Many of us were saddened when Tasi Cafe closed earlier this year, but the space hasn’t been empty for long. The owners of Pelino’s Pasta in Victorian Village and Piazza Pelino (which took over the old Piece of Cake storefront close by) have added a third component to their businesses: Caffe Pelino!
Anyone who was readily familiar with Tasi will find a familiar vibe at Caffe Pelino. The seating is slightly adjusted, but you still order at the counter and grab a number. There are a couple larger tables but mostly two-tops, including on the former-parking-spots-turned-patio out front.
I started with the caffe al banco, a shot of espresso taken at the counter. Beth talked about that experience in Italy many years ago, watching Italians order a quick breakfast of one or two shots at the counter. It’s a fun experience. Both the coffee itself and all the ceramics are sourced directly from Italy.
We ordered a little breakfast, a couple cappuccinos, and a slice of limoncello cake for our meal.
The cappuccinos are served in colorful ceramic-ware with lids.
The carbonara toast is house-made focaccia topped with soft scrambled eggs, sliced of guanciale (pork cheek), and a pecorino romano crema.
The heirloom tomato toast uses the same focaccia and tops it with whipped goat cheese, sliced heirloom tomatoes, arugula, and agrodulce fennel.
The breakfast menu is rounded out with French toast, a salmon pancake, a sandwich with braised duck, a biscuit soft scramble, and a monte cristo.
We enjoyed the slice of limoncello cake as well. Very rich and moist!
Caffe Pelino is currently open Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Caffe Pelino
680 N. Pearl St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 446-2181
Web: caffepelino.com
IG: @caffepelino
