Italian lessons

There's a lot of Italian cuisine in Wellington. But, believe it or not, finding an Italian restaurant with a range of tasty gluten-free options has been a bit tricky for us. 

Over time we have learnt that one restaurant has everything we are looking for.

Scopa Caffe Cucina - where authentic, exceptional Italian cuisine meets trendy Wellington style.

Senza glutine - adj. gluten-free

Of all the cuisines I have tried while gluten free, Italian has been the most problematic. 

Even though restaurants are now offering more "gluten-free" options, I have had some very severe gluten symptoms on a number of occasions. There are a couple of restaurants in Wellington that I avoid for this reason. (I won't name them here because I can't prove that they did anything wrong but if you are worried, send me an email.)

Things to look out for when eating Italian: 

• It's not enough for the pizza base to be gluten free. It has to be prepared away from where the gluten dough is being rolled. 
• Similarly, pasta MUST be boiled in different water (it seems simple, but I believe this is where I have run into trouble in the past so it's an important one to watch for). 
• Pizza toppings can be a problem, especially sauces (along with meats and other items). Always check.  
• Risotto might seem like an easy option (it's just rice, right?), but watch out for stocks thickened with wheat flour. 

There are only a few Italian restaurants that we trust and Scopa is one of them. 

Opzioni - n. pl. options, choices

But what sets Scopa apart is the range of gluten-free options.

A lot of places do gluten-free pizza or pasta - but not both. Scopa do both exceptionally, along with lots of delicious extras.

(The only thing missing is fresh gluten-free pasta. If anyone knows of an Italian restaurant that serves fresh gluten-free fettuccine, please tell me. It would make my life!)

Gustoso - adj. tasty

Scopa offers exceptional traditional dishes with exciting flavours and a modern edge. 

There's a range of light, delicious pizzas in classic and indulgent flavours. Drizzle some chilli oil over your pizza for an extra vibrant taste sensation (it's not too spicy - promise).  

Pappardelle, pizza of the day, and roasted potatoes with herb salt and aioli.

There's scrumptious pasta, of course. We like the pappardelle - gluten-free pasta with mushrooms, chevre (goat's cheese), and spinach and walnut pesto.

And tasty sides, including crispy, perfectly-seasoned roasted potatoes with tasty herb salt and creamy aioli. 

Check out how crispy those spuds are!

And don't forget dessert!

We can't go past the Scopa classic: real Italian hot chocolate. It's basically melted chocolate on a spoon - only much more dignified. This rich, creamy delight is what dreams are made of. 

The waiter accidentally gave us the large size. It defeated us.

Delizioso! 

Try Scopa - because tasty gluten-free options should never be hard to find.

Note: Since writing this review, I have also discovered that Scopa is also great for people on a low-FODMAP diet - their pizza sauce doesn't contain onion or garlic! Try a gluten-free margherita pizza, roast potatoes (no aioli), and a glass of Pencarrow chardonnay for a great low-FODMAP dinner option. Delicious!