The Cove Trattoria in Scottsdale

By: Davinia Perrin

In the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona is a little gem called The Cove Trattoria. This family owned and operated restaurant has been serving up delicious Italian style comfort food for over 13 years. Owner, Daryl Monica, his father Vinny and sister Heather originally from Jersey, welcome and serve guests in an unassuming location, making you feel like your enjoying a traditional Sunday dinner at home. Vinny stands behind the counter prepping pizza and cooking them to perfection in the wood-burning red brick oven, while Daryl and Heather greet and tend to guests.

Daryl shared the menu with us and we started with the the Garlic Verde Shrimp appetizer. These generous size shrimp were marinated and served alongside sun-dried tomatoes in a flavorful pesto sauce.



Next up, the individual caesar salad, which was plenty for two to share. A slight twist to your traditional caesar, it was topped with cashews instead of croutons and with the house dressing, this salad was awesome.



Main entrees included the Grilled Halibut, Pappardelle Bolognese and the Gnocchi. The grilled halibut was served with sautéed asparagus and arugula in a light lemon parsley cream sauce and topped with goat cheese. This dish was simply melt in your mouth.



The Pappardelle Bolognese, was a nice serving of wide ribbon pasta topped with their homemade meat sauce. The Gnocchi was sauteed with broccoli rabe in a slightly sweetened brown butter sauce and topped with parmesan. Excellent italian comfort food at its finest.

We couldn’t leave without trying Papa Vinny’s brick oven pizza. We had half the Rustica and the Salsiccia. The Rustica was topped with portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, caramelized onions, mozzarella and goat cheese. The goat cheese complimented this pizza perfectly. The Salsiccia, included sausage, onion, red and green peppers topped with basil and mozzarella. Exceptional thin crust pizza.

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, they brought out a few of their amazing desserts made in house. A piece of Dad’s very own Cheesecake and a beautiful slice of Tiramasu. Honestly, the best cheesecake I've had. A truly sweet end to our meal.



Needless to say, all this Italian goodness is offered at exceptionally reasonable fare, including a roundup of daily deal offerings and a great happy hour menu. Seating also includes a nice outside patio, a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Next time your in the area stop by and enjoy a delicious meal served by the Monica family.


The Cove Trattoria
7001 N. Scottsdale Road | Suite 184
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Telephone: +1 480 951 8273
FAX: +1 480 951 0379