'Small version of Eataly' coming to Scottsdale. What to know about Corso Italia restaurant, market
New Italian restaurant and market Corso Italia is opening in the 5,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Gastrome gourmet market in Scottsdale.
Chef and owner Corrado La Macchia brings 39 years of culinary experience to Corso Italia, which is his second restaurant in Arizona. The first was Corrado's Cucina Italiana in Carefree. Other than his two Arizona restaurants, La Macchia has been involved with opening eight other restaurants in the United States and Europe.
When the Gastrome owners took over the space in 2022, they redesigned it as a restaurant, market and a private room for culinary classes. La Macchia plans to make only one major change, creating an open kitchen.
"My main focus is the restaurant part, which will be a classy dining experience," La Macchia said. "And the second will be focusing on catering."
Corso Italia will be a restaurant and gourmet Italian market
La Macchia's vision for the market space is a "small version of Eataly."
"Anything that has to do with Italy, food-wise and wine-wise, will be here," he said. "I want to bring the best I can from Italy."
The market will offer cheeses, cured meats, olives, a variety of house-made desserts, snacks, hard-to-find fish, such as monk fish, skate fish and black cod, a meat counter and prepared meals, including vegan dishes, organic dishes and house-made pasta with gluten-free options.
A coffee bar will allow shoppers to grab imported Italian espresso and coffee drinks to sip while they shop.
La Macchia plans to use the private room for cooking and baking classes.
What's on the menu at Corso Italia?
The restaurant will be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering "classic Italian dishes," such as shrimp and scallop appetizers, fresh pastas, like Bolognese and carbonara, Italian pastries and desserts. The beverage menu will feature Italian spirits such as Amari and Campari. And there will be daily specials based on seasonality.
"I cook every single dish," La Macchia said. "I don't want people to come here because they are hungry, but because they enjoy food, drink and company."
Expected opening: Second week of February.
Hours (after opening): 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Details: 7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. 646-645-7083, corsoitalia1.com.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Italian restaurant and market Corso Italia is opening in Scottsdale
