Fatto a Mano
Pasta made here
Tagliatelle and gnocchi are rolled in our kitchen. The ragu goes on slow in the morning and is still going at lunch, the way it should be.
La Nostra Storia
Our story
How a kitchen in Umbria ended up on the edge of the Knysna lagoon, and why everyone here is somehow related to the cook.
Perugia, 2011
She packed the recipes first
Fifteen years ago Silvana left Perugia, in the heart of Umbria, and made South Africa home, bringing with her a love of Italian food, family and the tradition of gathering around the table.
For Silvana, food has always been about more than what is on the plate. It is about long lunches, busy family tables, laughter, conversation and those special moments that somehow always seem to happen over a good meal.
After years of welcoming locals and visitors to our restaurant on Thesen Island, the time felt right to create something more personal. A place that reflects Silvana’s Italian roots, her family and the food she loves to share. And so Silvana’s Trattoria was born.
UmbriaWhere the recipes come from
A Casa
Less like simply going out for a meal, more like being welcomed into our home.
Silvana
In Famiglia
A family run restaurant, properly
At heart, Silvana’s is a family run restaurant. On any given day you might find Silvana welcoming you and showing you to your table, her sons helping out and waiting tables, or Warren behind the bar serving you a cold beer.
Everyone gets involved, and that family spirit is at the heart of what we do. We hope it makes Silvana’s feel less like simply going out for a meal and more like being welcomed into our home.
In Cucina
Italian technique, Knysna coastline
Dal Mare
Seafood off our coast
Wild oysters hand-picked along the coastline, mussels, prawns and hake. The lagoon is on our doorstep and the menu follows what it gives us.
Dal Forno
Pizza, thin and blistered
Dough proved slowly, stretched by hand, dressed simply. Mozzarella di bufala and Parma ham on Silvana’s own, nothing fussy on top.
Sull’Isola
Set on Thesen Island
Set on beautiful Thesen Island, Silvana’s is our little piece of Italy in Knysna, relaxed, welcoming and full of warmth. Whether you join us for a quick pizza, a bottle of wine with friends, a long family lunch or a special celebration, we want you to feel at home.
Come hungry. Stay awhile.
A Tavola
Your table is waiting
Pick a date, a time and how many of you there are. We will hold the table and see you on Thesen Island.
Book a table
Thesen Island, Knysna