I haven't been to many Italian spots in Calgary but for my sis's birthday, she needed a spot big enough to fit about 20 people. Scopa Neighbourhood Italian was big enough to accommodate her party so we were there on a Saturday evening.
The inside is very cozy and Italian with red and white striped booths and wooden tables. The place was very, very busy so I'd suggest making a reservation if you don't want to wait.
The regular menu is one massive page: bruschetta, antipasta, insalata, piatto (sandwiches), pizza and pasta. Their drink menu was the same: beer, wine and bubbly. They have a Thursday family feast ($35.00) and happy hour is weekdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
- Gahan blueberry ale ($9.50) - blueberry beer sounded promising. It wasn't bad but not much blueberry tones to it.
- Minestrone ($7.00) - O was hungry before our group meal so he ordered this to whet his appetite.
- Olive marinate - good start to our meal.
- Pomodoro and funghi bruschetta - tasty sharing bites.
- Arancini
- Calamari - crispy and well battered.
- Verde
- Risotto - creamy yet still had a bite to it.
- Spaghetti alla carbonara - al dente and satisfying.
- Asparagus
- Filetto di maiale - the gnocchi was a bit too doughy but everything else on this plate was good. Fennel slaw was light and refreshing.
- Chocolate torte and panna cotta - save the best for last right? We polished both desserts off at mock speed. Chocolate torte was rich, creamy and decadent. The candied hazelnuts was icing on the cake! Panna cotta had interesting flavours of orange blossom, honey and pistachio shortbread sprinkled on top.
For $50.00/person, this was a great group meal. You won't go hungry. Will have to come back to try their Thursday family feast and to try their pizza's.