From the atmosphere and menu to its service and sense of style, La Spada is a love letter to Rome in Montreal.
Capturing the energy of its source material, diners walk in and up to the ‘purgatory’ of a marble-topped bar before heading into an 80-seat dining room of different heights and settings. From a back bar looking into the kitchen to a more secluded chef’s table, all areas are lined with thick curtains and plush banquettes, slick tiles, marble statuettes, and rococo candelabras.
Named for the Palazzo Spada in Rome, a strong Roman-Italian vein runs throughout, with walls covered in the disorganized clutter of pictures and cultural touchstones.
Wait staff wear blazers and full whites—with bow ties and ties depending on their rank—and serve food from large trays. It’s that touch of class you’d find in New York institutions like Carbone, Bamonte's, or Rezdôra, and maybe Mother Wolf in Los Angeles.
It is an electric restaurant theatre and a source of experiential dining seldom found in the city.
"We wanted to create a sense of church. People don’t just come to eat; they come to hang out and feel like they belong long before they walk through our doors.”
Osteria Romana
Headed by local food photographer Scott Usheroff (@cravingcurator) and Steve Marcone of NDG’s Bistro Amerigo, their ambition lies in the creation of a neighbourhood haunt from scratch. Combining abilities in bringing people together, they’re focused on creating a real osteria where locals can gather over food, wine, and conversation.
Steve Marcone of NDG’s Bistro Amerigo (left) and Scott Usheroff of @cravingcurator (right). | Photograph: Rachel Holly Cheng / @rachelhollycheng
![The Bulletin: What's Montreal got that other Canadian cities don't? [Issue #84]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.ghost.io%2Fc%2F00%2Fe5%2F00e5bf23-2b72-4a48-92bb-496245b79d2a%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2024%2F07%2F06M_P833S5D1986_0264_006a111df77_638c_4b73_af43_21c69432baab_ORIGINALe423a984-9211-444a-a2e0-984fd97b68a3_ORIGINAL-1.jpg&w=256&q=75)
![The Bulletin: A butcher shop opera, neo-vaudevillian nights, block parties, and more [Issue #85]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.ghost.io%2Fc%2F00%2Fe5%2F00e5bf23-2b72-4a48-92bb-496245b79d2a%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2F2024%2F07%2F20777-Cr-dit-FR---Andrew-Miller-EN-Credit---Andrew-Miller-1.jpg&w=256&q=75)
Comments
Welcome to The Main's comments section!
Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Please be respectful and constructive.
No comments yet. Be the first!