For Joburg diners willing to plan their next food escape around exceptional pizza, Bocca di Lupo in Clarens is making a compelling argument.
Open Tuesday to Sunday at 325 Market Street, Bocca di Lupo brings a deeply traditional take on Neapolitan pizza to the Free State, with the kind of menu that could have Johannesburg food lovers casually checking their calendars for a weekend road trip.
The restaurant’s pizzas stay true to Naples: simple, high-quality ingredients, San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, and that signature thin, soft, slightly chewy crust with just the right amount of wood-fired char.
- The classics are well represented, from a clean, uncomplicated Margherita (R130) to a Prosciutto pizza layered with Parma ham, parmesan shavings, and fresh rocket (R205). Those who like their choices a little more dramatic have plenty to work with. The Pizza Diavola brings spicy Calabrian salami and chilli oil, while the Pizza Calabra adds fiery nduja, red onion, and black olives for diners who believe subtlety is optional.
- Cheese enthusiasts have their own happy place in the Quattro Formaggi, loaded with Pecorino DOP, Gorgonzola DOP, and Provolone DOP, while the Pizza Bianca con Mortadella leans luxuriously into mortadella, pistachio nuts, and multiple cheeses. For something a little unexpected, the Pizza Pinetta combines mascarpone, Italian anchovies, and pine nuts, proving Bocca di Lupo is not here to play it safe.
- Even the meat lovers in the group are covered, with hearty options like Costoletta alla Milanese, Saltimbocca, T-bone, and sirloin for anyone somehow arriving at a pizzeria and choosing discipline.
Rooted in Italian culture, Bocca di Lupo’s name translates to The Mouth of the Wolf, a nod to the symbolism of the wolf in Italian heritage and the familiar phrase In bocca al lupo — a wish of good luck. Fortunately, diners here won’t need luck. Just a reservation.
Reservations: 061 535 7750
325 Market Street, Clarens
Open Tuesday to Sunday
⇒ 325 Market street, Clarens, South Africa
- 061 535 7750
- boccadilupoclarens@gmail.com
