13 Best and Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Mesa, AZ
Are you craving Italian food in Mesa, AZ? The city’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of options for Italian cuisine.
We’ve curated a list of the best Italian restaurants in Mesa to simplify your decision-making. These restaurants excel in ambiance, service, affordability, and, of course, the food.
We understand everyone has different preferences, but we aim to cater to all Italian food enthusiasts.
Whether you prefer pasta, pizza, or traditional Italian dishes, our curated list will surely have something appealing for you.
Italian Restaurants in Mesa
Red White & Brew
Red White & Brew offers a welcoming American and Italian dining experience that feels like being at home. Opened in 2002, Red White & Brew serves top-notch Italian dishes with a curated selection of wines and beer.
The menu includes pasta, seafood, meats, poultry, and brick oven pizza, providing choices for everyone. The portions are generous, and the flavors will please any food enthusiast.
Everything is prepared from scratch in the kitchen, ensuring an authentic and satisfying dining experience. The warm and inviting dining room with a full bar and patio will make you feel part of the family.
With two locations in Mesa and Prescott, both locally owned and operated, this restaurant is here to celebrate any occasion with you. The restaurant’s team will work closely with you for party trays or full-service catering to create a menu your guests will love.
Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano
Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano opened its doors in June 2004. The restaurant prepares fresh dishes made to order, using recipes from various regions of Italy.
You can start with delicious salads like the light and tangy Caesar or the burrata with red onions, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze.
Try the delicious chicken piccata with angel hair pasta or the chicken Parmesan for the entrees. The chicken is good, and the pasta is cooked perfectly al dente.
While the outdoor seating areas are warm from the heat lamps, you may prefer waiting for an indoor table. If you need a respite from busy places, visit Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano for a relaxed Italian dining experience!
Oregano’s
Oregano’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant chain. It was founded in 1993. The menu offers a mix of old-world classics and new recipes.
The portions are significant so that you can have leftovers. Popular dishes include Big Rig Pasta, Clark Street Pizza, and Pablo Picasso Mexico Salad. They also have sandwiches, wings, and desserts.
The ambiance and decor at Oregano’s are like the 1950s in the United States. Antiques decorate the walls, and Big Band music plays.
You can sit in cozy booths, at tables near the window, or at the bar. Oregano’s has multiple Arizona locations, with two situated in Mesa. You should visit Oregano’s if you want a family- eatery with a unique atmosphere and Italian food.
Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
Vito’s has been serving Italian cuisine and Chicago-style thin-crust pizza since 1986. They use recipes passed down through generations of Italian immigrants.
They import flour directly from Italy to ensure top quality and use authentic Italian and Wisconsin cheeses and fresh ingredients.
Whether you want cannoli, linguini pescatore, or seafood risotto, Vito’s guarantees a satisfying experience; they also provide banquet and catering services.
You can also find tasty options like Italian fries, sandwiches, and light appetizers for lunch. If you have dietary restrictions, Vito’s has gluten-free choices, including appetizers, salads, and pizza.
Stop in today and see why Vito’s is consistently one of the top Italian Restaurants in Mesa; you won’t be disappointed!
Baci Italian Bistro
Baci Italian Bistro has been a family-owned restaurant since 2002. It serves Mesa, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and San Tan Valley. You can find the Mesa location at 8830 E Germann Road.
The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere with booths, open tables in separate rooms, and a spacious patio. It may seem unusual to have TVs in the dining area for an upscale restaurant.
They present various options like lasagna, gnocchi with meat sauce (which can be a bit runny), and tender veal limone with pasta.
The Caesar salads served with the meals are fresh, chilled, and well-dressed, with shaved Parmesan (and include fresh romaine lettuce without tough stalk bottoms). They also provide warm, freshly baked bread with the meal.
They have a fair wine list and offer a decent selection of cocktails (although having a designated bar area for waiting would be preferable). It’s worth coming back to try their pizza and other dishes.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Buca di Beppo welcomes everyone as part of the famiglia, where the food takes center stage! The menu showcases classic Italian dishes inspired by generations of Italian Americans.
When you arrive, themed rooms, walls filled with vintage photographs, and delightful restroom sounds of Italian conversations will charm you.
At Buca, they’re always excited to bring you new menu items inspired by Southern and Northern Italian cuisine.
Enjoy the Buca experience of family-style dining, relishing appetizers like the world-famous meatballs, pasta, salads, pizzas, specialty entrees, and desserts. And remember to leave room for tiramisu!
Whether a casual night out with loved ones or a special occasion like a birthday, wedding event, holiday party, sports team outing, or corporate gathering, Buca is the home of every celebration. To bring the party to your doorstep, visit the catering page.
Babbo Italian Eatery
Discover a world of flavors crafted from carefully sourced fresh ingredients at Babbo.
Since 2002, Babbo has proudly served and been a part of the Mesa community, valuing tradition and family in every aspect, from personalized meals to catering for special occasions.
When dining Babbo, don’t miss the complimentary addictive focaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic dip.
Try the tasty lasagna or enjoy the meatballs and spaghetti. The calzones are enormous and delicious. Indulge in the restaurant’s tempting recommendations!
Join Happy Hour from Monday to Friday. Gather your loved ones and experience authentic Italian dining at your neighborhood Babbo.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s is a US restaurant chain offering Italian-American cuisine. Find Carrabba’s at 1740 S Clearview Avenue, Mesa, with ample parking.
Explore a diverse menu at Carrabba’s, featuring pizza, pasta, chicken, steak, and seafood. Popular dishes include Tuscan Grilled Pork Chops, Calamari with Ricardo and Marinara Sauce, Chicken Bryan Pizza, Cannoli Cake, and Fettuccine. Don’t miss seasonal specials like Filet Caprese and Shrimp and Crab Florentine.
Enjoy the cozy and inviting ambiance with a warm color scheme and Italian-inspired artwork. Order conveniently through Uber Eats if you can’t dine in.
La Famiglia Pizza & Pasta
If you’re a pizza lover, make sure to visit La Famiglia. This family-owned restaurant has been serving pizza and different Italian cuisines since 2001.
Their Grandma pizza is outstanding, and their Strombolis are equally delicious. The sausage and pepper sandwich is also a great choice.
You also have the option to create your own pizza or select from their specialty pizzas, like the Vegetarian Delight Pizza and the Bruschetta Pizza. They even offer a gluten-free crust and a variety of pasta dishes, including, Manicotti and Ravioli.
You’ll find a small bar and an inviting outdoor patio upon entering. Don’t miss their amazing Sangria—it’s the best! Discover La Famiglia at 1859 W Guadalupe Road in Mesa.
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen is a local gem launched in 2018. This Mesa Italian restaurant is located at Fry’s grocery store.
Start your culinary journey with homemade mozzarella sticks and savory marinara sauce. Indulge lasagna or savor the richness of short rib ravioli in cream sauce.
Save some space for dessert! The restaurant’s knowledgeable servers will tempt you with delicious options such as salted caramel gelato and lemon chiffon cake, which are excellent choices.
Sam & Luca comes highly recommended, with perfect portions and exceptional flavors. The staff supplies quick and courteous service, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Pacino’s Restaurant
Pacino’s opened in Mesa in 2013. But, the story begins in New York, where Frank Spaccarelli, the owner, learned Italian cooking in his family’s kitchens.
The chefs at Pacino’s craft every dish with care. The pasta dishes are homemade and generously portioned. The lobster ravioli is particularly outstanding. The salmon plates are perfectly prepared. The cioppino, eggplant parmigiana, and salads – everything has received rave reviews.
The restaurant has a bar with TVs for customers to enjoy. On Mondays, they have live music, and on Wednesdays, they offer half-price wine. The team at Pacino’s aims to make you feel comfortable.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Olive Garden is where you can savor Italian-American cuisine in a casual setting. Popular dishes menu include Chicken Alfredo, Zuppa Toscana, and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. They also have options for vegetarians and gluten-free preferences.
You can even take your leftovers home with you. When you visit Olive Garden, you’ll experience a cozy atmosphere inspired by a Tuscan farmhouse.
You’ll find two Olive Garden locations in Mesa: Southern Fiesta Mall – West Mesa Alma School Road and Superstition Springs Mall – East Mesa Southern.
Both sites offer ample parking space. Olive Garden is an excellent choice for planning a romantic or family dinner.
il Vinaio
il Vinaio is a restaurant with Mediterranean influences specializing in American wine and dishes. They serve traditional Italian home-style breakfast and lunch.
The restaurant is family-owned and operated in Downtown Mesa. The evening makes the atmosphere elegant yet casual, with linens brought out for a memorable dining experience.
At il Vinaio, there’s something for everyone. You can choose from sampler platters, vegetarian dishes, steaks, chops, pasta, and seafood. Each night brings new surprises with daily specials and a tempting selection of indulgent desserts.
One must-try dish is the Burrata Caprese, a delightful combination of mozzarella with a creamy center with basil, local tomato, and balsamic.
If you’re planning an event, il Vinaio has a semi-private room for 32 people, with an overflow for up to 65 guests. They customize food and drink options to your preferences, buffet or sit-down dinner.
FAQs
What kinds of Italian cuisine are available in Mesa?
Mesa Italian restaurants provide a variety of Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, risotto, lasagna, tiramisu, and more.
Do Italian restaurants in Mesa have vegetarian or vegan choices?
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Verifying the specific menu offerings is advisable by contacting each restaurant individually.
Are reservations required at Italian restaurants in Mesa?
Reservations aren’t always necessary, but we suggest making them, especially during busy times or on weekends. Making a reservation guarantees that you have a table saved for your desired dining time and helps prevent waiting.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
