The Cousins Trattoria

What an amazing experience. The place is much bigger than it looks from outside, but also doesn't feel that way. Staff are well dressed and made us feel welcome right from the start. The dining area is divided into two cosy, warmly lit areas, with comfortable furniture, creating a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Delicious light bread, hot from the oven to enjoy while browsing the menu. The well curated wine selection, although small, made it easy to find the perfect pairing to go with the meal. Our waiter was discreetly attentive and very knowledgeable. The freshly made tagliatelle being carefully stirred in a wheel of parmesan cheese at the table, before being plated, was a great experience. The other, exceptionally plated dishes arrived at the same time, engulfing the table with exquisite aroma. The food was delicious. Perfectly cooked, with a beautiful balance of flavours, further accentuated by the wine. All in all, this is the most authentic Italian dining experience to be found locally.

Had a lovely experience at The Cousins restaurant! The pasta was delicious and full of flavor. Big thanks to Melody who assisted us with a warm smile and great service. We’ll definitely come back! 🍝✨

Delicious pasta and top-notch service! I had the mushroom tagliatelle, which gets tossed in a literal wheel of cheese before being plated—so freaking good. And the beignets filled with citrus cream and served with warm chocolate sauce? Absolutely to die for. I'd make a trip to the city just for that chocolate indulgence

A cute little Italian restaurant. We had the cheese wheel pasta and lamb ragu gnocchi. The food was good but we weren’t super amazed. The portion sizes were decent and the service was friendly. Overall it was a nice experience for a date night but a little bit overhyped.

This is one of Cape Town’s best spots for authentic Italian in my opinion. Run by three Italian cousins (hence the name), it has a warm, homey feel, and the staff treat you like family. Their pasta is handmade daily, and you can taste the difference. I highly recommend the infamous signature Cousins Pasta - a creamy tagliolini with truffle sauce that they mix in a giant Parmesan wheel right at your table. It’s a must-try experience! Their menu is extensive offering a variety of meat and meat-free options for all occasions. Prices are above average, but for handmade pasta this good, it’s absolutely worth it and incomparable to similar establishments.

Very cute interior but the food and service could improve. The meat & cheese platter was excellent. The cousins pasta was flavorful but unfortunately cold. My server Vincent never checked on us and my boyfriend had to ask another server for coffee. Would have liked to order another wine and dessert but Vincent never asked or came over until I just asked for bill. When we paid he asked for gratuity before even saying thank you or checking again if he could bring anything. A little disappointed.

A truly memorable dinner experience — The Cousins Trattoria never disappoints. The warmth of the space, the energy of the staff, and the quality of the food make this spot an easy favourite in Cape Town. We started with the Caprese salad and lamb meatballs — both fresh, full of flavour, and beautifully plated. For my main, I had the famous Cousins Pasta (with tagliatelle instead of tagliolini), and it was every bit as indulgent and comforting as everyone says. We shared a few bottles of Ayama Chenin Blanc throughout the evening — crisp, balanced, and a perfect pairing. We ended off with a creamy tiramisu, a round of grappa, and a final drink to close what felt like the perfect dinner. It’s one of those rare places where the food, mood, and conversation all just flow. That said, I do think there’s a bit of room for refinement in two areas. The toilet facilities are tucked away through an awkward corridor that feels at odds with the curated charm of the main space — a more considered and cleaner design here would really elevate the overall experience. Also, while the newly expanded sections are welcome and help accommodate more guests, they don’t quite carry the same depth or character as the original restaurant. A few added layers — perhaps warm rugs, art, or more textured touches — would go a long way in making it feel as lived-in and inviting as the rest of the space. Still, none of this takes away from the heart and authenticity that make The Cousins so special. It’s a place I’ll keep coming back to — and happily recommending to anyone in search of an honest, delicious meal shared over good wine and better company.

Excellent Service combined with a nice location and awesome food. We had a pasta carbonara and Black pasta with seafood. For my Part the seafood pasta Was amazing. A lot of seafood and a nice little spiciness. Absolutely recommendable.