A widely popular concept in Italy, Scugnizzi co-owners Carmine Guarino (currently head chef of Beccofino in Teneriffe) and Simone Presta (one of three co-owners of Doughcraft in Albion) saw a huge gap in Brisbane’s market for exceptional Italian eats that are affordable and delivered fast, without sacrificing quality. Occupying the neighbouring space to Noosa Chocolate Factory on Adelaide Street, Scugnizzi, a word in the Neapolitan dialect used to refer to rebellious streetwise youths and their playful energy, is now serving pizza by the slice, house-made pasta (made to order), fresh pastries and more, all from a cosy hole-in-the-wall site that screams authentic Italian spirit. The space, while small, certainly packs a punch with yellow and red pops of colour, lively music and theatrical chefs adding to Scugnizzi’s upbeat atmosphere. Hungry customers can choose to grab-and-go, or enjoy a meal while watching Scugnizzi’s masterful pizza and pasta makers perfect their craft in the cosy ten-seater dining area. Citing Rome’s iconic and influential pizza-by-the-slice specialist Bonci Pizzarium as the inspirational foundation for their own endeavour, Scugnizzi’s mouth-watering menu encompasses seven kinds of square-cut tray pizzas (plus a special flavour), nine kinds of pasta, a clutch of snacks like golden arancini and truffle fries, and fresh Doughcraft pastries and coffee in the morning. The succinct, but punchy menu includes the likes of gnocchi with slow-cooked duck ragu and porcini cream, traditional carbonara, Genovese with slow-cooked beef and onion ragu, and tagliatelle with prawns, cherry tomatoes and lemon zest. Upon visiting Scugnizzi you can expect a display cabinet chock-full of freshly-made pizzas including Salamina with mozarella, mild salami, olives and stracciatella, a truffle and pancetta pizza with provola and mushrooms, and the capricciosa with mozzarella, tomato, ham, artichokes and olives. Sweet tooths can indulge in a decadent dolci on the go including a classic tiramisu or pistachio cheesecake with pistachio cream sourced from Italy.