REVIEW: Ti Amo, Cupar

Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to cook an evening meal before heading out for a drink with the girls.

And sometimes the will to cook just isn’t there – but the hunger is.

Well, hidden up a close in Cupar is the answer to both of these requirements for food.

Ti Amo is an Italian wine bar offering a great range of drinks and a small, but perfectly formed, menu.

On these dark nights a walk up the wee close off the Bonnygate is like a step into fairyland, with coloured lights projected around the walls and pavement.

Then a step into the warming, welcoming Ti Amo brings you into a sparkling bar area with high stools for those who like to prop up the bar.

But a couple of steps down takes you into a comfortable lounge area.

Squishy sofas, for lounging in with a glass of something, sit alongside informal eating areas, comfortable enough to linger in even after the food has gone.

The menu focuses on pizza, from the basic Margherita to the stylish Il Manzo featuring rump steak, jalapeños and mozzarella.

There’s even a sweet offering with the pizza base smothered with nutella, chopped nuts and strawberries.

On my last visit I opted for the Prosciutto – Italian ham with mozzarella and pesto.

I like my pizza bases thin, and this did not disappoint, nor the did generous topping of high quality ingredients.

It was a real taste of Italy on a plate!

My companion and I were not of sufficiently generous spirits to share our pizzas, but the speed with which he demolished his Verdure –caramelised red onions, peppers, mushrooms and artichoke hearts – it must have been every bit as good as the one I enjoyed.

Service in the bar is good – our waiter had us summed up pretty quickly (and correctly) when he offered the wine list and suggested that a bottle would be in order.

He was attentive without being intrusive, and still managed to keep our glasses topped up.

It was a mid-week evening, and we tarried at our table long after the pizzas had been devoured, savouring our excellent bottle of white.

The wine bar was quiet, so there was no pressure on us to move – and I didn’t feel there would have been however busy the bar was.

I enjoy my occasional visits here, and could easily become a regular, if only to eat my way through the pizza menu, even daring to try the sweet option.

Next up for me? The ‘hot!’ Calabrian – spicy Italian, ’nduja sausage, peppers and mozzarella.

The menu also features ‘planks’ of charcuterie or cheese, nachos – all available as sharing dishes – and a day time menu featuring salads and foccacia options.

And a warning – those pizzas are also available to take away.

Menu details:

Pizza

Margherita – mozzarella, olive oil, tomato

Frutti di Mare – prawns, smoked salmon and anchovies

Pollo all’Aglio – garlic butter base, chicken, spinach and mozzarella

Verdure – caramelised red onions, peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts

Prosciutto – Italian ham with mozzarella and pesto

Calabrian – spicy Italian ‘nduja sausage, peppers and mozzarella

Al Funghi – sautéed mushroom and mozzarella

Garlic – freshly cooked pizza dough with garlic butter

Caraibico – freshly cut pineapple with ham and mozzarella

Il Manzo –sautéed strips of rump steak, jalapeños and mozzarella

Nutella – pizza smothered with nutella, chopped nuts and strawberries

Soup of the Day

Charcuterie Plank

Cheese Plank

Olives and Breads

Nachos

From Noon-5pm

Salads – tomato, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil or Chicken Caesar

Foccacia – served with a choice of toppings