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10 Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale

10 Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale

The ten best Italian restaurants Scottsdale has to offer are DeFalco’s Italian Eatery and Grocery, Andreoli Italian Grocer, The Italiano, DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant, Fratelli La Bufala, Pasta Brioni, Franco’s Italian Caffe, North Italia, The Italian Daughter, and Marcellino Ristorante. Scottsdale’s Italian food culture is uniquely characterized by its collection of family-owned delis and high concentration of sophisticated chef-driven restaurants. Fine dining in this city in Arizona is perfected at romantic destinations like Marcellino Ristorante, while historic delis such as DeFalco’s provide a taste of New York-style Italian-American comfort. The area also embraces modern and energetic models like the from-scratch pasta concept of North Italia.

Restaurants specializing in Italian cuisine are spread throughout the city, from the bustling streets of Old Town to the quieter plazas of North Scottsdale. The Italian restaurants in Scottsdale include classic family-owned delis, elegant chef-owned ristorantes, and lively upscale-casual eateries. These restaurants present a range of atmospheres, from the counter-service energy of DeFalco’s to the clubby piano-bar setting at Pasta Brioni. This rich variety of local, owner-operated establishments is a key highlight of the popular Flavors of Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour.

Italian establishments in Scottsdale, AZ are recognized for their quality and their hands-on approach. DeFalco’s Italian Eatery stands out as the definitive overall experience, celebrated for its 40-year history, high-quality deli sandwiches, and its role as a beloved community grocery and restaurant. The distinction for the best Italian restaurant in Scottsdale for a formal fine-dining experience goes to Marcellino Ristorante, which offers an exquisite meal in a romantic chef-driven setting. The quality of Italian food in Scottsdale is consistently high, with establishments like North Italia and The Italian Daughter providing menu options for both vegan and gluten-free diets.

10 Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale are listed below.

1 Andreoli Italian Grocer
2 The Italiano
3 Fratelli La Bufala
4 Pasta Brioni
5 North Italia
6 Marcellino Ristorante
7 DeFalco’s Italian Eatery and Grocery
8 DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant
9 Franco’s Italian Caffe
10 The Italian Daughter

What Makes Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale Famous?

Italian restaurants in Scottsdale are famous for their family-owned delis and their high-end chef-driven fine-dining establishments. The city's food culture is anchored by long-standing institutions like DeFalco’s Italian Eatery, which functions as both a classic grocery and a casual restaurant. The Italian food Scottsdale offers is also defined by a strong presence of chef-owned destinations, where chefs like Marcellino Verzino and Franco Fazzuoli provide a personal and refined dining experience. This combination of high-quality, casual delis and sophisticated, intimate ristorantes makes the Scottsdale Italian restaurants a key part of the city's upscale culinary reputation.

What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale is home to a significant number of chef-owned fine-dining restaurants and classic Italian delis, alongside modern, upscale-casual eateries. This selection reflects the city's status as an affluent dining destination that values both quality and tradition. The list below details the common types.

Italian Delis & Grocers: These are family-owned establishments that function as both a casual restaurant and a market for imported goods. DeFalco’s Italian Eatery and Andreoli Italian Grocer are the prime examples of this style.
Chef-Owned Fine Dining: These are intimate, high-end restaurants where the chef-owner is directly involved in the kitchen and dining room. Marcellino Ristorante and Franco’s Italian Caffe are leaders in this category.
Upscale-Casual & Entertainment-Focused: These are lively, polished restaurants that often feature live music and a vibrant bar scene. Pasta Brioni and The Italian Daughter fit this description.
Modern Italian Chains: These are well-known brands that offer a consistent, contemporary Italian dining experience. North Italia is the leading example in this category.

Does Scottsdale Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?

Yes, Scottsdale has restaurants that serve food true to Italian traditions with restaurants like Andreoli Italian Grocer and Marcellino Ristorante dedicated to the principles of cooking from Italy. At Andreoli, Chef Giovanni Scorzo, a native of Calabria, prepares dishes and cures meats according to the methods of his home region. Marcellino Ristorante is another example, where Chef Marcellino Verzino handcrafts all of the pasta daily, creating seasonal dishes that are faithful to the high standards of his culinary training in Italy.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale?

The best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale are known for signature dishes like the Centurion Sandwich, house-made Porchetta, and classic Veal Chops. These dishes represent the area's range of Italian dining, from high-quality deli fare to elegant fine-dining entrees. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.

The Centurion Sandwich: The signature Italian sub from DeFalco’s, this sandwich is loaded with prosciutto, capocollo, salami, and provolone cheese.
Porchetta Sandwich: A famous specialty from Andreoli Italian Grocer, this sandwich features slow-roasted, seasoned pork, sliced thin and served on house-made bread.
Bolognese: A benchmark of house-made pasta, the Bolognese at North Italia is a signature dish, known for its slow-cooked meat sauce and fresh tagliatelle.
Veal Chop: A classic fine-dining entree, the veal chop at Pasta Brioni is a long-standing favorite, known for its quality and preparation.
Paccatelli alla Marcellino: A signature hand-crafted pasta from Marcellino Ristorante, this dish features a unique pasta shape with sausage, mushrooms, and truffle oil.

Does Scottsdale Enjoy Italian Food?

Yes, Scottsdale enjoys Italian food which is demonstrated by the long-term success of family-owned establishments that have been community staples for decades, such as DeFalco's. The cuisine's popularity is also evident in the city's ability to support a full spectrum of Italian dining, from casual, counter-service delis to some of the state's most acclaimed and expensive fine-dining restaurants like Marcellino Ristorante. The presence of these high-quality options across the city confirms that Italian food is a vital and appreciated part of Scottsdale's upscale dining landscape.

Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale?

Yes, several Italian restaurants in Scottsdale have vegan options, such as North Italia, Fratelli La Bufala, and DeFalco's Italian Eatery. These establishments accommodate plant-based diets. North Italia offers a number of vegetable-based dishes and can modify its pastas and pizzas to be vegan. Pizzerias like Fratelli La Bufala can prepare their Neapolitan-style pizzas with vegetable toppings and no cheese. At a deli like DeFalco's, it is possible to order vegetable-based sandwiches or salads.

Do Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Italian restaurants in Scottsdale offer Gluten-Free options, including North Italia, Marcellino Ristorante, and The Italian Daughter. These restaurants provide choices for diners with gluten sensitivities. North Italia is well-known for offering a Gluten-Free pasta substitute for its pasta dishes. Fine-dining establishments like Marcellino Ristorante and The Italian Daughter have numerous naturally Gluten-Free entrees, such as grilled fish, steaks, and veal chops, and can accommodate dietary requests.

What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale?

Prices at Italian restaurants in Scottsdale begin at $15 for a casual meal and can exceed $100 for a fine-dining experience. A person will pay between $15 and $40 for a sandwich or a casual plate at a deli like DeFalco’s or Andreoli. Mid-range restaurants such as North Italia or Pasta Brioni generally fall in the $30 to $60 range per person for a main course and a beverage. A high-end dinner at an establishment like Franco's or The Italian Daughter will start around $50, while a multi-course meal at a premier destination like Marcellino Ristorante will cost over $100 per person.