A small group of us had intended to go to Toro last night for my birthday dinner, but when we arrived we found it closed for a private party. A waitress who was smoking a cigarette outside and observing our dilemma encouraged us to try their new sister restaurant, Coppa.
I was immediately surprised by how small the space was, but it was early still, and we quickly got a table. The second surprise was the menu--with a list of $5 stuzzi (starters) and main dishes that were shockingly affordable. We started with the arancini from the stuzzi menu ($5 each) and an order of roasted brussels sprouts from the verdura menu ($6 each). Both were delicious but far too little to share among our group of five.
The highlight of the meal was the handmade pasta ($12 each). Mine was delicious, pleasantly chewy bucatini topped with a red sauce that tasted of pancetta and red peppers. Again though, portions were very small, and I could have eaten a bowl twice the size of the one I got.
Next time, I'd go to Coppa for a glass of wine and a bite of wood-fired pizza before a movie, or a snack of salumi and a chat at the end of a night. For a full Italian meal, go elsewhere.
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