BY KAREN YOUNG
Restaurateur Tino Coppola has come down from his well respected perch at Mulholland Grill in The Glen Centre to open Osteria Coppola—a more casual and lower priced eatery in Sherman Oaks, replacing the former Panini Café and Pomodoro—and a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Pizza Burina with pancetta , mozzarella, sheep ricotta and spinach. Photo: Karen Young
We stopped by on the way to catch a movie at the Arclight around 6 p.m. one Friday night and were greeted by the congenial and welcoming Tino Coppola, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Glenda, and is somehow able to be present at both restaurants. I asked him if he had a twin.
The patio out front was already crowded and the interior was filling up. It has a relaxed vibe with simple, contemporary décor, perfect for a family dinner or a casual meet up with friends. The night we dined there was a mix of couples, groups of teens and families with strollers.
Coppola’s menu is Italian with some modern influences. There were three of us so we shared a few items. First up was a Tricolore salad that was nicely arranged with the endive, arugula and radicchio divided and shaved parmesan on top ($6.95). Next up was a generous portion of organic Scottish salmon tartar which was mixed with capers and placed on a seaweed salad and topped with two crisps.($10).
Tagliata salad —Black Angus New York steak which was sliced and served over arugula with shaved parmesan and dressed in a balsamic sauce reduction. Photo: Karen Young
Feeling in the mood for red meat on the lighter side, we ordered the tagliata salad — Black Angus New York steak which was sliced and served over arugula with shaved parmesan and dressed in a balsamic sauce reduction. The steak was very tender and perfectly seasoned. At $18.95, it’s the most expensive item on the menu (along with the NY Strip Steak), but the portion is generous and the quality definitely worth it.
Pizza is cooked in a woodburning oven and there are a variety of over ten very thin crusted pizzas from which to choose, including the basic margherita, pizza rustica (mozzarella, gorgonzola, brown pears and roasted walnuts), pizza del pescatore (cheeseless, with Manila clams tiger shrimp, marinara sauce and scallops) and a dessert pizza– the pizza dolce (twice baked almond cookie crumbles and roasted walnuts dough with chocolate sauce and whipped cream). All are individual size, but easily shared. We chose the Pizza Burina with pancetta , mozzarella, sheep Ricotta and spinach. It’s a white pizza without sauce. The pancetta adds a delicious snap of savory flavor to every bite, while the dough is light and airy with perfectly crisp crust ($10).
Organic Scottish salmon tartar mixed with capers and placed on a seaweed salad. Photo: Karen Young
Osteria Coppola has an excellent selection of panini sandwiches and homemade pasta, gnocchi, lasagna and risotto—there’s something for every palate with ingredients such as alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, prosciutto bacon, meatballs, chicken, porcini mushrooms, pesto, bolognese, clams, scampi, veggies and more. Entrees include seafood, steak and chicken ($11-$18.95). Desserts are $4.95 -$7.95 and include classics—tiramisu, crème brulee, panna cotta, profiteroles, and pig candy (godiva chocolate covered bacon!).
At press time, the liquor license is still pending, but they are scheduled to have it the first week in June.
Osteria Coppola, 14622 Ventura Blvd. Lunch (Monday-Friday) 11:30 – 2:30 p.m.; Dinner (Monday-Friday) 5:30 – 10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.,(818) 788-7900. Validated parking in back.
Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MyDailyFind. Email: karen@mydailyfind.com
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