Scopa Italian Roots

Scopa Italian Roots Restaurant Review:

"Top Chef" alum Antonia Lofaso and her partners from Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City set their sights on the Westside with Scopa Italian Roots. The noisy, high-ceilinged space has an organic feel with brick walls and exposed duct-work. Seating options include stools at the L-shaped bar, two communal tables, booths and regular tables. A private dining room is available upstairs. The Italian-American menu kicks off with hot and cold antipasti such as house-made ricotta with crostini and fried cauliflower with lemon, chives, parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Squid ink brings a briny boost of flavor and distinctive dark coloring to the fried calamari. Continue with crudo, salads, pastas and mains of whole branzino or veal chop Milanese. Desserts include cannoli, zeppole and ricotta cheesecake, as well as the deep-fried fluffer-nutter sandwich from Black Market Liquor Bar. There's an Italian-focused wine list and extensive spirits selection --- heavy on American whiskey, Scotch whisky, rum, tequila and mescal --- plus serious craft cocktails. Weekend brunch should please New York transplants with options like a Kaiser roll with scrambled eggs, cheese and bacon.