Many of us were saddened when Tasi Cafe closed earlier this year, but the space won’t be empty for long. The owners of Pelino’s Pasta in Victorian Village and Piazza Pelino (who took over the nearby Piece of Cake store) have added a third component to their business: Caffe Pelino!
Anyone who was familiar with Tasi will find a familiar vibe at Caffe Pelino. The seats are slightly adjusted, but you still order at the counter and grab a number. There are a few larger tables, but mostly with two tops, including on the former parking spaces turned patio out front.
I started with cafe al bancoshot of espresso taken at the counter. Beth recounted this experience in Italy many years ago, watching Italians order a quick one- or two-cup breakfast at the counter. It’s a fun experience. Both the coffee itself and all the ceramics are sourced directly from Italy.
We ordered a small breakfast, two cappuccinos and a slice of limoncello cake for our meal.
The cappuccino They are served in colorful ceramic dishes with lids.
The toasted carbonara is homemade focaccia topped with soft scrambled eggs, sliced guanciale (pork cheek) and pecorino romano cream.
The heirloom tomato toast uses the same focaccia and tops it with whipped goat cheese, chopped tomatoes, arugula and fennel agrodulce.
The breakfast menu is rounded out with French toast, salmon pancake, braised duck sandwich, soft biscuit and monte cristo.
We enjoyed the piece limoncello cake as well. Very rich and moist!
Caffe Pelino is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
Cafe Pelino
680 N. Pearl St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 446-2181
Website: caffepelino.com
IG: @caffepelino