Italian food fans in Metro Phoenix are most likely aware of the delicious menu offered at one of three North Italia restaurants in the state. It was originally conceived by notable Arizona restaurateur Sam Fox in 2002. If you have not had the luxury of visiting a North Italia location, there is good news! The modern Italian concept has taken the town of Gilbert by storm, opening the doors to their fourth Arizona location on September 22nd.
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North Italia’s modern industrial look
The modern industrial aesthetic has certainly made its way into the restaurant industry. It seems to be popping up everywhere, and North Italia is the latest to use the popular interior design theme within their new Gilbert location. If you look around the restaurant, you’ll see a number of subtle features that tie the entire atmosphere together. Some of my favorite elements are the large Edison-style light bulbs that are used as a chandelier of sorts with a smaller live light bulb luminating within. In addition, the metal bars that are used as an accent piece on the booths add a nice little touch to the ambiance.
Italian food done right
While there are plenty of menu items that I could have highlighted in this piece, there were two in particular that deserve a little more recognition. First, you will not go wrong by ordering the Italian meatballs as an appetizer. It might sound rather plain by its title, but these
big, heaping meatballs are served over a deliciously creamy polenta and topped with marinara sauce. The combination has my mouth watering just recounting my experience. Not to discredit any of the terrific entrees at North Italia, I would like to skip past that portion of the evening to everyone’s favorite meal… dessert. The salted caramel budino was to die for. It’s a butterscotch pudding base layered with salted caramel and topped with gianduja crumble, sea salt and whipped cream. It was like they were giving us a trophy for all the good eating we did. Needless to say, we did not need a to-go box for this culinary gem. Heck, we barely needed a spoon.
More North Italia information
North Italia Gilbert is now open with dine-in service for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour. Its menu showcases fresh and seasonal ingredients across a broad selection of antipasti, salads, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and entrées inspired by the garden, farm and sea. For guests who would prefer to experience North Italia in the comfort of their own home, the Gilbert location also offers takeout and delivery via DoorDash and online ordering at www.northitalia.com.
Lunch:
Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Offers something for any palate, from handmade pizzas like the Prosciutto Pizza topped with mission fig, goat cheese and arugula; to a Tuscan Kale Salad featuring crispy pancetta, charred grape, apple, pistachio, breadcrumb, and parmesan vinaigrette; to small plates like the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata with arugula, shaved red onion and Calabrian vinaigrette atop grilled ciabatta.
Dinner:
Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Serves main entrées like Grilled Branzino with roasted fennel, broccolini, cauliflower, Romanesco, glazed cipolini, and charred lemon butter; along with delectable pasta dishes including the House Specialty Bolognese with traditional meat sauce, tagliatelle noodle and grana padano cheese. Specialty house cocktails such as the New Italian Spritz with aperol, citrus smash, and prosecco along with the decadent Ducale featuring whistlepig piggyback rye, nonino amaro, ruby port, and luxardo cherries accompany food offerings to perfection. Diners can complete their meal with one of North’s homemade Italian desserts like the Salted Caramel Budino topped with crème fraiche and Maldon sea salt.
Weekend Brunch:
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Features brand new menu selections exclusive to the Gilbert location upon opening, including the Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast topped with caper relish, watermelon radish, toasted pine nut, torn basil, pickled red onion and fresh horseradish; in addition to the hearty Tenderloin & Eggs dish, featuring premium beef tenderloin topped with bernaise sauce, a crispy hash with piquillo peppers, cipollini onions, Calabrian bomba, grilled bread and two eggs served sunny side up. Drink selections include refreshing selections such as the Sparkling Rose Sangria with rosé wine, luxardo maraschino, elderflower, grapefruit, and fresh berries; and the Breakfast Mule with crop meyer lemon vodka, peach, fresh lemon, ginger beer, and sparkling rosé.
Guests can also indulge in North Italia’s happy hour Monday- Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring signature specials like the Bottle & Board, a choice offering of pizza, bruschetta or Chef’s Board paired with a bottle of red or white wine. A selection of specially priced wines, beers and sangrias are also available by the glass or pitcher.
To make a reservation and find more details on the menu, visit https://www.northitalia.com/locations/gilbert-az/.
