Meet the Heart Behind Ragazzi

Welcome to Ragazzi, where passion meets culinary artistry. At the heart of Ragazzi is our Executive Chef, a visionary with over 20 years of experience, both in South Africa and internationally. His journey through the culinary world has been one of innovation, excellence, and dedication to creating extraordinary dining experiences.

Ragazzi

A Legacy of Excellence

Our Vision

Ragazzi is a testament to Clinton’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with precision and passion. Conceptualized and built from the ground up, Ragazzi is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. With a relentless focus on quality, our team ensures that every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and excellence.

The restaurant has quickly earned its place among South Africa’s best.

Meet The Head Chef

Clinton Drake

Our Executive Chef’s career spans some of the finest kitchens in the world, including Michelin-starred establishments such as Le Moulin de Mougins, Le Maison Troisgros, and The French Laundry. Recognized for his exceptional talent, he has been nominated for Relais & Gourmand (Michelin 2-star equivalent) and awarded the Relais & Chateau Rising Chef Trophy.

From hosting BBC Celebrity Master Chef to being featured in Getaway Magazine and Conde Nast, his influence extends far beyond the kitchen.

With a career spanning luxury resorts like Nihi Sumba in Indonesia (voted Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure) and Miavana in Madagascar, our chef brings a world of flavors to Ragazzi. His expertise in sourcing the freshest ingredients, pioneering cost-control measures, and leading high-performing teams ensures that every aspect of the dining experience is unparalleled.

Our chef’s commitment goes beyond the kitchen. From establishing a Community Chef School that continues to thrive since 2005, to creating a community crab farm in Madagascar, he embodies a spirit of giving back. This ethos inspires Ragazzi’s dedication to sustainability and supporting local suppliers.

Join Us

At Ragazzi, every meal is a celebration of flavor, heritage, and creativity. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, we promise to deliver an unforgettable culinary journey.

Visit us and experience Ragazzi—a slice of Italy in the heart of South Africa.

Experience Ragazzi

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