Jamie’s Italian

There is a new kid on the block in Melrose Arch and it goes by the name of Jamie’s Italian, Jamie being Jamie Oliver. This family bistro setup on the High Street is welcoming and serves up some seriously good Italian style food which I’m a huge fan. On arrival, I was curious as to how involved Jamie Oliver was with the set-up of this restaurant and being the nosey parker that I am I asked one of the managers. Turns out that Jamie Oliver himself and his team personally approved every single thing on the menu as well how the restaurant looks and feels. It’s all him, even down to the type of tomatoes they use in their sauces and the plates that they are served on.

The restaurant itself has different areas with varying atmospheres, I liked the deli section the most, loved all the hanging hams and garlic, felt like a real European cafe. There are other sections too which are a bit more sophisticated made up of leather and wood and I like how as you move around you get a different feeling from each corner of this place.

Seeing as Jamie’s is an Italian restaurant I felt like I had to try one of their homemade pastas and I’m so glad I went that route. I’m always on the look out for a really good Carbonara and I must say that the one I had was creamy and really tasty and the addition of sweet leeks with the crispy pancetta made me really happy! I went to lunch with my friend Adi and she ordered the Sirloin Tagliata with Wild Mushrooms, Slow Roasted Tomatoes, Pine Nuts and Truffle Oil and Parmesan Chips, this dish was also delicious but I think my pasta was better ha!

I’m a huge fan of having mains and dessert, but Adi and I thought we would go all out and share a couple of starters too, needless to say, we were properly stuffed afterward but it was well worth the waddle back to the car.

For starters, we tried their warm Garlic Buttermilk Buns with Parmesan and Rosemary. Wowzers these were good, filling but good! If you do order them, make sure you share because you get four in a portion. We also tried one of their famous meat planks. Imagine (or you can just look at my photo below) Pistachio Mortadella, Prosciutto and Schiacciata Piccante, Mini Buffalo Mozzarella, aged Pecorino, Chili Jam, Olives, Pickles and  Purple Slaw. This was also very tasty and a nice thing to once again share while you chat about important things like what the Kardashians are up to.

For dessert we had the warm Molten Chocolate Praline Pudding served with Salted Caramel Ice-cream and Chopped Nuts, need I say more? The answer is no.

I must be honest I have heard mixed reviews about Jamies Italian, but I had an awesome time filled with awesome food and I’ll definitely be back!

Address: Shop 00513, Building 13, High Street, Melrose Arch, Sandton

Phone number for bookings: 010 0074646