A new ambassador of Italian taste on the African continent receives the highest recognition for authentic Italian gastronomy worldwide.
There is a place in the heart of Lusaka where the aroma of freshly baked pizza meets the flavours of Sardinia, where Italian tradition engages with Africa, and where every dish tells a story of passion, identity, and culture. That place is 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, the new gastronomic venture founded by Sardinian entrepreneur Mauro Sanna and led by chef Stefano Urru, which has today reached a historic milestone: it is the first restaurant in Africa to obtain the ITA0039 | 100% Italian Taste Certification by ASACERT, directly achieving the prestigious Platinum level, the highest recognition provided for by the protocol.
This result represents not only a success for the restaurant, but also a significant step forward in the promotion and protection of authentic Italian cuisine around the world.
The ITA0039 | 100% Italian Taste Certification by ASACERT is today one of the leading tools for enhancing authentic Italian dining worldwide. The protocol involves a rigorous verification process that examines several aspects of the gastronomic offering: from the use of ingredients of Italian origin to the fidelity of traditional recipes, from the composition of the wine list to the compliance of the products used, up to checks along the entire supply chain. Particular attention is also given to the restaurant’s ability to promote and disseminate Italian food and wine culture.
“The certification awarded to 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria confirms the attention of Italian restaurateurs abroad to the quality and authenticity of their offering,” says Fabrizio Capaccioli, CEO of ASACERT and creator of the ITA0039 protocol. “This important milestone is even more significant because it marks the first ITA0039 certification on the African continent, opening the way to new development opportunities for true Italian cuisine in this part of the world. We will continue to certify those who invest in Italy and contribute to spreading our country’s culture through gastronomy.”
The achievement of the Platinum level by 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria demonstrates how Italian cuisine, when presented with authenticity, expertise, and respect for tradition, continues to represent one of the most recognized and appreciated cultural symbols worldwide.
From Sardinia to Zambia: Mauro Sanna’s vision
“Today I live and work in Lusaka, Zambia, where for many years I have developed entrepreneurial projects in the fields of sports, hospitality, and import-export. I am originally from Cagliari, in Sardinia, a land I always carry with me and which represents a constant source of inspiration for my work and my cuisine,” says Mauro Sanna.
It is precisely from this deep connection to his roots that the 400° project was born.
“400° was created from the desire to bring an authentic Italian experience to Africa, without compromise. After many years spent in Zambia, I realized there was significant space for a truly Italian gastronomic offering—one capable of telling not only about food, but also about the culture, tradition, and hospitality of our country.”
The goal is clear: not simply to serve Italian dishes, but to become a cultural point of reference.
“400° does not aim to be just an Italian restaurant, but a true ambassador of Made in Italy in Zambia and worldwide. The ultimate goal is to expand the concept throughout Southern Africa.”
An authentic journey through Italian flavors
Located in Lusaka, 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria offers a culinary experience that embraces the excellence of Italian tradition: artisanal pizza, fresh pasta, focaccia, platters of cured meats and cheeses, selected meats, classic desserts, aperitifs, and a refined selection of Italian wines.
Special attention is given to the Sardinian origins of the founder and chef Stefano Urru, which are expressed in some of the restaurant’s most appreciated specialties.
“We offer authentic Italian cuisine with a strong Sardinian influence, using carefully selected ingredients and, whenever possible, imported directly from Italy. Great attention is also given to contemporary pizza, made with long-fermentation doughs and high-quality products.”
Among the restaurant’s signature creations stands out the “Okrizza,” a signature pizza that perfectly represents its philosophy.
“It is an original creation that combines Italian tradition with the enhancement of local ingredients. It is the perfect example of our approach: respect for tradition, creativity, and integration with the territory that hosts us.”
Alongside this offering, there are also dishes that tell the story of the most authentic Sardinia, such as pasta with bottarga and clams.
How to recognize a true Italian restaurant abroad
For travelers seeking an authentic Italian gastronomic experience, Mauro Sanna suggests looking beyond appearances.
“A true Italian restaurant is not recognized simply by its name or by the presence of pizza and pasta on the menu. One must evaluate the quality of the ingredients, respect for recipes, staff training, and the ability to convey Italian culture through every detail of the experience. The strength of Italian cuisine lies precisely in its authenticity: in its ability to transform a few excellent ingredients into a story of territory, tradition, emotion, and sharing.”
In this context, certifications such as ITA0039 represent a concrete tool to guide consumers and tourists in search of authenticity.
Three reasons to choose 400°
According to its founder, there are three reasons that make the 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria experience unique:
- Certified authenticity, thanks to the use of selected Italian ingredients and respect for Italian gastronomic tradition
- An immersive experience that takes guests on a journey through Italian and Sardinian culture, from hospitality to every detail of the service
- Passion and uncompromising quality, guiding every choice—from the selection of raw materials to the preparation of dishes
With the achievement of the Platinum level of the ITA0039 | 100% Italian Taste Certification by ASACERT, 400° Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria officially joins the ranks of excellence in international Italian dining, becoming the first certified restaurant in Africa and a new symbol of the ability of Made in Italy to speak to the world through the universal language of great cuisine.
