Scopa Italian Roots: A Venice Favorite for Celebrations, Pasta, and Chef Antonia Lofaso’s Heartfelt Cooking

In our family, birthdays aren’t about gifts — they’re about making memories around good food. Every year, we pick one special restaurant and make it the centerpiece of the day.

This time, we chose Scopa Italian Roots in Venice — a spot that feels equally right for a romantic dinner, a birthday celebration, or a night out with friends.

What sets Scopa apart is that it’s led by Chef Antonia Lofaso, whose cooking brings the heart of New York–style Italian cuisine to the West Coast. Having spent years in New York, that flavor nostalgia hit home for us.

The ingredients are fresh, the flavors simple and bold, and the energy of the space feels effortlessly sophisticated — warm lighting, laughter from nearby tables, and the scent of fresh herbs drifting from the kitchen.

What We Ordered

• Fried Cauliflower with lemon, chives, and parmesan

• Rigatoni Pasta with vodka sauce, chili flakes, basil, and fresh ricotta

• Chitarra Pasta with pecorino and black pepper

• Ravioli with corn, mascarpone, parmesan, and basil

Of these, the Rigatoni in vodka sauce was the undeniable winner — creamy, spicy, and perfectly comforting.

And Then Came Dessert

Just when we thought we were done, the server surprised us with a tricolor cake, echoing the Italian flag — a charming nod to the occasion.

We also tried:

• Spumoni, the classic trio of pistachio, cherry, and chocolate

• Affogato, a shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato — simple, elegant, and the perfect finale

If You Go

• Reservations: Highly recommended (available via RESY)

• Pricing: $$$ (expect fine-dining portions and quality)

• Best For: Birthdays, date nights, or small celebrations

• Address: 2905 W. Washington Place, Venice, CA 90292

• Hours:

  • Dinner: Daily, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Weekend Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Scopa Italian Roots manages to feel both elevated and familiar — the kind of restaurant where celebrations feel remembered. Whether you go for the pasta, the desserts, or simply the feeling, this Venice favorite makes any occasion feel like family dinner done right.