14 Nov Scopa Italian Roots Sets its Roots in Venice

The team behind one of my favorite Valley spots, Black Market Liquor Bar, has come to the Westside with Scopa Italian Roots. Located in a former Szechwan Chinese restaurant space on Washington Blvd near Abbott Kinney, and next door to Sunny Spot, Scopa Italian Roots offers traditional home-cooked Italian food, inspired by Chef Antonia Lafaso’s upbringing.   Steve Livigni, Pablo Moix and Antonia Lafaso have been busily working on this new project for months. At an event this summer, they were serving drinks under the name Old Lightening which is the name of the bar that is opening adjacent to Scopa in the coming weeks. The 3500 sq. foot space is vast but inviting. The low lighting creates a warm sensation as you gaze upon the floor to ceiling back-bar filled with backlit bottles. We got a sneak visit this past week before the restaurant opened and can’t wait to go back.    The cocktails, made with simple ingredients, are an ode to Los Angeles with names like Westside, Mary Astor and Bullocks Wilshire. We tried the Alpine Apple (rye gin, applejack, apple, lemon, canne sirup), the Westside (vodka, cucumber, mint, orgeat, lime bitters), and the Bees Pick-Me-Up (cognac, lemon, honey). With 16 cocktails on the menu, there are many more to try on the next visit! From fresh oysters to olives and fried cauliflower, the menu is focused on small plates and is a combination of Italian home-style with a California influence. Dishes like the home-made pastas and crostini are heartier but the portions are the perfect size. The standout is the Italian meat ball hero – made with all beef meatballs, topped with burrata and served on a crusty Rockenwagner roll.  For dessert, the Italian cookie plate includes traditional cookies like the Italian rainbow cookies, Pignoli and biscotti. Scopa Italian Roots 2905 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey 310-821-1100