Settebello Restaurant Jo'burg Unveils New La Ciccia Experience

Settebello, the popular Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Bedfordview, Johannesburg, has unveiled its reimagined La Ciccia experience, now themed ‘7 Stops of Northern Italy’.

Building on the success of 2023’s acclaimed ‘Carne Diem’ experience—which celebrated Italy’s extraordinary meat dishes—Settebello is set to take patrons on a culinary journey through seven regions of Italy, kicking off with a focus on northern Italian cuisine this winter, before launching a refreshed menu in the spring focusing on the Southern region of the country.

The concept of La Ciccia was born from the vision of Settebello’s owners, Pino Di Benedetto and Miro Marques. Their passion for traditional Italian cuisine and desire to share the lesser-known aspects of Italy’s culinary traditions inspired them to create a unique fine-dining experience that proves Italian cuisine extends far beyond pizza and pasta. 

La Ciccia’s ‘7 Stops Of Northern Italy’ experience will take diners on a gastronomic adventure showcasing the diversity of northern Italian cuisine. Like the iconic Settebello train which runs through Italy, diners at the ‘7 Stops Of Northern Italy’ experience will embark on a culinary journey of exquisite, hearty dishes paired with carefully selected wines.

This experience features brand-new creations such as Vitello Tonnato, Trofie al Pesto Genovese with potatoes and green beans, and Ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese, alongside beloved classics like Tortellini in Brodo and the mighty Fiorentina. 

The La Ciccia experience features a unique family-style seating arrangement. Designed to bring guests together, approximately 50 diners will share a communal table where a delicious spread of dishes, sides, and wines is served.

This arrangement not only enhances the dining experience but also mirrors the spirit of traditional Italian family gatherings, bringing a sense of togetherness, warmth, and shared enjoyment that is integral to the Settebello experience.

“Settebello has always believed that Italian cuisine goes far beyond pizza and pasta. With ‘7 Stops of Northern Italy,’ we’re celebrating the very best of Northern Italian culinary traditions—especially during the winter months when hearty dishes bring comfort and warmth,” Pino Di Benedetto, co-owner of Settebello, says. “Our new format retains the charm of our original La Ciccia experience while introducing innovative flavours that reflect our passion for fine dining.”

Co-owner Ramiro (Miro) Marques adds, “‘7 Stops of Northern Italy’ is our passion project—a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage that we’re excited to bring to South Africa. We’re dedicated to sharing exceptional Italian flavours with our guests, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment. It’s our way of inviting people to experience an authentic taste of Italy, where every dish tells a story and every shared table brings us closer together.”

Settebello’s La Ciccia evenings, featuring a seven-course meal (including dessert and wine), will take place once a month and are priced at R1,200 per person. These exclusive evenings, featuring dishes inspired by Northern Italy, are scheduled for the last Thursday of every month.

The first event will take place on 27 March, followed by additional evenings on 24 April, 29 May, 26 June, 24 July, and 28 August 2025, after which the southern Italy experience will begin. Later in the year, the menu will be refreshed to focus on southern Italian cuisine.

Bookings are essential and can be made via email at eat@settebello.co.za or by calling 010 035 5207.