19 Italian restaurants in Scottsdale: Fancy pasta, wood-fired pizza and deli sandwiches

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
·11 min read

There are an estimated 10,000 first-generation Italians and more than 200,000 Italian Americans living in Arizona. That means an amazing representation of Italian culture and plenty of fantastic options for Italian food around the Valley.

Italian cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple cooking methods. Whether you're in the mood for an excellent plate of pasta, a hand-tossed pizza pie, freshly made lasagna, a massive sandwich from an Italian deli counter or a cannoli and espresso, there's a restaurant serving nearly every Italian specialty in metro Phoenix. And there's an especially high concentration of Italian joints in Scottsdale.

Here's your guide to some great Scottsdale Italian restaurants.

Sugo Bistro

Sugo Bistro dishes are made with ingredients that are imported from Italy. The neighborhood joint puts out a menu of crowd-favorite bruschetta boards and wood-fired pizzas.

Menu highlights: Bruschetta board, garlic cheese ciabatta, braised beef Italian sandwich, pappardelle, salmon cacciatore, Spin & Arty pizza, Padre Di Manzo pizza, Sicilian doughnuts.

Prices: Appetizers $8 to $17; salads $13 to $15; pastas $13 to $28; pizzas $16 to $19; sandwiches $15 to $16; desserts $9 to $10.

Details: 16580 N. 92nd St. No. 100, Scottsdale. 480-687-0298, sugobistro.com.

Marcellino Ristorante

You won’t be disappointed by the pasta and the live music here. They've had plenty of time to practice; the classy Italian restaurant has been serving Mediterranean flavors in Scottsdale for 20 years.

Menu highlights: Carpaccio di manzo, gnocchi sorrentina, fettucine contadina, tagliolini mare e monte, scaloppine al gorgonzola, salmon al cognac, tartuffo al cioccolato.

Prices: Appetizers $16 to $26; salads $12 to $18; pastas $27 to $29; desserts $16 to $18.

Details: 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 480-990-9500, marcellinoristorante.com.

The Blind Pig

What started as a stand at the farmers market has evolved into a brick and mortar where New York-style Italian food is the name of the game with the likes of fresh mozzarella, chicken parmesan and cannoli. They also serve an Italian-inflected brunch.

Menu highlights: Charred octopus, house-pulled mozzarella, Linguine con Vongole, spicy rigatoni, grilled Bronzino, New York Italian Amaretto cheesecake, house-made Lemoncello gelato.

Prices: Appetizers $10 to $20; pastas $22 to $40; desserts $8 to $11.

Details: 3370 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. 480-994-1055, theblindpigcafe.com

Tommy V's Urban Kitchen & Bar

The subtle Rat Pack vibes will transport you back in time. Eat your lasagna under a portrait of Frank Sinatra. The restaurant also hosts monthly wine dinners.

Menu highlights: Zucchini blossom, hazelnut risotto, three-meat lasagna, eggplant torte, herb grilled lamb chops, salted caramel cheesecake.

Prices: Appetizers $15 to $17; salads $12; pastas $23 to $28; desserts $9 to $11.

Details: 7303 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. 480-427-2264, tommyvscottsdale.com.

Mafaldini Pescatore is a seafood pasta with shrimp, mussels and clams at Campo.
Mafaldini Pescatore is a seafood pasta with shrimp, mussels and clams at Campo.

Campo Italian Bistro & Bar

Modern rustic Italian cooking abounds with dishes like fettuccine with zucchini, confit tomatoes, almond-arugula pesto and local pecorino. There's also an extensive drink menu, and a great happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. that includes a pizza and a bottle of house wine for $25.

Menu highlights: Whipped black pepper feta, Parma prosciutto and seasonal fruit, salsicha pizza, prosciutto pizza, Malfadini, Bucatini, chicken al mattone, citrus olive oil cake.

Prices: Appetizers $6 to $23; salads $14 to $16; pastas $19 to $34; pizzas $17 to $19; desserts $6 to $9.

Details: 8260 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. 480-597-9195, campoitalian.com.

Guido's Chicago Meats & Deli

Calling all Chicagoans: Head to this Italian Deli for a taste of the Windy City. The smell of cheese, meats and the red neon sign that says “A Taste of Little Italy" give classic vibes, and the Italian beef and chicken parm sandwiches will make you want to become a regular.

Menu highlights: Antipasto misto, Italian roast beef, pastrami, cheese calzone, chicken flamingo and spumoni.

Prices: Appetizers $3.50 to $34.99; salads $4.99 to $20.99; pastas $15.99 to $27.99; pizzas $11.99 to $49.99; sandwiches $9.99 to $19.99; desserts $1.99 to $89.99.

Details: 10893 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-951-0636, guidosofchicago.com.

Pizza Reggio with 'nduja tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, spicy soppressata and pecorino from Pizzeria Virtu in Scottsdale.
Pizza Reggio with 'nduja tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, spicy soppressata and pecorino from Pizzeria Virtu in Scottsdale.

Pizzeria Virtu

They are not messing with the classics here. Pizzeria Virtu offers a short, straightforward menu that is heavily influenced by southern Italian cuisine. The Affumicata pizza is topped with charred tomato, smoked scamorza, roasted garlic and basil. The menu is seasonal and changes frequently.

Menu highlights: Polpette, pesca, tartufo pizza, giallo pizza, Milano pizza, n’duja arrabbiata.

Prices: Appetizers $14 to $17; salads $15; pastas $20 to $28; pizzas $17 to $24.

Details: 6952 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-663-9797, pizzeriavirtu.com

Veneto Trattoria

This hidden gem, old-world trattoria serves plenty of seafood-heavy Venetian specialties like spaghetti with clams and a homemade tagliatelle pasta with black squid ink sauce and calamari, perfect for pairing with their extensive wine list that's heavy on bottles from Italy, California and Spain.

Menu highlights: Melanzane pomodoro e mozzarella, gamberetti marinati, tagliatelle con calamari, ravioli di vitello ai porcini, ossobuco alla milanese, filetto alla crosta di senape, semifreddo al pistacchio.

Prices: Appetizers $10.95 to $14.50; salads $9.50 to $10.95; pastas $22.50 to $24.50; desserts $6 to $10.

Details: 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-948-9928, venetotrattoria.com.

The brown butter cake at Evo.
The brown butter cake at Evo.

EVO

Get refined Italian cuisine late into the night. How late? EVO closes at two in the morning. The menu is focused on recipes from the central and northern regions of Italy, with the likes of hearty Bolognese topped with basil and ricotta.

Menu highlights: Steak bruschetta, frito misto, Evo salad, blackened chicken alfredo, fennel sausage pasta, lobster gnocchi, sausage and polenta, brown butter baby cake.

Prices: Appetizers $12 to $25; salads $5 to $14; pastas $16 to $28; pizzas $14 to $17; desserts $9 to $12.

Details: 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale. 480-265-9814, evoscottsdale.com.

Fratelli La Bufala

Calling all pizza lovers. This Naples-based chain of pizzerias has outlets all over the world, including here in Scottsdale. The menu includes playful appetizers like the parmigiana in carrozza, a fried eggplant Parm fritter, salads, so-called pizza burgers served on pizza dough buns, and of course, a slew of Neapolitan pizzas ranging from simple margherita di bufala to pizzas topped with mortadella and pistachios and even yellowfin tuna.

Menu highlights: Scugnizzielli, Salsiccia burger, bucatini caciobufala e pepe, spaghetti alla nerano, delicata pizza, Arizona pizza, Amalfi pizza, ricottina.

Prices: Appetizers $4 to $24; salads $12 to $13; burgers $17-18; pastas $18 to $21; secondi entrees $35-50; pizzas $15 to $29; desserts $6 to $12.

Details: 7300 N. Vía Paseo Del Sur, Suite B, Scottsdale. 480-687-7784, flbofarizona.com.

The deli case at Andreoli Italian Grocer in Scottsdale is filled with fresh meats, pastries and other goodies on Oct. 16, 2019.
The deli case at Andreoli Italian Grocer in Scottsdale is filled with fresh meats, pastries and other goodies on Oct. 16, 2019.

Andreoli Italian Grocer

After years serving classic Italian fare, this gourmet market and eatery earned national attention in 2022 as a James Beard Award finalist. Owner Giovanni Scorzo keeps it traditional with house-made breads, pastas and desserts like tiramisu. The restaurant has been featured on various Food Network shows, including "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."

Menu highlights: Patatine fritte, carpaccio, muratore, cafone, pizza San Francesco di paola, penne strascicate, fusili with pork ribs, meringata.

Prices: Appetizers $9.95 to $15; salads $9.50 to $12.95; pastas $20 to $25; Pizzas $9; sandwiches $12.95 to $13.75; desserts $1.25 to $29.99.

Details: 8880 E. Vía Linda, Scottsdale. 480-614-1980, andreoli-grocer.com.

Italian dishes at the Italian Daughter in Scottsdale.
Italian dishes at the Italian Daughter in Scottsdale.

The Italian Daughter

Opened by the daughter of well-known Valley restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore, this bright, laid-back restaurant has a huge menu of small bites and boards perfect for pairing with live music and happy hour drink specials. There's also a big lineup of pasta dishes, including high-end ravioli filled with lobster and short rib.

Menu highlights: Arancini board, the Melissa board, roasted potato and sausage flatbread, capricciosa pizza, creste di gallo norcina, short rib ravioli, papa's cioppino.

Prices: Appetizers $8 to $25; salads $11 to $15; pastas $23 to $36; pizzas $14 to $18.

Details: 23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-404-6085, theitaliandaughter.com.

Tomaso's has always been in the family: Why an 'emotional' goodbye is also a new beginning

Rinaldi's Italian Deli

You can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches at this Italian Deli, but they offer a massive menu beyond grinders. Get yourself a salad, hot or cold sub, Italian dinner and even breakfast before you go to work. Rinaldi’s extensive menu, has over 40 menu items.

Menu highlights: Rinaldi’s Max, Italian combo, baked Ziti, ham cappicola.

Prices: Salads $10.99 to $16.99; sandwiches $10.49 to $14.99.

Details: 16211 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 4, Scottsdale. 480-607-3354, rinaldisdeli.com.

The campanelle al gamberi pasta dish at The Americano in Scottsdale on Dec. 9, 2021.
The campanelle al gamberi pasta dish at The Americano in Scottsdale on Dec. 9, 2021.

The Americano

Get ready to splurge at this stylish Italian by Food Network star Chef Scott Conant. The Americano's modern dining room with cozy crescent-shaped booths and an open kitchen is the perfect environment to take in the nightly theatrics of over-the-top cocktails and Instagrammable dishes like caviar French fries and smoking cocktails.

Menu highlights: Braised Wagyu beef cheeks, polenta cremosa, mint ricotta doppio, trenette all’aragosta, braised short rib and bone marrow ravioli, olive oil poached octopus, black cocoa pavlova.

Price: Appetizers $16 to $38; salads $18; pastas $25 to $45; desserts $9 to $21.

Details: 17797 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-573-0001, theamericanorestaurant.com.

What to order: The Americano is a Scottsdale steakhouse that's as theatrical as it is delicious

DeFalco's Italian Deli & Grocery

Everyone knows them and everyone loves them. Started in 1972, this famous Italian deli and grocery is the place to get your essential Italian ingredients and a quick bite.

Menu highlights: DeFalco’s arancini, classic muffuletta sandwich, il purista, eggplant parmigiana, the Romulus, Diavolo pizza, centurion calzone, roasted artichoke and vegetable lasagna, mascarpone lemoncello cake.

Prices: Salads $2.75 to $13.99; pastas $9 to $21; pizzas $5 to $28.50; sandwiches $5.99 to $13.99; desserts $2.99 to $6.99.

Details: 2334 N. Scottsdale Road a133, Scottsdale. 480-990-8660, defalcosdeli.com.

The new Spiga Cucina Italiana is now open at Pinnacle Peak and Miller roads in north Scottsdale.
The new Spiga Cucina Italiana is now open at Pinnacle Peak and Miller roads in north Scottsdale.

Spiga Cucina Italiana

Spiga Cucina brings Italian cuisine from the Iberian Peninsula to the Valley with a unique selection of menu items like the beet ravioli and the ravioli de 'sorala.' This rustic-modern restaurant will make you feel like you entered an underground wine cellar.

Menu highlights: Gamberi limone, beet ravioli, agnolotti alla California, tagliatelle gamberi, fichi pizza, trattoria burger, ricotta 'e pistachio cake.

Prices: Appetizers $11 to $24; salads $11 to $13; pastas $17 to $24; pizzas $14 to $17; desserts $7 to $9.

Details: 7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-513-9000, spigaaz.com.

Crust Simply Italian

As the name indicates, this restaurant keeps it simple with authentic Italian ingredients transformed into East Coast classics like New York-style pizza.

Menu highlights: Bacon-wrapped shrimp, penne alla Scottsdale, Long Island special pizza, Nicky’s burrata pizza, gelato d’ oro.

Prices: Appetizers $10 to $16; salads $12 to $16; pastas $12 to $23; pizzas $12 to $33; sandwiches $12.50 to $16; desserts $6 to $11.

Details: 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite F101, Scottsdale. 480-948-3099, crustrestaurants.com.

Pubblico Italian Eatery

Open since 2018, Pubblico has been serving dishes inspired by Italy's diverse regions. The sleek, modern decoration offers an ideal ambiance for a family dinner.

Menu highlights: Fried brussels sprouts, clam and bacon pizza, bucatini carbonara, clam linguini, butternut squash and scallop risotto, apple rum and fig bread pudding.

Prices: Appetizers $12 to $20; salads $6 to $20; pastas $14 to $34; pizzas $12 to $20; sandwiches $12; desserts $8 to $9.

Details: 7001 N. Scottsdale Road No. 184, Scottsdale. 480-597-6394, pubblicoitalianeatery.com.

Gramigna boscaiola from Pomo Pizzeria in downtown Phoenix.
Gramigna boscaiola from Pomo Pizzeria in downtown Phoenix.

Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana

If you like pizza, then you should check out this place. Pomo Pizzeria offers both its namesake and other tradtiional dishes and a few less common specialties like Focaccia di recco, thin foaccia dough filled with stracchino cheese and black salt.

Menu highlights: Crocchette, focaccia di recco, tortelloni tartufo, campanelle verdure, burratella pizza, peppino pizza, semifreddo.

Prices: Appetizers $9.95 to $19.95; salads $9.95 to $15.95; pastas $13.95 to $19.95; pizzas $13.95 to $18.95; sandwiches $7.95 to $10.95; desserts $4 to $8.95.

Details: 8977 N. Scottsdale Road No. 504, Scottsdale. 480-998-1366, pomopizzeria.com.

Micheladas are the ultimate summer sips: These Phoenix Mexican restaurants make them best

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Scottsdale Italian restaurants: A guide to red sauce pasta and pizza

Recommended Stories