Bite Of The Day: Scopello Ristorante

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing sit-down dinner for one that’s a little fancier than the [awesome] corner pub, then Scopello Ristorante (63 Lafayette Avenue) should be on your go-to list. The Italian restaurant is popular amongst the date and friend-date crowds, as well as for a drink at the bar, but holds so much charm for anyone looking for some friendly and extra-attentive service and no pressure dining.

On this trip, I went with the Bucatini Alla Siciliana ($15) — hollow thick spaghetti with eggplant, fresh tomato, basil and caciocavallo cheese grated on top — which came recommended by the staff and didn’t disappoint, the spaghetti twirling thickly on the fork and tasting both fresh and fulsome; an incredibly comforting and no-frills, but elegant dish.

Polish that off with Scopello’s specialty, Cassatelle ($9), a pastry dough pocket filled with decadently oozing ricotta cheese cream and chocolate, hot from the oven.

Next time, we’re looking forward to trying just about every dish on the menu, particularly the other pastas and paninis.

Verdict: An under-the-radar neighborhood gem!

SCOPELLO
63 Lafayette Avenue
718-852-1100
Dinner M-W at 5pm
Lunch and Dinner Th-Sun at 12pm (Th-Fri) and 11:30am (Sat-Sun)