Nestled in a stylish corner of the city of Cape Town, Scala Pasta/Bar invites guests into a warm and intimate atmosphere where soft mood lighting and tasteful décor create the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening or a refined night out. The space balances sophistication with comfort, setting the tone for an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the General Manager and the Executive Chef, both of whom added a personal touch to the evening with their passion and enthusiasm. The attentive staff ensured our every need was met, adding a gracious and polished touch to the experience.
Our evening began with a delicate amuse-bouche – a crispy mac & cheese ball served with a luxurious truffle sauce. This comforting yet indulgent starter was a perfect prelude to the meal ahead, teasing the palate with its rich flavours.
Given the choice between the Summer Set menu and the à la carte, we selected the latter to fully explore some of Scala’s signature dishes. To start, the Summer Burrata Salad arrived, a harmonious medley of creamy burrata, grilled peaches, salty prosciutto, balsamic onions, crunchy croutons, and peppery wild rocket. The sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh elements danced beautifully together, each bite a carefully balanced composition.
For mains, we indulged in two standout pastas. The first was the Signature Carbonara, crafted under the guidance of Luciano Monosilio, the acclaimed King of Carbonara in Italy, who consults for Scala. His rendition honoured Roman tradition with a rich, glossy sauce that clung perfectly to the pasta, complemented by crisp guanciale.
The second was the Fettuccine Marina, featuring tender prawns, mussels, and a bright crudo relish. This dish offered a refreshing contrast, with the seafood’s natural sweetness and briny notes perfectly balanced by the zing of citrus in the relish.
As with all the pasta at Scala, both dishes were made entirely in-house and cooked to a perfect al dente.
Dessert was a celebration of textures and flavours, beginning with the Millefoglie. Sandwiched between layers of crisp pastry were silky vanilla and dark chocolate custards, crowned with candied almonds for a satisfying crunch. Our final treat was the visually stunning Scala Egg, a vanilla bean mousse encased in a glossy white chocolate glaze, paired with a vibrant caramel and passionfruit coulis that cut through the sweetness with tropical brightness.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtfully suggested by the attentive wait staff who happily tailored each drink to our preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
Scala Pasta/Bar is much more than a dining venue; it is a refined culinary journey where atmosphere, service, and expertly executed Italian cuisine come together in perfect harmony.
We left feeling truly inspired and eager to return.
Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Jade van Niekerk
To book your dining experience at Scala Pasta/Bar, visit dineplan: dineplan.com/restaurants/scala-pasta-bar
