Families and Kids

Must-Try Italian Restaurants in Tempe

July 24, 2024

Find out where to savor a taste of Italy in Tempe

In a city regarded this highly for its global cuisine scene, you can bet the dining landscape is home to several must-try Italian restaurants.

When it comes to Italian cuisine, Tempe chefs and restauranteurs proudly serve up authentic favorites. Family recipes yield hearty, melty dishes, fresh-baked breads, vintage varietals, signature seafood selections, perfectly prepared meats and some of the best pasta around. For pizzerias, however, check out our Guide to Pizza in Tempe.

Caffe Boa
398 S. Mill Ave., #110, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9112

Once noted for having the best wine selections in the country, Caffe Boa is one of Mill Avenue’s hidden treasures. Located on 398 S. Mill Avenue, Caffe Boa strives to serve the best Italian dishes with the finest organic and all natural ingredients. Founded over 20 years ago, Caffe Boa offers only fresh local quality food such as fresh baked breads from local bakers and produce from local organic farmers. I recommend trying the Risotto Primavera, which is a mix of the spring asparagus, shucked peas, mint, and lemon all mixed in their homemade risotto is simply delizioso.

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
440 W. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-785-0522

Picazzo’s focuses on serving up fresh Italian food – including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and meat dishes – lots of options to fit any diet. There are over 40 vegan and vegetarian options. Additionally, they use organic ingredients whenever they can and the entire restaurant is 100% gluten free. Bring on the pizza! This is the kind of place where I feel like I can really indulge and know that it’s also healthy.

Postino Wine Cafe
Annex: 615 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-927-1111 
South Tempe: 8749 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85284

With locations in the heart of the ASU campus and South Tempe, Postino Wine Cafe is best-known for its sumptuous bruschetta boards. A favorite for sharing, but substantial enough to be a complete meal, these boards feature four hearty selections from the permanent and seasonal creations. Soups, salads, paninis, desserts and, of course, weekend brunch round out this dining experience here.

RigaTony’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
1850 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-899-1111

If you’re in the mood for a big Italian family dinner, look no further than RigaTony’s. My family has celebrated many birthdays and celebrations here, and every time we leave full and happy. The best dish on the menu, in my opinion, is the RigaTony — rigatony pasta baked in a rich mozzarella sauce, topped with a garlic-spike marinara and your choice of Italian sausage (my favorite), meatballs, chicken or steamed broccoli. Yum! The portions are large and great for sharing. RigaTony’s offers a robust kids menu too, so be sure to bring them too.

Society
920 E. University Drive, Suite 204, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-550-7801

A Tempe favorite for upscale, late-night dining, Society is the place for savoring Italian and Mediterranean dishes as well as sipping craft cocktails. Tuck into a cozy booth or pull up a seat at the bar and tuck into handmade meatballs, decadent focaccia, arancini, butter cake, and more. The cocktail program complements the cuisine — as well as the otherwordly atmosphere — perfectly. Society is open until 1:30 a.m. every night.

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen
96 S. Rockford Drive, Suite #108, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-0020

For over 40 years, Spinato’s has been serving up delicious Italian food across the Greater Phoenix area. A brand-new location recently opened in Tempe, and it’s of course amazing, as expected. Perfect for any type of group, including families with littles to happy hour with co-workers, Spinato’s fits the bill. My favorite dishes include the Momma’s Signature Pizza and the Super Six Pizza. The calzones are also out of this world.

Vincitorio’s  Restaurant
1835 E. Elliot Road, #C109, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-820-2786

For a taste of Italy right in your own backyard, head to Vincitorio’s on 1835 E. Elliot Road, just east of McClintock Dr. This neighborhood restaurant makes fresh handmade pasta daily and has over 200 wines to choose from. Vincitorio’s has established itself as being one of the few restaurants that gives guests a true authentic Italian experience. Enjoy classics like the Penne Primavera, Fettuccine Pomodori Secchi or the Spaghetti E Polpette. Experience Vincitori’s restaurant and immerse yourself in the rich history of food, family and friends.

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
523 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-858-0501
1475 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-966-0401

With the freshest ingredients, Oregano’s serves up Chicago-style pizza, huge sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. You’ll love the Big Band soundtrack, fun atmosphere and the famous Original Pizza Cookie.