Forti Grill and Bar, where Italian meets high-rise glamour

Multi award-winning restaurant for all occasions at the top of the Time Square Casino

With sweeping views from its enviable location, Forti Bar and Grill is perfectly positioned for spectacular meals to suit any occasion.

The menu has been painstakingly crafted by internationally acclaimed chef patron Fortunato Mazzone (or Forti, as he is affectionately known), using his years of experience, his insatiable love of food, and inspiration from his Italian heritage.

Mazzone is a Commandeur de Bordeaux, Chevalier of the Coteaux du Champagne, was the youngest member of the Academy of Chefs of the South African Chef Association when inducted, Vice-Echanson of The Ordre Mondial, and an officer of the Chaine des Rotisseurs gastronomic organisation.

The restaurant is Mazzone’s dream, and designed as the flagship restaurant at Time Square. It is the first restaurant in South Africa to carry his name; prior to this, Mazzone was the owner of multi award-winning Ristorante Ritrovo in Pretoria with his father, Giovanni Mazzone, for 23 years.

Forti Grill and Bar, which has its own string of awards and accolades, is upmarket with Italian flair and an emphasis on hospitality and exceptional food. It’s a place where every diner is made to feel at home, like family.

As much as private diners will discover this, Forti also caters for events and functions – Sun International VIP clientele, diplomats, high profile businessmen, and socialites.

With its contemporary decor and striking artwork, the atmosphere matches the food: classically inspired yet undoubtedly modern.

Pizzas and pastas are a given. Choose a starter from a wide selection, like Parma ham with melon, Insalata Tricolore with imported Italian buffalo mozzarella, avocado, tomato and basil; Parmigiana Di Melanzane – baked layered brinjals and parmesan with tomato; or Vitello Tonnato (flash-grilled veal with a tuna and caper sauce). For sharing, the antipasto platter is ideal.

Main course options include fish (the delightfully named Prawns Of My Father Giovanni, roasted in the oven with Champagne, garlic and tomato sauce, served with creamy parmesan rice), poultry, veal, and meat such as porchetta, a slow-roasted crispy roll of pork belly, Roman style.

You simply cannot pass up on a tiramisu for dessert.

Reviewing this week ((SUBS 11/08)) on Dineplan, a diner wrote: "My boyfriend and I came here for our first anniversary since our first date was at Forti too. The staff were absolutely amazing in terms of friendliness, professionalism and their extensive knowledge of the wines and dishes.

“I had the lumaconi pasta and my boyfriend had the wagyu burger – PHENOMENAL! When we asked for our bill, our waiter brought out a complimentary dessert platter with ‘Happy Anniversary' written on it and Forti himself came to wish us many more years together. Thank you for the super special experience, my boyfriend and I are already planning on when we're coming back!”

For the curious, the Lumaconi is pasta shells stuffed with beef, mushroom, oven roasted, and served with creamy rosé sauce, mozzarella and parmesan.

“Life should never be static or boring, and you can taste the passion and happiness in my food!” says Mazzone.

With two private dining areas, the options are many, whether it’s a celebration, business meeting or a simple private gathering. There is an outdoor terrace featuring screened off pergolas with private tables, outdoor tables, communal seating at raised tables and lounge seating for those who just want to relax. This is one of the most exclusive rooftop terraces in South Africa, offering the Italian dining under the stars.

Forti Grill and Bar has an extensive wine, spirit and gin selection to please even the most discerning connoisseur's desires, from the top South African wineries to exclusive international vineyards. For the guests who enjoy a quality cigar, there's a fully stocked humidor with cigars from some of the top brands across the world.

“Whenever you visit Forti Grill & Bar, we'll make sure you feel like you're part of the family,” promises Mazzone.

Forti Grill & Bar, top floor, Time Square Casino, Shop G03, Time Square, 209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn. Trading hours: Sundays-Thursdays 11h45-22h00, Fridays and Saturdays 11h45-00h00. Call + 27 (0)12 003 6180 or +27 (0)76 260 3025, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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