabbing dinner on the way home or just need a comforting meal in the middle of a hectic day, Piccola Express brings that warm, authentic Piccola experience straight to you without the wait. Same heart, new home.
Go On, Treat Yourself
Life is genuinely too short for average food and Picola Italian is anything but average. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this little gem in Linden has a way of making every meal feel like an occasion. So if you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?
