Authentic Neapolitan restaurant Settebello has officially been named the winner of 947’s ‘Best Pizza in Joburg’ search, following a city-wide hunt led by the station’s breakfast show Anele and the Club in partnership with Old Mutual Insure.
Hosted by Anele Mgudlwa, Frankie du Toit, Thembekile Mrototo and Cindy Poluta, the station’s popular breakfast show has built a reputation for uncovering Johannesburg’s best food destinations, previously searching for the city’s best wings, chocolate cake, ribs, biltong, samoosas, burgers and cheesecake. This time, the team set out to find Johannesburg’s ultimate pizza, tasting recommendations from listeners across the city before crowning Settebello the winner.
“To be recognised as serving the best pizza in Johannesburg is an incredible honour,” says Pino Di Benedetto, co-owner of Settebello. “Johannesburg has an outstanding food culture, so to receive this recognition from 947’s listeners and the Anele and the Club team means the world to us. We’ve always believed that authenticity speaks for itself. We don’t chase trends or take shortcuts. We simply focus on making genuine Neapolitan pizza the way it has been made for generations.”
Since opening its doors seven years ago, Settebello has remained committed to preserving the traditions of Naples, using premium Italian ingredients including Caputo flour, Ciao tomatoes and mozzarella from Puglia Cheese. Every pizza is hand-stretched, slow-fermented to develop flavour naturally and baked at high temperatures in the traditional Neapolitan style.
“Our philosophy has always been simple: respect the ingredients, respect the process and respect the centuries-old traditions behind true Neapolitan pizza,” adds co-owner Ramiro ‘Miro’ Marques. “Every pizza that leaves our kitchen reflects countless hours of preparation and the passion of an incredible team. This award belongs just as much to our chefs, pizzaiolos, waiters and kitchen staff as it does to us. They’re the reason guests return time and time again.”
“We’re fortunate to be part of a city that is home to so many outstanding pizzerias,” says Di Benedetto. “Being recognised alongside such talented operators is an achievement in itself. Healthy competition pushes all of us to raise the standard, and that’s ultimately a win for everyone who loves great pizza.”
The timing of the award carries added significance for the restaurant, coinciding with celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of SSC Napoli, the iconic football club from the city widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza.
“For us, Naples is much more than where pizza was born,” Marques says. “It’s our inspiration, our heritage and the heart of everything we do. To receive this recognition while Naples celebrates such an important milestone makes the moment even more meaningful.”
While Settebello may now officially hold the title of Johannesburg’s best pizza, the team says the accolade is far from the finish line.
“This award reminds us that authenticity still matters,” concludes Di Benedetto. “It’s a responsibility as much as it is a celebration, and it inspires us to continue honouring the traditions that have guided us from day one while sharing a little piece of Naples with every guest who walks through our doors.”
On the back of this exciting win, Settebello extends its thanks to 947, Anele and the Club, Old Mutual Insure, the judges, fellow finalists and the many listeners who voted for and recommended the restaurant. The team also pays tribute to the staff, suppliers, families and customers who have supported the restaurant since its opening.
947’s listeners have made one thing incredibly clear this week: when it comes to authentic Neapolitan pizza, Settebello has earned its place at the top.
For more information about Settebello, please visit www.settebello.co.za and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
