Here are 10 Italian restaurants in Arizona to try, as featured in the latest issue of Experience AZ magazine.
Tutti Santi Ristorante by Nina
Things to know: This opulent example of Italian food at its finest has won itself local, national, and even international fame. The head chef, Nina Vincent, is so skilled in her creations, that you will hear locals say that “food turns holy in Nina’s hands.” Every night, in addition to the regular menu, the chef showcases four specials that are available for purchase. The menu includes hot and cold appetizers, pasta dishes (including gluten-free options), meats, fish, and desserts.
Don’t miss: Customers rave about the veal cannelloni, which consists of baked homemade cannelloni pasta filled with ground veal, cheese, and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the Caprese salad; which, if you’re not a fan of tomatoes, they will gladly substitute with roasted red peppers upon request. Every Thursday, the specials include a mouthwatering veal Osso Buco, and every Friday, the freshest of Italian branzino fish. And finally, if you’re looking for a tiramisu to match anything you’ve had in Italy, this is the place to be. Don’t forget to make a reservation first: the place is very popular and often crowded.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano
The dining room has an element of mystique, a magical aura that will take your breath away upon entering.
EVO Scottsdale
EVO is both upscale and comfortable; ideal for Sunday supper with the entire family or a romantic dinner with the one you love.
Franco’s Italian Caffe
This down-to-earth restaurant serves up elevated Italian pastas and main courses in a comfortable, yet elegant space.
Marcellino’s
Many of Chef Marcellino Verzino’s offerings are grown on his personal farm in Arizona or in the herb garden outside the restaurant.
Mora Italian
Chef Scott Conant, a Food Network star and judge for the cooking competition TV show called “Chopped,” presents this stylish Italian osteria.
North Italia
North’s staff understands that there’s an art to the handcrafted experience, so its menu is handmade from scratch daily.
Parma Italian Roots
Parma serves artfully prepared, West Coast-influenced Italian cuisine in a comfortable, easygoing ambiance.
Tomaso’s Italian Cuisine
For more than 40 years, Tomaso’s has been a destination restaurant in the Central Camelback Corridor in Phoenix.
Virtu
The menu is constantly changing, with an emphasis on creative cuisine and easy-to-share dishes that harken to Chef Gio Osso’s Italian roots.
