11 Italian Restaurants In Arizona That Locals Say You Need To Reserve Early
Arizona is home to some of the most authentic and celebrated Italian cooking outside of the Old Country.
However, this popularity comes with a catch: if you dream of savoring hand-made pasta or wood-fired pizza at peak dinner hours, planning is non-negotiable.
We’ve spoken to Arizona natives and culinary experts to compile a definitive list of 11 Italian restaurants that are so universally adored, locals warn you must reserve a table weeks in advance.
If you’re looking for spontaneity, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for the best, read on.
1. POMO Pizzeria Napoletana — Downtown Phoenix
Authentic Neapolitan pizza takes center stage at this downtown Phoenix gem located at 705 N 1st St, where the dough rises for 48 hours before hitting the oven.
The restaurant imports ingredients directly from Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, creating pies that transport you straight to Naples.
Their wood-fired oven reaches temperatures of 900 degrees, producing perfectly charred crusts with tender centers.
Tables fill up fast on weekends, so locals know to book at least a week in advance.
The margherita pizza showcases simplicity at its finest, with just five ingredients creating magic on your plate.
Service moves quickly despite the crowds, and the open kitchen lets you watch skilled pizzaiolos toss dough with practiced ease.
2. Pizzeria Bianco — Town & Country (Phoenix)
James Beard Award winner Chris Bianco created a pizza empire that started with one small restaurant and grew into a Phoenix institution at 4743 N 20th St.
His dedication to quality ingredients and traditional techniques has earned him national recognition and lines that stretch around the block.
Every pizza reflects decades of perfecting the craft, from the Rosa with red onion and rosemary to the Wiseguy with wood-roasted onions.
Reservations disappear within minutes of opening up each month, making this one of the hardest tables to snag in Arizona.
The dough ferments slowly, developing complex flavors that pair beautifully with locally sourced toppings.
My first visit required a three-week wait, but that first bite justified every minute of anticipation.
3. CiBO Urban Pizzeria (CIBO) — Phoenix
Urban sophistication meets rustic Italian charm at 603 N 5th Ave, where exposed brick walls and modern lighting create an inviting atmosphere.
The menu extends beyond pizza to include housemade pasta, creative salads, and Italian small plates that showcase seasonal ingredients.
Their butternut squash pizza with sage and brown butter has converted countless skeptics who thought fruit belonged nowhere near their pies.
Weekend brunch reservations book solid two weeks out, with locals flocking for breakfast pizzas topped with eggs and pancetta.
Tuesday nights offer a more relaxed vibe, though even then, walking in without a reservation means a lengthy wait at the bar.
4. Toscana — Wood-Fired Italian (Scottsdale)
Tuscan countryside vibes flourish at 16580 N 92nd St, Ste 100, where every dish celebrates the simplicity of Italian cooking with fresh, quality ingredients.
The wood-fired grill imparts smoky flavors to everything from ribeye steaks to fresh fish, while housemade pastas showcase traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Pappardelle with wild boar ragu takes eight hours to prepare, resulting in tender meat that melts into the wide ribbons of pasta.
Prime dinner hours from 6 to 8 PM require reservations at least ten days ahead, especially during winter when snowbirds flock to Scottsdale.
The outdoor patio offers views of the McDowell Mountains, making it a popular choice for special occasions and romantic dinners.
5. Fat Ox — Scottsdale
Chef Matt Carter brings his culinary expertise to 6316 N Scottsdale Rd, creating a menu that honors Italian traditions while incorporating modern techniques and local ingredients.
The restaurant name references the importance of quality meat in Italian cuisine, and their butcher cuts change daily based on availability.
Handmade tagliatelle gets paired with short rib sugo that simmers for hours until the meat falls apart at the touch of a fork.
Reservations open 30 days in advance and weekend slots vanish almost immediately, particularly for their chef’s counter seating.
The drink list spans Italian regions from Piedmont to Sicily, with knowledgeable sommeliers guiding selections.
Weeknight dining offers slightly better availability, though even Monday and Tuesday evenings fill up a week ahead during peak season.
6. Virtù Honest Craft — Old Town Scottsdale
Regional Italian cooking takes the spotlight at 3701 N Marshall Way, where Chef Gio Osso celebrates the cuisine of Abruzzo, his ancestral homeland.
The menu changes with the seasons, featuring dishes rarely found outside of Italy, like chitarra pasta with lamb ragu and saffron-scented brodetto.
Osso sources ingredients obsessively, working with local farmers to recreate the flavors of his childhood while respecting Arizona’s growing seasons.
Getting a table during restaurant week requires booking the moment reservations open.
The intimate space seats fewer than 60 guests, creating an atmosphere where conversation flows easily and the open kitchen adds to the energy.
I celebrated my anniversary here last year, and the personalized service made us feel like family rather than just another reservation.
7. Café Monarch — Scottsdale
Housed in a charming bungalow at 6939 E 1st Ave, this intimate restaurant offers a four-course prix fixe menu that changes weekly based on seasonal availability.
The chef’s European training shines through in dishes that blend French techniques with Italian sensibilities, creating plates that look like edible art.
Only ten tables fill the cozy dining room, making each evening feel like a private dinner party at a friend’s elegant home.
Booking requires calling at least three weeks ahead, and popular dates like Valentine’s Day fill up months in advance.
The pacing between courses allows for relaxed conversation, with servers explaining each dish’s components and suggested drink pairings.
Vegetarian and dietary restrictions receive the same creative attention as the standard menu, ensuring everyone experiences the same level of culinary excellence.
8. Luna By Giada — Caesars Republic Scottsdale
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis brings her California-Italian style to 4747 N Goldwater Blvd, where bright flavors and fresh ingredients define every dish on the menu.
The restaurant’s modern design features floor-to-ceiling windows and a vibrant color palette that mirrors the bold flavors on the plate.
Lemon ricotta cookies, inspired by her family recipe, end meals on a sweet note that keeps guests coming back for more.
Weekend brunch and dinner reservations should be made two weeks out, particularly for patio seating overlooking the resort’s pools and gardens.
The pasta sampler lets indecisive diners try three different preparations, from classic carbonara to innovative combinations featuring local produce.
Service maintains the warmth of a family-run trattoria despite the polished resort setting, with servers genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their favorite menu items.
9. North Italia — Kierland Commons (Scottsdale)
Handmade pasta prepared daily forms the foundation of the menu at 15024 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, where diners can watch chefs roll and cut dough through large windows into the kitchen.
The restaurant strikes a balance between casual and upscale, making it perfect for everything from business lunches to date nights.
Signature short rib bolognese combines fork-tender meat with fresh pappardelle, creating comfort food that feels elevated without being pretentious.
Prime dining times require reservations at least five days ahead, though the large patio offers additional seating that sometimes has better availability.
The shopping center location makes it convenient for combining dinner with browsing Kierland’s upscale boutiques.
10. Vivace — Tucson
Tucson’s culinary scene shines at 6440 N Campbell Ave, where this neighborhood favorite has served Southern Italian cuisine for over two decades.
The restaurant occupies a converted house, with multiple dining rooms creating intimate spaces that feel worlds away from typical restaurant settings.
Seafood arrives fresh several times weekly, appearing in dishes like linguine with clams that transport diners straight to the Amalfi Coast.
Locals guard this gem fiercely, but word has spread enough that Friday and Saturday nights require booking at least a week ahead.
The drink list focuses on Italian varietals, with several options available by the glass for those wanting to explore different regions.
Desserts change seasonally, though the tiramisu remains a year-round staple that showcases the classic preparation without unnecessary embellishments or modern twists.
11. Bianchi’s Italian — Tucson
Family recipes passed down through generations come to life at 1110 N Silverbell Rd, where the Bianchi family has welcomed guests since 1979.
Red sauce lovers find paradise here, with marinara that simmers for hours developing deep, complex flavors that coat every strand of spaghetti.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over meals, with generous portions that often provide lunch for the next day.
Sunday dinners book solid as families gather for weekly traditions, so calling ahead ensures you snag a table for your crew.
Veal parmigiana arrives golden and crispy, topped with melted mozzarella that stretches with every forkful.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars, creating a welcoming environment that explains why some customers have been dining here for over 40 years.