Marie P.
Yelp
Atmosphere & Customer service 5/5!
The staff is truly the best! We interacted with the hostess, our main server, and the staff in the bakery... all attentive, friendly, and portraying a pride in working there. The manager even walked by to see if we had everything we needed.
2 of us split the calamari app, a Caesar, and a marg pizza.
The food was a step up from Bucco De Beppo, and I feel bad about saying that, but there is nothing wrong with solid, Italian American food. It is a great place for offering something for everyone, in an atmosphere that is so beautiful & kind.
Calamari: Very bland
Ceasar: dressing tasted like something mass produced, versus a quality dressing. Would have like a sliver of actual anchovy.
Margherita Pizza: The dough was just not doing it. A little too soft, lacking flavor. I recognize that a super salty, or sourdough type crust is not requirement, or even authentic, but if the toppings do not wow you, something should make up for it in the pizza dough.
Olive oil & balsamic was provided upon request.
The presentation was great, and their coffee was exceptional.
Bakery:
Amaretti Cookie: Delicious, packaged beautifully to go.
Pistachio Gelato. Just OK.
I thought I was being harsh, since my friend and I loved the atmosphere and service. My pal is also a big time foodie, and she had the same sentiment related to the food. My friend had been once before, but liked the overall restaurant so much that she was willing to give the food another try. She would not return for the food. We both agreed that it is a great place for a family event, or a work type lunch, or if you really like meatballs. We are not meatball people, and my Italian hub can make these at home. We were both wanting the Arancini, until we realized that it was not firm & crunchy. The description sounded more like a risotto. It is very possible that this place has something for everybody, just not us. I know the Tomaso family restaurants are loved by many in Phoenix. The attention to a great dining "experience" remains, but I question the quality of the food when you start expanding to this level.
There is definitely a place for this restaurant!