Top restaurants list
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Phoenix
- 10 restaurants
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Updated January 1, 2026
The 10 best Italian restaurants in Phoenix are Tomaso’s, DiMaggio’s, Pizzeria Bianco, Cibo, The Sicilian Butcher, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Tratto, Mora Italian, Virtù Honest Craft, and Fat Ox. Phoenix’s reputation for high-quality Italian food is built on its roster of nationally acclaimed chef-driven restaurants. This culinary landscape is anchored by foundational figures like the Maggiore family of Tomaso's and the innovative concepts of The Sicilian Butcher. Fine dining is exemplified by the modern elegance of Fat Ox, while the craft of artisanal pizza was arguably perfected in America at Pizzeria Bianco.
Italian restaurants in Phoenix can be found in various neighborhoods, and the best Italian restaurants in the city range from authentic delicatessens, fine-dining rooms, and pizzerias. These restaurants offer a spectrum of atmospheres, from the charming, restored 1913 bungalow of Cibo and the old-world dining room at Tomaso's and the industrial-chic space of Mora Italian. This blend of influential chefs and diverse dining concepts is a defining characteristic of the city's identity as a major food destination.
A handful of Italian eateries have earned acclaim for their skill in both classic preparations and modern culinary interpretations. Pizzeria Bianco stands out as the definitive experience for Italian food in Phoenix, celebrated for its world-renowned wood-fired pizzas. Andreoli Italian Grocer is a local favorite for an authentic and casual meal, known for its house-made porchetta and imported Italian goods. A truly unique fine-dining destination is Virtù Honest Craft, known for its sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dishes and intimate courtyard.
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1. Pizzeria Bianco
5.0 (2 Reviews)
Pizzeria Bianco’s menu is centered on of wood-fired pizzas, complemented by small plates, antipasto, and salads. Pizzeria Bianco restaurant’s offerings are consistent across its locations, highlighting six staple pies that...- Item Prices
- 14
- Average Item Price
- $16.43
“Pizzeria Bianco’s Biancoverde Pizza is a fresh and flavorful take on a white pizza! The wood-fired crust is perfectly crisp on the outside and soft...”
“Pizzeria Bianco’s Wiseguy Pizza is a smoky, savory masterpiece! The combination of wood-fired crust, rich melted mozzarella, and perfectly roasted onions creates an incredible balance...”
Pizzeria Bianco Menu PricesMore about Pizzeria Bianco
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Pizza, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Margherita PizzaRosa Pizza (Red Onion, Parmesan, Rosemary, Pistachios)Wiseguy Pizza (Wood-Roasted Onion, House-Smoked Mozzarella, Fennel Sausage)
Location:
4743 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Town & Country Location)
Special Feature:
Chef Chris Bianco was the first pizzaiolo to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef in a region, bringing national attention to artisanal pizza.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is famous for its meticulous approach to pizza making, from the carefully fermented dough to the sourcing of premium ingredients, including Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes.
What Sets It Apart:
Pizzeria Bianco is credited with elevating the craft of pizza making in America. Its national acclaim and the chef's influence set it apart from other pizzerias.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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2
Tomaso's is a fine-dining Italian restaurant established in 1977 by Chef Tomaso Maggiore. The restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily and the northern regions of Italy. The dining room has an old-world ambiance with dark wood, white tablecloths, and vintage photographs.- Item Prices
- 74
- Average Item Price
- $18.71
Tomaso's Menu PricesMore about Tomaso's
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Veal Chop MilaneseBucatini CarbonaraCioppino
Location:
3225 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a temperature-controlled wine cellar with an extensive collection of Italian and American wines. Private dining rooms are available for events.
What Makes It Special:
Tomaso's is a landmark Phoenix institution, known for its consistent, high-quality execution of traditional Italian dishes for over four decades.
What Sets It Apart:
Its long-standing history and the influence of the Maggiore family on Phoenix's Italian food scene distinguish Tomaso's as a foundational culinary destination in the city.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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3
DiMaggio's is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant located in a historic 1940s home in Phoenix. The menu features classic Italian-American comfort food, including pastas, pizzas, and traditional entrees. The atmosphere is cozy and reminiscent of a classic East Coast red-sauce joint.- Item Prices
- 73
- Average Item Price
- $10.02
DiMaggio's Menu PricesMore about DiMaggio's
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
LasagnaChicken ParmigianaBaked Ziti
Location:
3370 N Hayden Road Suite 116,. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:
The restaurant is situated inside a converted historic house, providing a unique and intimate dining environment. A small outdoor patio is available for seating.
What Makes It Special:
DiMaggio's is known for its homestyle cooking, using family recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant offers a straightforward and unpretentious dining experience.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location inside a historic Phoenix home and its focus on classic, no-frills Italian-American fare create a distinct neighborhood restaurant feel.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday & Tuesday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
CIBO is a restaurant in Portland, OR serving authentic Italian cuisine with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and regional specialties. Located in the Richmond neighborhood, CIBO maintains a reputation for...- Item Prices
- 194
- Average Item Price
- $12.23
CIBO Menu PricesMore about CIBO
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Neapolitan Pizza, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Margherita PizzaTagliatelle al RaguFunghi Pizza (Mushroom)
Location:
603 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Special Feature:
The restaurant's location in a historic bungalow with an expansive, romantic patio makes it a popular destination for its ambiance. Live music is featured on the patio on select nights.
What Makes It Special:
Cibo is known for its adherence to traditional Neapolitan pizza standards while offering a relaxed and picturesque dining environment in the heart of the city.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of its historic bungalow setting and its highly regarded outdoor patio distinguishes Cibo from other Italian restaurants in Phoenix.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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5
Pizza Salads Italian Bakery Soup Sandwich PastaThe Sicilian Butcher is a modern Italian restaurant centered around a build-your-own meatball and charcuterie bar concept. The menu offers a variety of Sicilian-style craft meatballs, house-made pastas, and other regional specialties. The restaurant has a lively, industrial-chic design.- Item Prices
- 283
- Average Item Price
- $20.04
The Sicilian Butcher Menu PricesMore about The Sicilian Butcher
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian, Sicilian
Signature Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Meatball MealBoard & Bottle (Charcuterie board and wine)Cannoli
Location:
15530 N Tatum Blvd, Ste 160, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Special Feature:
The restaurant's core concept allows diners to choose their type of meatball, sauce, and base (pasta, polenta, or bread), creating a customized meal. An attached cannoli bar, The Sicilian Baker, offers build-your-own cannoli.
What Makes It Special:
The interactive and customizable dining experience focused on meatballs and charcuterie provides a unique and engaging approach to Italian food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on Sicilian craft meatballs and the build-your-own service model make The Sicilian Butcher a distinct concept in the Phoenix dining scene.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
Andreoli Italian Grocer is an authentic Italian delicatessen, market, and restaurant owned by chef Giovanni Scorzo. The establishment serves traditional sandwiches, pastas, pastries, and daily specials in a casual, counter-service setting. The space functions as both a bustling eatery and a market selling imported Italian goods.- Item Prices
- 78
- Average Item Price
- $15.98
Andreoli Italian Grocer Menu PricesMore about Andreoli Italian Grocer
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Deli
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Porchetta SandwichLasagnaSpaghetti alla Bottarga
Location:
8880 E Vía Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Special Feature:
The grocer offers a wide selection of imported Italian products, including cured meats, cheeses, olive oils, and wines, allowing customers to purchase the same ingredients used in the kitchen.
What Makes It Special:
Andreoli is known for its uncompromising authenticity, with recipes and techniques brought directly from Italy by its Florentine owner. The porchetta is slow-roasted in-house.
What Sets It Apart:
Its dual function as a high-quality restaurant and a comprehensive Italian market, combined with its counter-service model, provides a genuine Italian deli experience.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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7
Mora Italian is a contemporary Italian restaurant from celebrity chef Scott Conant. The menu features modern interpretations of Italian classics, with a strong emphasis on house-made pasta. The restaurant has a vibrant, stylish design with a large central bar and an open kitchen.- Item Prices
- 87
- Average Item Price
- $21.78
Mora Italiano Menu PricesMore about Mora Italiano
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Pasta al PomodoroPolenta "Cremosa" with Truffled MushroomsStromboli Bread
Location:
5651 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Special Feature:
The restaurant is led by Scott Conant, a well-known Food Network personality and James Beard Award-winning chef, which draws significant attention.
What Makes It Special:
Mora Italian is known for its expertly crafted pasta dishes, particularly the simple yet refined Spaghetti Pomodoro that has become Conant's signature dish.
What Sets It Apart:
The connection to a nationally recognized celebrity chef and its lively, high-energy atmosphere distinguish Mora Italian from other local fine-dining establishments.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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8
8. Tratto
Tratto is an intimate, upscale restaurant from chef Chris Bianco that focuses on rustic, ingredient-driven Italian cuisine. The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal availability and features handmade pastas, grilled meats, and carefully sourced vegetables. The dining room is minimalist and modern.More about Tratto
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Handmade Pastas (Menu changes seasonally)Grilled Pork ChopChicken al Mattone
Location:
4743 North 20th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Special Feature:
The restaurant's menu is highly seasonal and changes almost daily based on the ingredients sourced from local farms, including Bianco's own farm.
What Makes It Special:
Tratto represents a more refined and focused dining experience from the founder of Pizzeria Bianco, showcasing his dedication to sourcing and simple preparations beyond pizza.
What Sets It Apart:
Its extremely seasonal, farm-driven menu and its connection to a James Beard Award-winning chef's broader culinary vision give Tratto a distinct place in Phoenix's fine-dining landscape.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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9
9. Virtù Honest Craft
Virtù Honest Craft is an intimate, critically acclaimed restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale from chef Gio Osso. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a strong Italian influence, changing frequently based on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is located in a charming, rustic-modern space with a secluded courtyard patio.More about Virtù Honest Craft
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Mediterranean, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Grilled OctopusSmoked Duck with Foie GrasHouse-made Pastas (Menu changes seasonally)
Location:
3701 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Special Feature:
The restaurant gained immediate national recognition after being named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine shortly after opening.
What Makes It Special:
Virtù is celebrated for its creative and bold flavor combinations and its focus on "honest craft," which emphasizes high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.
What Sets It Apart:
Its blend of Mediterranean flavors, its consistent national acclaim, and its romantic courtyard setting make Virtù a unique fine-dining destination.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
Over $100 per person
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10
10. Fat Ox
Fat Ox is an upscale, modern Italian restaurant that offers a chef-driven menu inspired by the traditions of Italian butchery and farming. The restaurant is known for its fresh, handmade pastas, high-quality steaks, and sophisticated atmosphere. The design is contemporary and elegant.More about Fat Ox
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian, Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
Caesar Salad (Prepared tableside)Garganelli Pasta with Truffle Butter25-Layer Lasagna
Location:
6316 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a tableside Caesar salad preparation, providing an interactive and classic dining experience. Many of the pastas are made in-house and extruded through bronze dies.
What Makes It Special:
Fat Ox is known for its rich and decadent flavor profiles and its focus on combining the elements of a classic steakhouse with the craft of handmade pasta.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant's specific blend of a modern Italian kitchen with a robust steak and chop program, along with its theatrical tableside service, creates a distinct identity.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 3:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price:
Over $100 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Phoenix Famous?
Italian restaurants in Phoenix are famous for being chef-driven and nationally acclaimed, with several establishments founded by James Beard Award-winning chefs. This reputation for culinary excellence is a significant draw for food tourism, as visitors seek out the best Italian food Phoenix has to offer from renowned figures like Chris Bianco, Scott Conant, and the Maggiore family. What sets the Italian Phoenix food scene apart from other states is this concentration of high-profile culinary talent rather than a reliance on a historic "Little Italy" neighborhood. The city is known for pioneering the artisanal pizza movement in America through the meticulous wood-fired techniques of Chris Bianco at Pizzeria Bianco. The culinary landscape is defined by the craft of its chefs, who apply traditional Italian methods to high-quality ingredients, establishing Phoenix as a destination for world-class Italian cuisine.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Phoenix?
Phoenix features a wide array of Italian restaurant types, a mix that showcases the city's growth from a place of traditional, family-run establishments to a major culinary destination with modern, high-end concepts.
- Artisanal Pizzerias: These restaurants are a cornerstone of the Phoenix scene, focusing on wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas made with carefully sourced ingredients. Pizzeria Bianco and Cibo are leading examples, known for their perfectly crafted crusts and balanced toppings.
- Fine-Dining Italian: These are upscale, chef-driven restaurants offering sophisticated and modern interpretations of Italian cuisine. They feature handmade pastas, high-quality meats, and extensive wine lists. Tomaso's, Tratto, Mora Italian, and Fat Ox fit this category.
- Traditional Trattorias: These are casual, often family-owned restaurants serving classic Italian-American comfort food in a homestyle setting. DiMaggio's, with its red-sauce staples like lasagna and chicken parmigiana, is a prime example.
- Italian Grocers and Delis: These establishments function as both a casual restaurant and a market for imported Italian goods. Andreoli Italian Grocer is the definitive example, serving authentic sandwiches and dishes while selling high-quality meats, cheeses, and pantry items.
- Modern Concept Restaurants: These eateries offer a unique, focused take on Italian food. The Sicilian Butcher is a prominent example, with its interactive build-your-own meatball concept.
Does Phoenix Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Phoenix has authentic Italian restaurants, including Andreoli Italian Grocer, Tomaso's, and Pizzeria Bianco. These establishments demonstrate authenticity through their deep commitment to traditional Italian ingredients, recipes, and culinary philosophies. Andreoli Italian Grocer is owned and operated by a chef from Florence, and the menu and market are filled with genuine Italian products and dishes like house-roasted porchetta. Tomaso's has served Phoenix for over 40 years with classic recipes passed down through the Maggiore family from Sicily and Northern Italy. Pizzeria Bianco is considered authentic for its adherence to the core principles of Italian cooking: using simple, exceptionally high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create profound flavors.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Phoenix?
The best Italian restaurants in Phoenix are known for signature dishes that have become local and even national culinary landmarks such as Rosa Pizza, Pasta al Pomodoro, and Veal Chop Milanese. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.
- Rosa Pizza: A famous and unique creation from Pizzeria Bianco, this pizza features a white base topped with red onion, Parmesan cheese, fresh rosemary, and Arizona-grown pistachios.
- Pasta al Pomodoro: Celebrity chef Scott Conant's signature dish at Mora Italian, this is a deceptively simple spaghetti with a fresh tomato and basil sauce, celebrated for its perfect execution.
- Veal Chop Milanese: A classic, bone-in veal chop that is pounded thin, breaded, and pan-fried. It is a long-standing and perfectly prepared specialty at the historic Tomaso's.
- Build-Your-Own Meatball Meal: The central concept at The Sicilian Butcher, allowing diners to choose from various craft meatballs, sauces, and bases like polenta or house-made pasta.
- Porchetta Sandwich: An authentic sandwich from Andreoli Italian Grocer, featuring slow-roasted, seasoned pork belly and loin, sliced thin and served on fresh bread.
- Grilled Octopus: A widely acclaimed dish from Virtù Honest Craft, the octopus is cooked until perfectly tender and then charred, served with bold Mediterranean flavors.
Does Phoenix Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, Phoenix enjoys Italian food. This appreciation is proven by the long-term success of foundational restaurants like Tomaso's, which has operated since 1977, and the national acclaim received by chefs like Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco. The city's dining scene supports a vast range of Italian establishments, from casual, family-run trattorias and authentic delis to modern, high-end restaurants led by celebrity chefs. The continued growth and popularity of multi-generational restaurant families, such as the Maggiores, who operate Tomaso's and The Sicilian Butcher, demonstrate that Italian cuisine is a deeply rooted and evolving part of Phoenix's culinary identity.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Phoenix?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Phoenix have vegan options, with establishments like The Green Woodpecker, Cibo, Pomo Pizzeria, and The Sicilian Butcher accommodating plant-based diets. The Green Woodpecker is a fully vegan pizzeria offering a variety of plant-based pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes. Pizzerias like Cibo and Pomo Pizzeria offer vegan cheese substitutes for their wood-fired pizzas. The Sicilian Butcher provides a vegan meatball option for its build-your-own concept, which can be paired with pasta or other bases. Fine-dining restaurants such as Tratto can also often create custom vegan dishes centered on fresh, seasonal produce.
Do Italian Restaurants in Phoenix Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Phoenix offer gluten-free options, including Pomo Pizzeria, North Italia, Fat Ox, and The Sicilian Butcher. Pomo Pizzeria is certified by the Neapolitan Pizza Association and offers a highly regarded gluten-free crust for its authentic pizzas. North Italia provides gluten-free pasta substitutes for many of its dishes. Upscale restaurants like Fat Ox and Mora Italian also accommodate gluten-free requests, offering alternatives for their house-made pasta dishes. The Sicilian Butcher allows diners to pair their meatballs with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Phoenix?
The average meal price for Italian restaurants in Phoenix ranges from $20 for a casual meal to over $100 for a fine-dining experience. A single meal at a budget-friendly restaurant like a pizzeria or a deli typically costs between $20 and $40 per person. A group meal for four people at a mid-range establishment would cost from $120 to $200. High-end restaurants such as Tomaso's, Tratto, or Fat Ox have prices that start at $50 and can easily exceed $100 per person for a multi-course meal with wine.
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