Scala Lane

Scala Lane is an intimate Italian wine and pasta bar in a Wynyard laneway. Sexy, modern, and dimly lit, this 45-seater is the perfect place for a cosy date night out. 

The menu—curated by ex-Shellhouse, ex-Georgie Wine Bar alum, Gil Ghidalia and his team—is small but mighty, featuring just three pasta dishes and a risotto number that’s updated based on what’s in season. Drawing on Chef Ghidalia’s Italian background, the food menu is both familiar and different.

Among the smaller bites, you’ll find fluffy focaccia baked in-house every morning and crisp zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta.

On the more substantial side of things, expect Italian classics, and dishes that integrate French elements, such as the market fish, which comes pan-fried in a pool of beurre-blanc-inspired sauce (a nod to Ghidalia’s time working in various Michelin-Starred restaurants in Paris).

Other standouts on the menu include the prawn linguine. Made from prawn shells, chilli and other aromatics, the bisque has some serious kick. Spicy, creamy and full of depth, you won’t want to share this one.

While these dishes are constantly evolving based on seasonality, Ghidalia’s tagliatelle ragu with slow-cooked beef and his Google-Review-famous tiramisu—which uses his grandmother’s recipe and is served tableside—are permanent fixtures. One bite of each and it’s easy to see why. 

Like the food, the wine menu is considered. Opt for an Italian tipple like a Chianti or pinot grigio from Friuli, or spruce things up with the signature limoncello spritz with raspberry.

The team also offers $15 takeaway pastas or risotto during the lunch rush each week. Whether you’re zipping in for a pasta, pronto or settling in to people-watch the characters coming out of Shellhouse next door, Scala Lane is the ideal vantage point.

As the space is small, we recommend booking in advance.

Image credit: Scala Lane | Supplied

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