La Scala Trattoria

CLOSED as of 2÷1÷15. I ate here once, not long after it opened, and it was pretty good. But it’s not a great location, despite being near a pretty busy intersection, so I guess they didn’t make it. Prices seemed a little high to me, and I get it given the neighborhood, but I wonder if that had something to do with it too.

One star is generous. The food here is inedible– I had takeout from here and I took one bite and threw it in the trash. The marinara on my chicken parm smelled funky– throw in the trash funky… ugh

Run TO this place. The food is consistent and Devine. The staff is friendly. Simple but well rounded menu. I’ve had better Italian food here than I’ve had in the the heart of Italy. I’d give this place a million stars if I could!!!

A hidden gem in a very small shopping strip. Excellent excellent excellent value. Food is wonderful. Nice wine list. Great service. Incredibly low prices.
The only reason I can figure that there aren’t lines out the door is because it is directly across from Lucille’s. I had the stuffed shells and they were both unique and delicious. My son and husband love the pasta bolognese and the salmon is delicious, as well. Oh, and they also deliver!!!

Pedestrian can describe our entire experience here.
Based on the other reviews I think we made the mistake of coming during dinner and not for their HH which people seem to really enjoy. Based on our dinner I’m sorry to say that I will not be back for HH.
When we’re in the mood for Italian we have few places that we love to go. I was pushing for a new place tonight and wanted to try La Scala Trattoria. Our Unilocal friends love it, so why not?
We showed up later in the evening and the place was pretty empty. Two tables including us with at least two maybe three servers that I could see. The menu looked promising and as we do at most places we asked our server what she would recommend. She seemed confused by this question and wasn’t quick to respond, she finally recommended the Stuffed Shells, a vegetarian option. Her service the entire evening seemed to be off, she was always a step behind and was not able to provide the proper service.
Our order consisted of the:
Mozzarella Caprese
Chicken Parmesan
Stuffed Shells — stuffed with butternut squash and sweet potatoes served with spinach and roasted peppers in a creamy pesto sauce
The Mozzarella Caprese was the highlight of the meal. Let me mention that this is the one dish that didn’t require any cooking. The tomato’s were under ripe, the mozzarella was just okay, and the balsamic was fine. The best dish of the evening was only okay.
The Chicken Parmesan was meh, the chicken was large and plentiful, the pasta overcooked, and too much cheese to enjoy. The Stuffed Shells were mushy, and though the purée of butternut squash and sweet potatoes sounded interesting on the menu it tasted of nothing. The pesto sauce on the bottom was all salt and after one or two bites I wasn’t willing to go back for more. The overall theme for the evening was flavorless, and certainly not Italian.
There are so many other great places in CO I want to try, and returning to this place is at the bottom of my list.

I get by with a little help from my Unilocal friends when it comes to choosing neighborhood joints I’ve never been to before. I’m always looking for good traditional Italian places, which are woefully in short supply in Denver, and so the GF and I thought we’d give La Scala a try for dinner since our Unilocal friends gave it decent reviews for happy hour and La Scala is ostensibly Italian.
Our overall experience at La Scala was unfortunately inadequate and disappointing. The first sign that something was off was the e-​m-​p-​t-​y dining room except for a couple of Golden Girls who eyed us suspiciously while sipping their white wine as we were being seated. Granted it was a weeknight, but good Denver restaurants stay fairly busy throughout the week.
The dining room is one big open space and a bit tawdry. It’s decorated by the likes of your second-​generation Italian sister-​in-​law who went to beauty school, gave up, and then decided that decorating was her thing. Landscaped «oils» in «gilt» frames are hung from a ruddy wall, simulated «wood» tables and black «pleather» chairs are lined up in monotonous rows which make the restaurant look like a banquet hall.
I think our server was afraid of us because we were animated and excited — hey, that’s how we get when we try a new place, going out is such a treat. Our service was tentative, untrained, and perfunctory.
We asked for recommendations and were met with less than enthusiastic responses, our white wine was placed in a marble wine cooler which was just pulled out of a freezer (it’s supposed to be cellar temperature, not arctic blast), and the clearing of plates delayed.
But, the service was really not the problem, it was the subpar food at La Scala. We split the Mozzarella Caprese ($ 8) to start which was just all right. The under ripe tomatoes, average mozzarella and an overly sweet balsamic reduction failed to impress, but it sure looked good though.
The Stuffed Shells ($ 13) sounded promising but were gummy and too soft due to overcooking, the butternut squash and sweet potato stuffing was flavorless and the creamy pesto had one flavor note, salty.
The generous portion of Chicken Parmesan ($ 16) was tender, lightly breaded, and the chicken retained its juiciness, but the marinara sauce was bland, there was too much cheese, and the accompanying spaghetti was overcooked as well.
As many of us have said before, I really wanted to like this place…

We have been coming here after volleyball in Wash Park for the past 2 years and it’s still amazing. They always make us feel so welcome when we come. They remember what we order and always have smile to greet us with.
The chicken parmigiana is incredible. One of the best in town. Just because they are in a strip mall doesn’t mean this place is not top notch Italian food.

For an Italian trattoria, you can do better… much better… than La Scala. For an italian-​style menu with food that mimics Italian food, you’ll do fine here. The food is good; it’s just not really an Italian restaurant.

On a whim, when we were craving Italian, we pulled into the side strip where La Scala is located and BOOM: Friendly, friendly, friendly staff and a undiscovered gem. I don’t know how this place only has 35 reviews… 36 with mine!
You walk in facing the bar, the hostess stand is on your right, and the rest of the room is wide-​open with dim lighting and perfectly pleasant. Our server was so cute and appropriately suggestive. The kitchen is more than willing to customize pasta dishes and the Balsamic Vinaigrette is likely the best I’ve ever had.
I didn’t, however, like the Cheesecake but I can’t blame La Scala as I drilled the server on how the cheesecake tastes and not only could she answer my random analogies of tastes, she was 100% accurate. It is my fault for ordering it… I like super thick, rich cheesecake and as she said, it is creamy and light! (still delicious just not my favorite style)
I usually only upload two pictures per spot, but I uploaded four… check them out! Lastly, I can’t say this is the best Italian restaurant I’ve visited, but it was quiet, the service was terrific, and the food was prepared nicely.

La Scala is a true neighborhood gem. Literally. While at dinner, a friend of ours who lives in the neighborhood saw and introduced us to no less than 4 of her neighbors, all repeat diners.
The food was all good. I had the beef tortellini, and the bolognese sauce was delish. I also loved the bread that was served with the meal-​fresh, a little salty and warm.
The décor was somewhat generic. It reminded me something one would see in a commercial showcasing American Furniture Warehouse. Dark, lots of pictures in gilded frames and gold hued diamond wallpaper on the only non-​burgundy wall. I took one star for décor.
The dessert was also generic. This is a problem for me, as I often look forward to dessert more than the actual meal, and while the spumoni was good, it didn’t stand out (nor where there really any standout items on the dessert menu).
Overall, we had a good food, enjoyed decent service, and found that the meal was reasonably priced. I am sure we will be back at some point, but I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way with so many wonderful choices in Denver.

I can’t speak to actual dinner service, but their happy hour is fantastic! Many different options (food and alcoholic beverages) for only $ 5 each. The lovely Amanda T. and I came on a Monday evening right at 4 when they open. It was the perfect choice to spend some time before my art class without driving all the way back down to the burbs. The ravioli were my favorite. Both flavors were good, but I think I preferred the chicken and spinach. Which worked out well because I think Amanda preferred the cheese and the plates came with 3 large ravioli each. The calamari and crabcakes were also pretty tasty. And, I got a nice glass of pinot grigio. I think all together we got 5 small plates and 1 drink for, yes, only $ 30 (before tip). They also had some dessert options on the happy hour menu, but the king cake ice cream at Sweet Action was calling my name so we passed. Next time I’d definitely try a dessert as well. Such a deal and really good food.

Usually I’m not a big fan of Happy Hours. Why? I don’t drink much. Plus a lot of times the selections on the HH menu aren’t what I want so I order of the regular menu anyway. Finally, the crowds drive me up a wall. However, I love La Scala’s because their HH is none of the above.
First of all, La Scala offers one of the best Happy Hours in Denver. From 4−6pm select appetizers and drinks are $ 5 each. These include caprese, calamari friti, ravioli of the day, as well as several more items. Diners easily enjoy a few generously portioned apps with wine for about $ 20/​person. That includes tax and tip.
Then there’s the location. Tucked away in a small plaza on the corner of Logan and Alameda, it doesn’t get the crowds and noise that places in the trendier hoods can attract. Additionally, the service is friendly and efficient, but not rushed. We were encouraged to linger as long as we wanted after we paid our bill.
What’s funny is I actually think La Scala’s Happy Hour menu is more interesting than their dinner menu. And it’s for their Happy Hour that I will return.

I don’t get the positive reviews for La Scala. It’s pretty horrible food, and to call it Italian would get you shot if a real Italian was around. I’m pretty sure that there is nothing that is cooked on the menu from scratch, Everything seems like it was frozen and deep fried or came out of some package. The giveaway is all the dishes that are doused in cream; I counted over 10 dishes that have cream sauce. Seriously? Even Brio doesn’t botch Italian food this badly. Special mention must be made of the salads too; they are horrifically bad. I had the house salad which was so covered with globs of bleu cheese and overly sweet candied walnuts, I took two bites and left the rest.
The interior of the restaurant is also very weird. With harsh lighting and cheap furniture, it feels like it was designed and bought at the Home Depot. The patrons are mostly elderly regulars, the people who went to Rodney’s before it closed down. You will feel very out of place here if you are on a date.
I give them some credit for being inexpensive, serving large portions, and having a good location. But those are the only positive things I can say about this place.

Oh my gosh, this place is SOOO good! Attentive service (without being overbearing), yummy scents seeping through it’s walls, some of the best pasta dishes and homemade bread I’ve had in quite a while, generous servings (mine was big enough for dinner the next night too, though not nearly as tasty reheated), wonderful atmosphere, and dangerously close to my place. If I didn’t have self restraint, I’d be broke and fat (but happy) in no time…

It’s amazing! The end.
Actually, not the end, but I kinda could end there. Staff is courteous, food is great, and the best gnocchi I’ve had in ages! I love this place and definitely recommend it to anyone in the area.

Wow,
Great experience. First time there and wish i had tried it earlier. This neighborhood is in need of an Italian restaurant of this caliber. Casual and quaint. Ordered Pasta Russo, Mushroom Bisque, and a House Salad. All were very well done. Definitely coming back and would recommend to others.

I feel like such an idiot. How I could I live so close to such an amazing place and yet i’ve never been there? It is truly a little neighborhood gem (and a bargain to boot). Lovely clean atmosphere — not too snooty but certainly attractive with appropriate table settings — tablecloths, napkins, stemware, etc.
I was taking a friend out for dinner for his birthday tonight and he was in the mood for Italian. Not a lot of choices in my ‘hood but I have heard/​read good things about La Scala and they totally blew our socks off. First of all, if you’re early diners they have an amazing HH (4 – 6) — everything is $ 5 — wine, all kinds of menu items including appetizers, entrees and desserts (and not little tiny portions either).
I made a meal out of a nice glass of Chianti, a lovely house salad, the best calamari fritti I’ve ever had in Denver, and some incredible wild mushroom ravioli for $ 20 total. Are you kidding me? My friend had the wedge salad and the penne carbonara and was swooning about how delicious everything was. Way more food than we could finish for less than $ 50 total. All fabulous and very reasonably priced. Even the regular dinner menu doesn’t exceed $ 20 for entrees and many are in the $ 11-​$ 15 range.
My only criticism is that they were dead and they rushed us. I think the kitchen was just cranking the food out too fast and everything ended up on the table at the same time. Our server was lovely though and I’d go back in a heart beat.
I’m worried about their location in the strip mall across from Lucile’s and I hope they make it because I’ve spent a lot more money for much poorer quality food and service lately. This place should be a keeper. Check them out.
Just a quick update but probably not worthy of a separate review. Had lunch their recently and we were very pleased. Food and service were both excellent — considerably more pricey than HH though. Not sure we’ll return for lunch ($ 9 for a glass of wine — hm ?) Back for HH — for sure.

Wow! The food was amazing, especially because it’s so reasonably priced. Service was superb as well. I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves italian food!

Dined at La Scala Trattoria last night with 3 others. The dining area threw me off a little bit, just felt very dark and somewhat bare, but besides that the tables looked nice and we were warmly welcomed.
The food was great– collectively we had:
–wild mushroom bisque (YUM)
–grilled salmon and mashed potatoes (Our friend said it was some of the best salmon he’s ever had– perfectly prepared and a good cut)
–penne florentina (very good but could’ve used a bit more pesto/​garlic goodness)
–and a shrimp and pasta special of the day (he ate every bite)
–a cup of spumoni ice cream (meh)
–a prosecco spritzer (stick with a glass of wine)
The meal also came with a basket of fresh baked focaccia with a TINY dish of EVOO and balsamic for dipping. If you have a party of 3+ go ahead and ask for a couple of dipping dishes.
Our total bill was under $ 80 for 4 people and one alcoholic beverage. Not bad and the meal/​service/​pricing was close to perfect. We’ll be back! You should go!

Just got back from La Scala. We went because we were sure there wouldn’t yet be a wait and sure enough, we were right. We were seated right away. We nearly didn’t go when I checked here and found that is appears the restaurant itself was the first reviewer. While it’s poor form to do something like this, we decided to give them a shot.
The service is friendly although our server seemed a little stilted. He is likely new to the industry and I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it.
We found the wine list a bit lacking, but there’s opportunity for improvement there, of course. The full bar wasn’t available yet
The bread/​rolls were good but the Gorgonzola butter was just off. There’s a lot you can do with butter and I’ve enjoyed a similar treatment on steaks and other delicious things, but it just didn’t work for me with their bread.
The entrees were quite good. My companion had the veal parmigiana and I had the clams in linguine. The dish tasted great but the sheer number of tiny clams that I had to pluck — 28 in total — to enjoy the meal was a bit annoying but once I got through all of those I enjoyed it quite a bit.
The final bill was very reasonable.
Overall, I expect that after a couple of weeks the kinks will be worked out and we’ll be able to go back and have an even better experience.