Phoenix’s food scene is blowing up, and the Italian restaurants in Phoenix are leading the charge with incredible flavors that’ll make you say “mamma mia!”
From old-school red sauce joints to modern pasta bars, we’ve tasted our way across the Valley to bring you the absolute best Italian food Phoenix has to offer.
Get ready to discover hidden gems and local favorites that’ll have you booking reservations faster than you can say “al dente.”
1. Tomaso’s – Phoenix’s Italian Staple Since 1977
Walking into Tomaso’s feels like stepping into a classic New York Italian joint – the kind where the walls are covered in vintage photos and the garlic smell hits you like a warm hug.
Their veal parmigiana is legendary for good reason – crispy on the outside, tender inside, and smothered in just the right amount of marinara.
Vegetarians rave about their eggplant rollatini, proving you don’t need meat for amazing Italian flavors in Phoenix.
2. Andreoli Italian Grocer – Authentic Sicilian Bites
Don’t let the grocery store setup fool you – this spot serves some of the most authentic Italian food in Phoenix.
Chef Giovanni’s arancini are perfectly crispy risotto balls with molten cheese centers that’ll ruin all other arancini for you.
Their daily pasta specials showcase what makes Phoenix Italian restaurants special – think handmade orecchiette with seasonal veggies that taste like they came straight from a Sicilian nonna’s kitchen.
3. The Parlor Pizzeria – Hipster Pizza Done Right
Housed in a converted mid-century salon, The Parlor nails that perfect balance of trendy and comfortable. Their wood-fired pizzas have that ideal charred crust that crackles when you bite in.
Try the funghi pizza with truffle oil if you want to feel fancy, or keep it classic with their perfect margherita. Either way, you’re getting some of the best Italian pizza in Phoenix.
4. Fabio on Fire – Roman Flavors in the Desert
Chef Fabio brings authentic Roman street food flavors to Phoenix with his incredible cacio e pepe that’s cheesier than a rom-com marathon.
The portions here don’t play around – their amatriciana could feed a small village, with guanciale that’s crispy perfection. It’s no wonder this spot keeps making best Italian restaurants Phoenix lists year after year.
5. Cibo – Romantic Urban Oasis
Cibo’s historic bungalow setting with twinkle-lit patio makes it one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in Phoenix.
Their burrata with heirloom tomatoes is so fresh it’ll make you question every mediocre caprese you’ve ever had.
Pasta lovers shouldn’t miss their pappardelle al ragù – wide ribbons that hold onto the rich meat sauce like they were made for each other.
6. Pomo Pizzeria – Naples in Arizona
When only authentic Neapolitan pizza will do, Pomo delivers with their VPN-certified pies that blister perfectly in their wood-fired oven.
The Margherita DOP here is simplicity perfected – San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil that tastes like summer. It’s easy to see why this is considered top Italian food Phoenix offers for pizza purists.
7. Tratto – James Beard-Worthy Italian
James Beard winner Chris Bianco brings his magic touch to this elegant but approachable spot. Their seasonal menu means you’ll always find something new, but the agnolotti with brown butter is a constant must-order.
The open kitchen lets you watch chefs craft handmade pasta – a dinner and a show at one of the best upscale Italian restaurants Phoenix boasts.
8. La Piazza Al Forno – Glendale’s Hidden Gem
This family-run spot in downtown Glendale proves you don’t need fancy decor for incredible Italian food. Their wood-fired pizzas have that perfect leopard-spotted crust that pizza nerds dream about.
Save room for their homemade cannoli – crispy shells filled just before serving so they don’t get soggy. It’s details like this that make it one of the top Italian restaurants in Phoenix.
9. Virtù Honest Craft – Mediterranean Meets Italian
While not strictly Italian, Virtù’s handmade gnocchi with wild mushrooms will make any pasta lover weak in the knees. The cozy courtyard feels like a secret garden escape.
Their small plates are perfect for sharing – try the burrata with seasonal accompaniments that change based on what’s freshest at the market.
10. Franco’s Italian Caffe – No-Frills Perfection
Franco’s proves that sometimes the simplest Italian dishes hit hardest. Their chicken piccata balances bright lemon and briny capers like a culinary tightrope walker.
The garlic knots here are the stuff of legends – pillowy dough bombs that come out piping hot with just the right amount of garlic punch.
11. Oregano’s Pizza Bistro – Chicago-Style in the Desert
When only deep dish will do, Oregano’s delivers those tall, buttery crusts loaded with enough cheese to make a lactose-intolerant person risk it all.
Their baked ziti is the definition of comfort food – bubbling cheese on top of perfectly cooked pasta in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for when you need that Italian-American hug in a dish.
12. Avanti – Modern Italian Vibes
Avanti’s rooftop patio offers great views along with their modern Italian dishes. Their short rib ravioli melts in your mouth like butter, with rich filling that’ll have you fighting over the last bite.
The industrial-chic space makes this one of the coolest Italian restaurants in Phoenix for a stylish night out that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
13. Il Bosco Pizza – Artisanal Pie Perfection
Il Bosco’s 72-hour fermented dough gives their pizzas that perfect chew that serious pizza lovers crave. The funghi pizza with truffle oil is earthy perfection.
Their intimate space makes it ideal for date night – just be prepared to fight over the last slice of whatever seasonal special they’re serving that night.
14. The Sicilian Butcher – Meatball Heaven
The name says it all – this place takes meat seriously. Their meatball flight lets you sample three styles, from classic beef to spicy lamb that packs serious flavor.
Pasta lovers shouldn’t miss their pappardelle with braised beef – wide noodles that hold onto the rich sauce like they were made for each other.
15. Fat Ox – Upscale Italian Excellence
Fat Ox proves that Italian fine dining doesn’t have to be stuffy. Their 48-hour short rib agnolotti is worth every minute of the wait – tender pasta pockets bursting with rich flavor.
The sleek space with open kitchen makes this perfect for special occasions where you want great Italian food in Phoenix with a side of people-watching.
16. DeFalco’s Italian Grocery – Old-School Deli Magic
Part grocery, part restaurant, DeFalco’s has been serving legendary Italian sandwiches since 1972. Their eggplant parm sub is crispy, cheesy perfection that’ll ruin other sandwiches for you.
Cash-only and no frills, but when the food’s this good, who needs ambiance? Just come hungry and leave happy.
Final thought
From old-school red sauce joints to modern pasta bars, Phoenix’s Italian restaurant scene offers something for every craving.
Whether you’re after that perfect wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, or just a cozy spot with amazing flavors, these spots deliver.
Which of these best Italian restaurants in Phoenix will you try first? Grab some friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to eat your way through the Valley’s tastiest Italian offerings.
And hey – when you find your favorite, come back and tell us which dish stole your heart!