11 Top-Notch Italian Restaurants Around Phoenix

"Fat Ox is the place to go for modern Italian food and the sort of see-and-be-seen crowd associated with Scottsdale. When it’s crowded (and that’s often), the Ox is noisy, but most customers pay no mind to the din once the riveting, beautifully plated food arrives. Pastas, one of the menu’s highlights, are made in-house daily, while premium proteins (think: Berkshire pork, branzino, Ora king salmon, and Linz Reserve steaks) are cooked over wood and charcoal in a custom-made hearth. This is light years from spaghetti and meatballs on a checkered tablecloth. For an affordable, fly-by experience, head to the glitzy bar for good cocktails and appetizers." - Nikki Buchanan