Authentic, artisanal and accessible? Well, Hello Tomato!
A concept conceived in Italy, inspired by New York and born in Johannesburg.
Image Courtesy Hello Tomato
A unique brand specialising in authentic Italian pizza and pasta, that South Africans have been waiting for and welcome with open arms – Hello Tomato. Launched in November 2015 John Khoury and Gerry Thomas of John and Gerry's brands created Hello Tomato to revolutionise the fast-casual dining experience in South Africa. Drawing on elements of authentic modern Italian eating. Hello Tomato is affordable and unpretentious as it is their consideration that artisanal, carefully crafted dining doesn't have to be designated a ‘special treat'.
Fresh ingredients are key to the Hello Tomato experience, made-to-order pasta and thin crust pizza make sure restaurant quality food is accessible to more South Africans.
"We follow a policy of fresh ingredients, made to order, by hand", says John Khoury, MD of Hello Tomato.
"Our mantra is to make authentic pizza and pasta, following age-old Italian methods. With an authentically Italian base product, we then add a very modern and uniquely South African appeal in the form of our toppings and creative combinations", adds Khoury.
The menu is continually updated with the bottom four sellers in each section being replaced with new items.
Having most recently launched an all-new menu Hello Tomato which will have fans overjoyed by what's on offer. The menu simply ignites even the fussiest food lover's tastes with an array of dishes including; cheesy pizzas, comforting pasta, generous pasta bakes, flavourful chicken dishes and crispy fresh salads.
This menu itself is a true reflection of Hello Tomato's creative energy. With pizzas like the Ciao Sausage, which is a typical tomato base with mozzarella cheese topped with authentic Italian salsiccia, roasted red pepper, caramelized onion and smoked mozzarella cheese. The Holy Shiitake, a pizza topped with exotic mushrooms, sundried tomato, artichokes, olive paste, rocket and balsamic glaze. Pasta's include dishes like the Chick Norris, a chicken pasta dish with baby marrows, chilli flakes, garlic cream and parmesan cheese.
Hello Tomato is also ready to satisfy event the carb-conscious individual with a craving for Italian decadence with their gluten-free and banting friendly options and the veggie-lovers can veg out with the various vegetarian options.
For those with a sweet tooth, for the first time in South Africa, Hello Tomato exclusively introduce frozen custard, a dense, rich and creamy taste experience, choose to swirl things up with the selections of frozen custard concretes, with chunky mix-ins of Oreo cookies, flaked chocolate, banana or peanut brittle blended with a decadent fudge, chocolate hazelnut, Tiramisu or caramel infused sauce. Take your pick! Alternatively, those looking for an additional sweet treat can select one of the hand spun double thick shakes of sinful flavours including; caramel fudge, peanut butter, strawberry, chocolate, coffee, bubblegum and a classic vanilla.
In true Italian style Hello Tomato shares in the culture of eating together, providing a ‘standard' size option just for you or a hearty ‘company' option that serves 2 – 4 people so, feel free to size ‘em up!
Visit your nearest Hello Tomato to dig into fresh Italian-inspired food, situated in three locations – Riverside Shopping Centre, Mall of Africa and Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre.
