Crave-Worthy Italian Restaurants in Phoenix
Phoenix is not a city that is known for its flavorful and tasty Italian food options. There are no Italian coasts and there is no rich history flavored with tales of Italians settling the lands of Phoenix. Knowing this, you may be surprised at just how great the Italian food really is within the Phoenix borders. The chefs who create wonderful and traditional pasta dishes also have brought other tasty items with them as well, such as a flaky pastry, that comes in the shape of a shell, and is stuffed with cream. The chefs serving up Italian definitely pay tribute to other Italian chefs. This article will lay out a number of Italian restaurants you will not want to miss, while in the Phoenix area.
Photo credit: experiencescottsdale.com
Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale
(480) 614-1980
The Andreoli Italian Grocer will put your taste buds on notice with the traditional offerings being presented in tasty fashion. Chef Giovanni Scorzo is a well-known chef on the Phoenix food scene because of the well-established talent he brings to the kitchen. Having zero patience for laziness, Scorzo makes sure the plate that arrives at your table will be of the highest Italian quality. Creamy Gnocchi, all Romana, sweet and briny spaghetti alle vongole, and a bowl of trippa alla Fiorentina that gives off the wonderful flavor of tomatoes. While dining at this establishment, getting lost in flavor, it is possible to forget one is not in Italy.
Photo credit: casamiascottsdale.com
Casa Mia
11675 N. 136th St., Scottsdale casamiascottsdale.com
(480) 314-0365
Looking for a quiet restaurant to enjoy a wonderfully classic Italian dish? Casa Mia is the place to settle in for a nice and quiet dining experience with lots of rich and robust Italian flavors. The restaurant itself is very stylish and provides lots of comforts. The restaurant is family-owned and operated offering wonderful meat choices and a handful of antipasti dishes. Try the Paccheri that has a nice bite and is dressed highly in brightly colored tomato sauce featuring threads of burrata. The tortellini Boscaiola is a must-try while visiting this restaurant, as it features ham, peas, mushrooms that are mixed together with a thick cream sauce. This restaurant knows how to cook plates to perfection, never adding too much or too little of any ingredient.
Photo credit: phoenixnewtimes.com
Tratto
1505 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 296-7761
Tratto has recently relocated, giving the kitchen over 3,000 square feet to build the tremendously delicious plates that come out of the kitchen. The building itself is over 103 years old and gives a delightful vibe to visitors. Chef Chris Bianco focuses on bringing the freshest and the highest quality ingredient to diners, rather than fussing over other ways of adding flavor. With such a clean technique, Bianco brings his technique while making pizza, sandwiches, or any of the Italian-inspired items on the menu. Try the chickpea fritter, it’s delightful. The chef will simply roast eggplant with tomato, a top-quality olive oil, and basil to set the flavor tones of a meal. This restaurant keeps a focus on traditional ways of cooking and presenting food, cooking Italian food the way Italians have over the course of centuries.
Photo credit: azcentral.com
Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood
6710 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
(480) 524-0989
This restaurant feels much like Arizona in the way the restaurant is set inside an adobe-style building. This is a traditional white cloth tabled restaurant that serves great food, however, be sure to start with one of their signature cocktails. Try the Viola Vesper, which is named after the Executive Chef of the establishment Viola Tagliaferri. Grab some warm Gnocco Fritto as an appetizer to get started or try the calamari, both appetizers are wonderful. For dinner, the veal gives the perfect garlic fix, while the lobster ravioli is very creamy and yummy. Make certain to get dessert at this restaurant by ordering a cannoli filled with cream.
Photo credit: phoenixmag.com
Fabio on Fire
8275 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy #101, Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 680-5385
This is a restaurant to get excited about. Italian dishes with flavor abound can be expected when heading into this restaurant for a meal. The quality of the food at Fabio on Fire is really second to none, delivering the best of Italian dishes that will tantalize the tastebuds. Try the drenched in cheese gnocchi, which is pleasantly creamy and light. There are other light pasts, such as Tortelli stuffed with rib meat that is tender to the chew. The pizza at this restaurant has blistered cheese on top with a deep flavor that comes with each bite. For dessert, be sure to try the gelato, which can have up to four pints of fruit in every cup of gelato.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Marcellino Ristorante
7114 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 990-9500
This Italian restaurant will hit the spot each and every time you visit. The restaurant is all about luxury and flavors that will raise the palette to new heights. The atmosphere is nothing short of glamorous and makes for the location for a romantic evening. Chef Marcellino Verzino is a true professional who delivers creative, yet traditional flared food. Try the grilled jumbo shrimp that comes on a feta cheese croquette to get your meal started. Move on to an entree such as gnocchi, which is delivered in a gorgonzola sauce that is creamy and rich. Also, try the chicken breast cooked to perfection that is layered with fontina and prosciutto. The desserts are the perfect end to a luxurious meal. Try the tiramisu or the panna cotta and you won’t be disappointed.
Mora Italian
5651 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 795-9943
This is an Italian restaurant that is hip, happening, busy, and boisterously loud. Do not come to this restaurant for a quiet and relaxed experience, rather arrive with plans to enjoy yourself with friends and colleagues. Even though it may seem like the food is secondary to the happening spot, the food is ridiculously tasty and there are a number of offerings available. A must-try is the polenta Boscaiola that is bathed in rich and creamy liquified forest mushrooms. Putting their own twist on Black Campanelle makes this an item you must try. The chef has a signature dish that rides above all others and this is the Spaghetti Al Pomodoro. It is truly a fantastic Italian dish.
Photo credit: phoenixnewtimes.com
Pomo Pizzeria
705 N 1st St UNIT 120, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 795-2555
This restaurant has many fresh and high-quality menu items. However, it seems many people consider Pomo Pizzeria to only be a pizza restaurant. Well, the pizza is tasty and one of the best in the area, but the other food is truly a standout as well. Try the Focaccia Di Recco, which is two very thin pieces of dough with creamy stracchino cheese trapped in the middle, which makes the dish full of rich flavor. Try the gelato to finish off your Italian meal. Even if this restaurant were to stop making pizza, the rest of the menu could take over, because it really is that flavorful and filling.
Conclusion
Arizona may not be the first place in the United States that makes you think of great Italian food, however, there really are great opportunities to try great Italian food. The chefs cooking up these traditional Italian dishes know how to deliver flavor directly to the palette. Next time you think of Arizona, think of all the tasty Italian Restaurants in Phoenix options available.
Featured Blog Posts
Warm and Cozy Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ
While Phoenix isn’t necessarily known for being one of the coziest cities in the country, the dining scene here definitely has a few wholesome gems to check out! These cozy restaurants offer picture-perfect settings with world-class menus. Check out eight warm and cozy restaurants in Phoenix, AZ where you’ll want to sit and stay a while!
18 of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ
Studies show Arizona ranks highest in the country for the love of Mexican food. Perhaps it’s the state’s dry climate and beautiful desert landscapes that make it the perfect environment for enjoying the delicious cuisine. If you’re in Arizona or planning to visit, these are among the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix that you are bound to taste and love.
The Top Brunch Restaurants in Phoenix
Ah, brunch. One of the most fun and important meals of the day. There are tons of great options when you are trying to brunch in PHX. Whether you want to get a little crazy with the girls enjoying bottomless mimosas, or you just want to casually enjoy a good meal and some coffee, we have you covered. Check out our list of some of the best places for brunch when you’re in Phoenix, AZ.
Rooftop Restaurants in Phoenix with the Most Stunning Views
There are so many things to love about Phoenix. Be it the warm weather, beautiful botanical gardens, excellent golf courses, or the fantastic food and beverages scene, you will surely enjoy your time in this city. Check out our list of best rooftop restaurants in Phoenix while you’re planning your next trip to the city.