Phoenix might not have a Little Italy or a universe - division reputation for great Italian food for thought , but there ’s no shortage of restaurants to satisfy your cravings for alimentary paste and pizza . Whether you ’re front for the just bruschetta in the Valley , or a novel position to enjoy chicken Parmesan , these nine spots are sure to fill your abdomen and ( possibly ) stain your shirt with sauce .
North Italia
North Italia do up its Italian good across six states , but we feel an extreme amount of pride about the fact that thisFox Restaurant Concepthas its root here in Arizona . The cocktail are handcrafted , the stunner are handmade , and every item of the carte has been carefully take to evoke the unquestionable flavors of Italy . The bruschetta , salads , and pizza pie are all awesome , but we bang the freshly prepared pastas . The Squid Ink Mafaldine is a seafood lover ’s dream , created with snowy shrimp , calamari , and acqua pazza , then seasoned with mint and Florence fennel pollen . North Italia also has a with child brunch menu that includes an unforgettable Sir Francis Bacon & ball pizza .
Tomaso’s
There are few places in Phoenix more illustrious and more authentically Italian than Tomaso ’s . For well-nigh 40 eld , chef Tomaso Maggiore has been hone his menu base on his Italian heritage , culinary training , and frequent trips to Italy . You ’re insure a toothsome experience from first course of instruction to cannoli – from the encompassing wine list and the telling variety of starter and salads , to the main and afters . tell the Piemontese Filet Mignon Ravioli , and rent these hand-crafted raviolis with mushrooms , mordant truffle , mascarpone , and veal sauce be the entree enviousness of everyone at your tabular array .
Crudo
Crudo , which means bare-ass in Italian , brings a unique and innovative approach to Italian solid food , with a computer menu separated into tall mallow dishes and those that are served raw , fake , or grill . The raw fare vaunt unexpected mantrap like devilfish and ahi , as well as more traditional grill dishes like pork stomach , which is season with smoke tomato agrodolce and polenta . Crudo is also known for its cocktails , which are often crafted with home - made syrups and farm - sweet ingredients , conceptualized by an award - gain ground barkeeper and endorse sommelier .
Defalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery
While Defalco ’s is n’t set up like a traditional eating place , do n’t allow the racks of products , mismatched chairs , and deli - style ordering system stop you from hanging out for a while . The family - owned delicatessen and grocery store has every type of Italian solid food you might be thirst – from a chicken Parmesan sandwich to pizza pie or a calzone . The assortment of authentic Italian desserts , like the tiramisu and the lemoncello cake , is invincible .
Cibo
Cibo ’s bungalow - expressive style exterior and warm , cozy interior make it the kind of eating place where you immediately feel like home – which we specially appreciate when we want to chow down on some Italian comfort food . While Cibo does offer a capital selection of classic Italian appetizers like burrata and bruschetta , as well as some salads , pizza pie is really the mode to go here . The carte du jour is break dance down by white pizzas and those with tomato sauce , and there ’s deal to select from . Some of our favorites are the Calzone pizza pie , which is lead with love apple sauce , ricotta , mozzarella , prosciutto , and salami , or the Pomodoro Fresco , a round-eyed pizza pie top with tomatoes and basil .
Solo Trattoria
Solo Trattoria is the go - to Italian spot when you want to enjoy a comfy patio and dining experience that ’s as astonishing as the solid food . While Solo Trattoria offer a well - rounded and traditional Italian menu , there are many seasonal detail that avail to insure that each dish is fresh and delectable ( and that you wo n’t put the same stunner too many time ) . It ’s gruelling to go awry with any of the entrees , but we like the Graeco-Roman rigatoni .
Avanti Restaurant
Established in 1974 , Avanti is one of Arizona ’s old Italian restaurants and has kept its alone charm throughout the class . The all - pitch-black - and - white décor , zebra - print accents , and checkered tiles are just as memorable as the solid food . One of our pet dishes is the baked lasagna , which you may order with eggplant or a authoritative Bolognese meat sauce .
Postino
Postino first opened its door in Arcadia back in 2001 , and has since become a go - to spot for locally produce transportation and vino . The six positioning each have their own good luck charm and are adjust in repurposed , historic buildings . While it ’s gentle to be distracted by the impressive bruschetta menu , taste the unlawful Italian dishes Postino fling , including the meaty Autostrada panini , which have sopressata , ham , capicola , mortadella , provolone , arugula , and tomatoes pressed between two delectable pieces of dough .
Pane Bianco
Chris Bianco , the originator behind perennial favoritePizzeria Bianco , has another awing , but often overshadow , eating place . Pane Bianco unfold more than a decade ago , in the first place as a sandwich shop for lunch , but it also offers delicious Italian nutrient . Our favorite sandwich is the Housemade Mozzarella , which features a simple combining of cheese , roast pepper , Basil of Caesarea , and European olive tree oil – but you could also look forward to a great assortment of salads , pizzas , and even a lasagna .
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North
Crudo
Cibo Pizzeria
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