Scopa

Scopa is another part of the Bresolini empire, along with Il Casino, Zico, and Boulot. Run by more of the Bresolini sons, it’s on the corner of Ghuznee and Dixon Street.

Despite the glass walls and a (mild) winter’s day the cafe was comfortably warm; that’s an improvement in many Wellington cafes tat seem to regard heating as an optional extra. The seats are a delight, as well; again a point of difference from the many venues that seem to have either hired designers who think comfortable seats are a sign of aesthetic failure, or owners whose business plan involves finding chairs from a decomissioned school.

The staff were attentive without being cloying; they also seem to have the flipside of the Midnight Espresso vat, the bit that pumps out good, pleasant staff (I joiked many years ago, about the time I stopped going there, that Midnight seemed to have a vat they grew identical surley altrna-chicks in; said clones all sported sneers that told customers they were too cool to be working in cafes, and customers bore the brunt of the toxic personalities).

Bolognase on cibatta with sauteed potatoes and fried pancetta as extras was delicious; the pancetta was fried enough to be crisp, but not so much as to lose all flavour and juice. The potatos were perfect, neither fried to the point of being chips, or left undercooked and solid in the center. The bolognase itself was rich, with a wonderful smokey, almost tobacco, flavour.

Maire had pasta with West Coast wild boar, which was sweet and tasty.

Prices are reasonable—the full meals are at the top end of cafe prices, but given that the quality is better than many restaurants around town, they look like a bargain. The lunch menu is a very decent price—the bolognase on toast was $7.50, for example.

The only caveat is that the food takes longer to arrive than most cafes. On a relaxing Saturday this isn’t a problem. If you’re looking for a heat-and-eat experience, head elsewhere.

I plan on working my way through their menu.