Experience 4.5-star Italian fine dining in Johannesburg. Discover exquisite dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table today!
Nestled in the heart of Bryanston, this esteemed Italian establishment offers a refined dining experience that consistently earns high praise. With an impressive 4.5-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews, it's clear diners appreciate the quality and service provided. The ambiance strikes a sophisticated yet welcoming note, making it an ideal spot for various occasions, from intimate dinners to larger gatherings. Patrons often highlight the exceptional quality of the cuisine, with dishes like the braised beef short rib frequently cited as a standout. The availability of cocktails and outdoor seating further enhances the appeal, creating a well-rounded culinary destination for those seeking authentic Italian flavors in Johannesburg.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
I was not too impressed by Gemelli’s. With a whole restaurant practically empty, they put my wife and me right between two other tables that were very noisy and annoying. Why they had to cram us there when 90% of the restaurant was empty only they will know. The waitress was new and inexperienced. Normally I don’t mind that at all, but it just added to an already bad start. I had the Chef’s special braised beef short rib. The short rib was absolutely divine, so soft the bone just slid out, succulent, and served with a jus packed with flavour. The only disappointing part was the very random truffle flavour in my mash. It definitely didn’t suit the meal, and it 100% didn’t suit me because I can’t stand the taste of truffle. To me, it tastes exactly how LP gas smells. (Go sniff a Cadac gas bottle and you’ll know what I taste when I taste truffle.) That took my meal from an easy 5 to a 3. I always clean my plate at restaurants, and I sent most of that mash back. My wife had the pork belly. It’s braised for 12 hours, glazed with soy and honey, and served with potato purée. The veggies are Japanese Pak choi and carrots. It comes with three dipping sauces: sesame mayo, beurre blanc, and toasted peanuts. I had a taste, and the meat with the sauces was absolutely delicious. The pork was cooked through but still super soft and juicy. Unfortunately, my wife said the same thing as I did: truffle mash does not belong in an Asian dish. She actually loves truffle (flavour), but even she said it didn’t complement the dish at all. The signature almond cheesecake was pretty good. The description reads: Baked Almond Cheesecake, 1701 Almond Nougat, Cranberry, Meringue Biscuit Crumb, Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream. As nice as the cheesecake was, I didn’t taste cranberry or almond nougat at all. Yes, there were actual almond pieces on it, but not almond nougat. My ice cream definitely wasn’t caramel popcorn flavoured, in fact, it tasted more like it had Disaronno (almond liqueur) in it. I enjoyed the cheesecake, but I would have liked to get what I ordered. It’s safe to say I had very high expectations and was rather disappointed. The place was amazing and cozy, gotta go up the stairs when you arrive and you’ll be met by the receptionist and waitresses upon entering. I set a reservation cause well it’s always easier that way lol. the atmosphere was amazing and food too, they’ll tell you their specials but you are free to choose as you wish. They will check on you constantly in case you want to change something. Also if you want a special message for your date you can organize with them too. I went during brunch hours wasn’t packed at all but still was lively. The menu is moderately priced. I recommend checking their website before you go. One of the best restaurants I’ll always recommend. The aesthetics 10/10, live band 10/10 Food 9/10 Mocktails 9/10. I must say their staff is amazing. It’s always safe to book a table if you want to have some drinks at their phirinyane bar to avoid disappointment but overall I’m so happy.
Find the Restaurant
13 Posthouse, Link Centre Cnr, Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
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November 14, 2025
I was not too impressed by Gemelli’s. With a whole restaurant practically empty, they put my wife and me right between two other tables that were very noisy and annoying. Why they had to cram us there when 90% of the restaurant was empty only they will know. The waitress was new and inexperienced. Normally I don’t mind that at all, but it just added to an already bad start. I had the Chef’s special braised beef short rib. The short rib was absolutely divine, so soft the bone just slid out, succulent, and served with a jus packed with flavour. The only disappointing part was the very random truffle flavour in my mash. It definitely didn’t suit the meal, and it 100% didn’t suit me because I can’t stand the taste of truffle. To me, it tastes exactly how LP gas smells. (Go sniff a Cadac gas bottle and you’ll know what I taste when I taste truffle.) That took my meal from an easy 5 to a 3. I always clean my plate at restaurants, and I sent most of that mash back. My wife had the pork belly. It’s braised for 12 hours, glazed with soy and honey, and served with potato purée. The veggies are Japanese Pak choi and carrots. It comes with three dipping sauces: sesame mayo, beurre blanc, and toasted peanuts. I had a taste, and the meat with the sauces was absolutely delicious. The pork was cooked through but still super soft and juicy. Unfortunately, my wife said the same thing as I did: truffle mash does not belong in an Asian dish. She actually loves truffle (flavour), but even she said it didn’t complement the dish at all. The signature almond cheesecake was pretty good. The description reads: Baked Almond Cheesecake, 1701 Almond Nougat, Cranberry, Meringue Biscuit Crumb, Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream. As nice as the cheesecake was, I didn’t taste cranberry or almond nougat at all. Yes, there were actual almond pieces on it, but not almond nougat. My ice cream definitely wasn’t caramel popcorn flavoured, in fact, it tasted more like it had Disaronno (almond liqueur) in it. I enjoyed the cheesecake, but I would have liked to get what I ordered. It’s safe to say I had very high expectations and was rather disappointed.
November 18, 2025
The place was amazing and cozy, gotta go up the stairs when you arrive and you’ll be met by the receptionist and waitresses upon entering. I set a reservation cause well it’s always easier that way lol. the atmosphere was amazing and food too, they’ll tell you their specials but you are free to choose as you wish. They will check on you constantly in case you want to change something. Also if you want a special message for your date you can organize with them too. I went during brunch hours wasn’t packed at all but still was lively. The menu is moderately priced. I recommend checking their website before you go.
October 28, 2025
One of the best restaurants I’ll always recommend. The aesthetics 10/10, live band 10/10 Food 9/10 Mocktails 9/10. I must say their staff is amazing. It’s always safe to book a table if you want to have some drinks at their phirinyane bar to avoid disappointment but overall I’m so happy.
August 13, 2025
Food was amazing. The pasta 😋. The recommendations and service from Mondli.. stunning! Sassan you’re indeed the best. Effort thank you for being of good service. Thabani, you’re amazing and keep up the good positivity. Loved the ambiance. One waiter who was kind of rude and didn’t get his name. We were organising a top and he was so rude and went on to demand a tip as if we weren’t going to 🤷♀️ . He was even sulking. I’ll definitely call again 😉 . There was no better experience I would have chosen on women’s day. Bravo guys ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.ben fatto e sicuramente chiamerò di nuovo
July 10, 2025
The food was so good and just to die for and the service was amazing. They had virgin drinks for us teenagers and really accommodated for such a big party (14 people) and it is such a beautiful place to take aesthetic pictures in
Features and amenities that make Gemelli special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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