Scopa Italian Roots - Marina del Rey

Came here as a family of three for Valentines Dinner. Had a reservation for 6pm on the patio. Great ambiance with heaters in a high ceiling tent. You can hear the traffic on Washington Blvd but it’s not too distracting. Service was great from start to finish as expected for a high end place. Very friendly but not stuffy. Our waitress made great suggestions. We told her we wanted to eat family style and share. Started with a Negroni Bianco, Martini and a lemonade. Shared three appetizers that were all outstanding: Amberjack crudo $17) Burrata and beets $19) Rice ball $20) Then split two pastas: Lasagna $27) Pappardelle $27) Main was the 24 oz. T-Bone at $70 was a splurge but incredible. Added in a great Sardinian wine and the desserts of gelato, panna cotta and zeppolle. Expensive coming in at just over $300 before tax and tip but worth it for the great experience, service and food. Valet parking is a must due to lack of street parking for $11 before tip.

Amazing food at Scopa Italian Roots restaurant this week. Hidden away in the streets of Venice with no signage, you might miss this Italian treasure if you're not in the know. My appetizers included Amberjack Crudo with farmer’s market cherry tomatoes, mixed olives, hearts on fire, basil oil, pickled shallots, the Fried Calamari with squid ink and lemon, and Crispy Squash Blossoms stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, tomato and chili. The appetizers were all phenomenal. I started with the Amberjack which had the most attractive presentation. It was cool, light and refreshing and the touch of olive was divine. The calamari was definitely one for the books with its crispy, delicious batter and unusual look. The black squid ink added an element of fun to a traditional dish and the squash blossoms were delightful. They were hot, crispy and stuffed with mouthwatering cheeses. For my entrées I had the Veal Chop Milanese and a whole Branzino with fennel frond, lemon, basil with a side of Eggplant Caponata. The veal chop was legendary. The meat was tender inside and the breading was seasoned perfectly with a crisp outside. Each bite was better and better. I can honestly say after this experience that a veal chop is my all time favorite cut of meat. The Branzino was magnificent, presented  beautifully and cooked with love. The eggplant caponata was the perfect accompaniment to the dish. I throughly enjoyed each and every dish at Scopa Italian Roots. For more food reviews and pictures follow me on Instagram @Aimee.Eats

Yesterday we went to Scopa for a baby statement dinner. And overall it was excellent! I happened to have made two instead of four reservations and they did not teach us a problem, although they were fully booked. I'd actually give them 4.5 stars, but you can't do half-star ratings. We had starters of squash blossoms, filled mushrooms and beef steak tomatoes and they were all absolutely amazing. But the tomatoes were not what I expected and more exactly like normal tomatoes. The pasta dishes were lasagna, rigatoni with vodka sauce, maize ravioli and spaghetti with mussels. All were delicious and tasteful but my Rigatoni could? was a bit warmer. For Dessert we had the donuts that were amazing, but actually were doughnuts instead of doughnuts, affogato and Napoleon. Most of our party wanted the cheesecake to dessert and they were out. Apparently, the cheesecake is a big sensation and that's how it went out was a bummer. Overall, this is an excellent restaurant. We sat on the terrace, which is spacious and open and not on top of each other because of the operation in Covid we appreciate that. Inside the restaurant it is a warm and spacious open room that is very welcoming. There is no sign on the outside, but so you need to use GPS to find it.

Overall delicious, but I would pass on desserts and drinks. Dim lighting and fun music. Parking is tough, $11 valet is available APPETIZERS 5/5 Crispy Squash Blossoms surprisingly unexpected spicy marinara, favorite 5/5 Calamari cooked great, taste like regular calamari, squid ink only added color, no dipping sauces 5/5 Rice Ball very crunchy, was delicious SIDES 5/5 Asparagus I'm not a fan of this vegetable, but it was drenched in garlic and was delicious 5/5 Polenta super creamy MAIN COURSE 5/5 Lasagna great balance of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese. Only criticism is that it was on the saltier side 4/5 Rigatoni DESSERT presentation for both were fun; however, taste was not there 2/5 Italian Cookies The 3 rainbow cookies were so disappointing and extremely dry (sadly, you are better off with grocery store rainbow cookies). 3 Biscotti's tasted stale. The best was the 2 pignoli nut, which was moist, followed by 1 wedding cookie 1/5 Zeppole overcooked DRINKS If you are the designated driver at your table, you qualify for a free soda/coffee 4/5 West Side Cocktail messy drink overflowed onto the table 4/5 East India Cocktail 5/5 Restroom 2 stalls, clean, stocked, and smelled good If you are the designated driver, ask the server to learn more about a free soft drink/coffee

Book ahead on Resy. We had the (Squid Ink)Fried Calamari, Prosciutto Burrata, Lasagna, Chitarra, and the Black Truffle . The food all came out amazing, service was friendly, professional, and quick; A great experience over all.