Scala Lane

Scala Lane, the Italian pasta bar hiding in a Wynyard laneway

Half the fun of Scala Lane is finding it. This intimate Italian wine and pasta bar is tucked away in Wynyard Lane in the heart of the Sydney CBD. With just 45 seats and a dimly lit, cosy vibe, it's very easy to fall for.

The menu is deliberately small: pasta dishes include a prawn linguine, pappardelle al ragu with slow-cooked meat, a seasonal risotto, and gnocchi. There's a handful of small plates that punch above their weight. Focaccia is baked in-house every morning and arrives warm. Zucchini flowers come stuffed with ricotta and fried crisp. From there, the menu moves through to market fish and Wagyu before finishing with tiramisu (of course).

The wine list is strong and well-considered, and the service is warm and personalised, making an intimate room feel as if it were set up just for you. Scala Lane is the perfect spot for either a date night or a client lunch when you want to impress without being obvious.