That’s amore! From chefs transplanted from Italy to shared family recipes to meals served against a backdrop of Italian song, these are some of the best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale.
DeFalco’s Italian Eatery and Grocery
Run by the DeFalco family, the main courses here—which are created from scratch—are made from 100-year-old DeFalco family recipes. Both sides of the family are originally from Italy, and the first DeFalco’s Italian Deli and Grocery opened in Phoenix in 1972. All these years later, they are still serving traditional Italian entrees, cold and hot sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and calzones.
Stop by the deli and store for Italian food favorites such as house made sausage, prosciutto, cheeses, pastas, sauces, and more.
2334 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Andreoli Italian Grocer
A creation from the Italian-born, raised, and culinary trained Giovanni Scorzo, this family-owned Italian restaurant and market offers a slice of Italy. Scorzo—who was named a 2022 James Beard Award Best Chef: Southwest finalist—ensures that everything is either imported directly from Italy or created in-house. Sit down for authentic Italian food or stop by the counter and pick up Italian desserts and deli meats. Here you’ll find everything from homemade salami, breads, and sauces to sandwiches, pastas, and tiramisu.
This year also brought another James Beard nod for this Italian restaurant—it is currently a semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category (winners announced in the coming months).
8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85858
Marcellino Ristorante
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this husband-and-wife-run Italian restaurant features creations from chef Marcellino, who hails from the Campania region of Italy. He opened several restaurants in Italy before moving to the U.S. with his wife, Sima, first settling in New York and then moving to Scottsdale and opening this cozy locale.
The menu at Marcellino's Italian restaurant features a variety of authentic Italian creations, and the destination includes not only the dining room, but a private dining area, a romantic dining cove, and the Chef’s Island. Sima, a classically trained singer, performs during regular live music nights.
7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Fat Ox
This chic, modern dining spot is known as much for its atmosphere as design as its bold Italian food dishes and creative cocktails.
The pastas are made daily—most by hand—and the cheese and salumi are all imported.
Phoenix mastermind Matt Carter is behind the chef-driven menu, and created most dishes with just four to eight ingredients in order to best showcase their flavors.
The bar menu includes hand-curated, Italian-influenced cocktails.
6316 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
The Blind Pig
The Blind Pig is a brunch by day, NY-style Italian destination by night, and serves options created mostly in-house (whenever possible) and with as many local ingredients as are available. Brunch selections range from the classic eggs, bacon, toast, and potatoes meal to an Italian Benny and an Italian pork sandwich. Dinner has a range of the best Italian food classics.
3370 Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Veneto Trattoria
Susan and Roberto Rossi own this longtime Italian restaurant in Hilton Village. Roberto is a native of Treviso, Veneto, Italy, and the couple modeled Veneto after the traditional trattorias of Northern Italy—both the interior and the menu creations reflect a Venetian experience.
Here diners will find everything from pastas to fish dishes to the top Venetian specialties, Baccala Mantecato (Venetian-style cod) and Fegato alla Veneziana (calf liver with golden onions).
There is also an extensive selection of Italian wines.
Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
EVO
Not only is this Italian restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale busy beginning with its daily happy hour (4-6 p.m.), but the fact that it’s also open—and serves a full menu—until 1:30 a.m. also makes it a popular late-night spot. The pizzas are a favorite, as are entrees such as the Eggplant Parmesan and Lobster Gnocchi. For those in your party who prefer non-Italian food, there’s also the Evo Burger.
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The Italian Daughter
The Maggiore family name is synonymous in Arizona with good food. This continues with Melissa Maggiore—daughter of the late famed chef/restauranter Tomaso Maggiore—who opened the aptly named The Italian Daughter in North Scottsdale. This Italian restaurant pays homage to her father and continues his legacy of offering some of the best authentic Italian food in the Valley.
Here guests find a menu with top Italian options such as handmade pastas, Veal Cutlet Parmigiana, Shrimp + Risotto Primavera, and more.
There’s live music nightly from October through May and from Thursday to Monday from June to October.
23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Pasta Brioni
With an Old School atmosphere—think wood, white tablecloths, and leather booths—you’ll feel like you’re in a neighborhood bistro in New York City’s Little Italy, or in a restaurant in Italy itself.
The handmade, fresh-cut pasta is made at this Old Town Scottsdale Italian restaurant daily, and entree options also include Italian food classics such as Chicken Parmesan and Veal Picatta. There are also seafood dishes, as well as several daily specials.
4416 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Fratelli La Bufala
Fratelli La Bufala learned the art of creating DOP Mozzeralla di Bufala from his father in Italy, and used it to create a brand that has been in business since 2003. Acclaimed worldwide, today there are more than 70 restaurants globally, with Scottsdale being just its second Italian restaurant in the U.S. market (the first is in Miami).
The location uses authentic products to create traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Ingredients are imported from Italy daily, including the water buffalo meat and mozzarella. Expect everything from homemade ricotta gnocchi to wood-fired pizzas to burgers served with a homemade pizza bun.
7300 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
