Scottsdale’s Italian food scene rivals any major city—from wood-fired DOC-certified Neapolitan pizzas to Old Town trattorias serving handmade pasta. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary at a romantic fine dining spot or grabbing margheritas after golf, the desert delivers authentic Italian flavors without the Phoenix drive.
But with 50+ Italian restaurants claiming “best” status, which ones actually nail the cuisine?
I’ve eaten my way through Scottsdale’s Italian restaurant scene (tough job, I know) to bring you the top 5 that locals return to and visitors rave about. From DOC-certified Neapolitan pizza in North Scottsdale to Northern Italian fine dining in Old Town, these spots prove the desert does Italian right.
🍝 Quick Answer: The 5 best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale are:
1. Pomo Pizzeria – DOC-certified Neapolitan pizza (North Scottsdale)
2. Olive & Ivy – Mediterranean-Italian on the waterfront (Old Town)
3. Marcellino Ristorante – Northern Italian fine dining (Old Town)
4. Franco’s Italian Caffe – Traditional family-owned trattoria (Old Town)
5. North Italia – Modern Italian with handmade pasta (Kierland)
From $14 wood-fired pizzas to $65 osso buco, these Italian restaurants in Scottsdale AZ balance quality ingredients, authentic technique, and that relaxed desert vibe Scottsdale does best.
Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale: Top 5 Picks
1. Pomo Pizzeria – Best Neapolitan Pizza in North Scottsdale
Pomo Pizzeria is where North Scottsdale residents go when they’re craving actual Neapolitan pizza—not American pizza with an Italian name.
This tiny spot earned Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) certification, meaning Naples itself approved their technique. That’s no small feat—only a handful of pizzerias in Arizona have this certification.
📍 Location: 8970 E Raintree Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (North Scottsdale)
💰 Price Range: $$ (Pizzas $14-$19)
⭐ Why It’s #1: DOC-certified Neapolitan pizzas from a 900°F wood-fired oven
🍕 Signature Dish: Margherita DOC with San Marzano tomatoes
What makes Pomo Pizzeria the best authentic Italian restaurant in Scottsdale for pizza:
The dough ferments for 48 hours before hitting a 900°F Acunto wood-fired oven (imported from Naples). The result? That signature leopard-spotted crust—crispy edges, soft center, slight char—that collapses under San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella in exactly 90 seconds.
Don’t expect 47 toppings. Pomo honors the Neapolitan tradition: simple ingredients, perfect execution. The menu has 8 pizzas, a few salads, and Italian sodas. That’s it. And that’s exactly right.
If you’re searching for Italian restaurants in North Scottsdale that prioritize authenticity over fusion, Pomo is your answer.
Best pizzas to order:
- Margherita DOC (tomato, mozzarella, basil) – $14
- Diavola (tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami) – $16
- Prosciutto e Arugula (white pizza, prosciutto, arugula, truffle oil) – $18
- Burrata pizza (seasonal vegetables, burrata cheese) – $17
Pro tip: Pomo is tiny (15 tables) and doesn’t take reservations for parties under 6. Go at 5pm when they open or after 8pm to avoid the 45-minute waits. Order the Nutella calzone for dessert—trust me.
Visit Pomo Pizzeria →2. Olive & Ivy – Best Waterfront Italian Restaurant in Scottsdale
If you’ve ever wanted to eat Italian food on a yacht but prefer to stay on land, Olive & Ivy nails that coastal Mediterranean aesthetic—think white umbrellas, canal views, and a menu inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
📍 Location: 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Old Town Waterfront)
💰 Price Range: $$$ (Entrees $24-$42)
⭐ Why It’s #2: Stunning patio on the Arizona Canal + coastal Italian vibes
🦞 Signature Dish: Lobster ravioli with tomato cream sauce
What makes Olive & Ivy special:
The location is unbeatable: a sprawling patio overlooking the Arizona Canal (yes, Scottsdale has waterfront dining). The menu blends Italian classics with Greek and Spanish touches—wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and enough rosé to float that imaginary yacht.
This is where Scottsdale goes for “special but not stuffy” occasions—anniversaries, milestone birthdays, impressing out-of-town guests. Service is polished without being pretentious, and the Sunday brunch is a local institution.
Among Italian restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Olive & Ivy stands out for its romantic waterfront setting and approachable Mediterranean-Italian menu that doesn’t intimidate diners unfamiliar with Italian cuisine.
Best dishes to order:
- Lobster ravioli with tomato cream sauce – $34
- Mediterranean wood-fired pizza (prosciutto, arugula, truffle oil) – $18
- Branzino with lemon, capers, white wine – $38
- Olive & Ivy chopped salad – $16
Pro tip: Request patio seating at sunset (5:30-6:30pm Nov-Mar) for that golden-hour glow on the water. Weekday happy hour (3-6pm) offers $9 pizzas and $6 wines—same view, half the price.
Visit Olive & Ivy →3. Marcellino Ristorante – Best Fine Dining Italian in Old Town
Marcellino is where Scottsdale’s old guard goes for special occasions—the restaurant equivalent of putting on a nice watch and actual shoes.
This is refined Italian fine dining done right: white tablecloths, professional service, and a wine list that could double as a novel.
📍 Location: 7114 E Stetson Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Old Town)
💰 Price Range: $$$$ (Entrees $32-$65)
⭐ Why It’s #3: Old-school elegance meets authentic Northern Italian recipes
🍖 Signature Dish: Osso buco Milanese with saffron risotto
What makes Marcellino Ristorante the best upscale Italian in Scottsdale:
Chef Marcellino Verzino hails from Italy’s Piedmont region, and his menu reads like a Northern Italian greatest hits album. Expect classics executed perfectly: osso buco that falls off the bone, risottos that require the exact right amount of arm strength to stir, and veal preparations you rarely see in Arizona.
The room feels European—dark wood, soft lighting, actual tablecloths—and the service knows when to recommend wines and when to give you space. This isn’t the spot for a casual Tuesday; it’s where you celebrate the promotion, the anniversary, or successfully adulting.
When locals search for “Italian restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona” for a special occasion, Marcellino consistently tops the list for traditional fine dining excellence.
Best dishes to order:
- Osso buco Milanese with saffron risotto – $54
- Homemade ravioli with butter and sage – $32
- Veal saltimbocca with prosciutto – $48
- Thinly sliced beef carpaccio – $18
Pro tip: The three-course prix fixe ($65) available Mon-Thu is the move—you get appetizer, pasta, and entree for less than ordering a la carte. Ask sommelier Roberto for wine pairings; he knows the 400+ bottle list like his kids’ names.
Reserve Marcellino →4. Franco’s Italian Caffe – Best Traditional Italian in Old Town Scottsdale
Franco’s Italian Caffe is the neighborhood Italian spot where you’ll find regulars by first name and pasta recipes passed down through generations.
This family-owned trattoria has been serving Old Town Scottsdale for years, and it shows—the warmth, the authenticity, and the pasta that tastes like someone’s Nonna made it.
📍 Location: 8120 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (Old Town area)
💰 Price Range: $$$ (Entrees $18-$35)
⭐ Why It’s #4: Family-owned trattoria serving traditional Italian recipes
🥟 Signature Dish: Homemade gnocchi with choice of sauce
What makes Franco’s Italian Caffe the best traditional Italian restaurant in Scottsdale:
Franco’s doesn’t try to reinvent Italian food—they just do it right. Handmade pasta, slow-simmered sauces, and recipes that honor Italian tradition without gimmicks. The vibe is cozy trattoria: red-checked tablecloths, intimate lighting, and walls decorated with Italian memorabilia.
This is where you go when you want comfort food that happens to be Italian. Not trendy, not fusion, just solid execution of classic dishes. The kind of place where the owner might stop by your table to make sure the gnocchi came out right.
Among Italian restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, Franco’s fills the “traditional family-owned” niche that many modern spots have abandoned.
Best dishes to order:
- Homemade gnocchi with choice of sauce – $22
- Chicken parmigiana with spaghetti – $24
- Fettuccine Alfredo (the real Italian version) – $20
- Veal Marsala with mushrooms – $32
Pro tip: Franco’s doesn’t do online reservations—call ahead, especially on weekends. The tiramisu is made fresh daily and sells out by 8pm, so order it with dinner, not after.
Visit Franco’s Italian Caffe →5. North Italia – Best Modern Italian in Scottsdale
North Italia is the modern Italian chain that Scottsdale can’t get enough of—and for good reason.
Despite being a chain (with locations across Arizona), North Italia maintains quality that rivals independent Italian restaurants. The secret? Pasta made from scratch every single day, wood-fired pizzas, and a commitment to fresh ingredients.
📍 Location: 15024 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (Kierland Commons)
💰 Price Range: $$$ (Entrees $18-$32)
⭐ Why It’s #5: Handmade pasta daily + modern Italian flavors
🍝 Signature Dish: Short rib pappardelle with horseradish cream
What makes North Italia one of the best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale:
The pasta program is legit—you can watch them roll and cut pasta by hand throughout the day. The menu balances classic Italian with modern American tastes: yes, you can get cacio e pepe, but you can also get short rib pappardelle that would make a Roman chef raise an eyebrow (but secretly enjoy).
The atmosphere is upscale-casual: open kitchen, lots of natural light, and a vibe that works for date night or family dinner. Consistent 4.4-4.5 star reviews across all platforms prove this chain does Italian right.
If you’re searching for Italian restaurants in Scottsdale AZ that balance authenticity with accessibility, North Italia hits that sweet spot.
Best dishes to order:
- Bolognese with handmade rigatoni – $22
- Short rib pappardelle with horseradish cream – $26
- Margherita pizza with burrata – $16
- Strozzapreti carbonara – $20
Pro tip: North Italia takes reservations (unlike some on this list) and rarely has crazy waits. The happy hour (3-6pm daily) offers $6 select pizzas and $2 off drinks—same handmade pasta quality, better price.
Reserve North Italia →Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale: Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Location | Best For | Price Range | Signature Dish | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Pomo Pizzeria | North Scottsdale | Neapolitan pizza | $$ ($14-$19) | Margherita DOC | Visit Site → |
| 🥈 Olive & Ivy | Waterfront | Romantic dining | $$$ ($24-$42) | Lobster ravioli | Book Now → |
| 🥉 Marcellino | Old Town | Fine dining | $$$$ ($32-$65) | Osso buco | Book Now → |
| 4️⃣ Franco’s Caffe | Old Town area | Traditional | $$$ ($18-$35) | Homemade gnocchi | Visit Site → |
| 5️⃣ North Italia | Kierland | Modern Italian | $$$ ($18-$32) | Short rib pappardelle | Book Now → |
Price key: $$ = $15-$30 | $$$ = $30-$50 | $$$$ = $50+ per person (entrees only, excluding drinks)
What to Expect: Pricing at Scottsdale Italian Restaurants
Here’s the reality check on what Italian dining costs in Scottsdale compared to other major cities:
Appetizers: $12-$22
Expect $14-$16 for burrata or carpaccio, $18-$22 for seafood apps like calamari or octopus. This matches NYC and SF pricing.
Pasta dishes: $18-$38
Handmade pasta typically runs $20-$34 for vegetarian options, $24-$38 with proteins. About 15% higher than Italy (obviously) but competitive with major US cities.
Main courses: $24-$65
Veal, lamb, and premium beef preparations hit $45-$65 at upscale spots. Chicken and pork dishes land $24-$35. This is standard for US fine dining.
Pizza: $14-$22
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas at places like Pomo cost $14-$19, while gourmet specialty pizzas with premium toppings reach $18-$22. Comparable to good pizza anywhere.
Wine: $12-$25/glass, $45-$300/bottle
Most restaurants pour Italian wines by the glass for $12-$18. Bottles start around $45 and climb to $300+ for rare Barolos and Brunellos.
Full dinner cost per person at Italian restaurants in Scottsdale AZ:
- Casual dinner (pizza + salad + wine): $35-$50
- Mid-range dinner (app + pasta + wine): $60-$85
- Upscale dinner (app + entree + wine + dessert): $90-$140
Money-saving tips:
- Happy hours at Olive & Ivy (3-6pm weekdays) slash pizza and wine prices 40%
- North Italia happy hour (3-6pm daily) offers $6 pizzas
- Prix fixe nights at Marcellino (Mon-Thu, $65) beat a la carte by $20-30
- Off-peak dining (5-5:30pm or after 8:30pm) sometimes gets “early bird” deals
Scottsdale’s Italian restaurants are priced for quality—you’re paying for imported ingredients, skilled technique, and authentic execution. It costs more than Olive Garden, but you’re getting actual Italian food that would make Nonna proud.
Pro Tips for Dining at Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale
1. Make Reservations for Dinner (Seriously)
Scottsdale’s top Italian spots book 1-2 weeks ahead for prime dinner slots (6:30-8pm Fri-Sat). Marcellino and North Italia are particularly tough—reserve the day you know your plans.
Exception: Pomo Pizzeria doesn’t take reservations for small parties. Arrive at 5pm when they open or after 8pm to minimize waits.
2. Dress Code: Resort Casual is the Vibe
Scottsdale doesn’t demand suits and cocktail dresses, but jeans-and-sneakers feels underdressed at fine dining spots.
- Upscale spots (Marcellino): Collared shirts for men, sundresses/nice tops for women
- Casual spots (Pomo, Franco’s): Literally anything clean
- Waterfront (Olive & Ivy): Resort casual—linen, sundresses, loafers
3. Trust the Seasonal Specials
Chefs don’t print daily specials for fun—they’re using peak ingredients that weren’t available when the menu was designed. At places like Franco’s, the daily pasta special is often better than the regular menu.
4. Validate Parking in Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale parking garages charge $2-5/hour, but most restaurants validate for 2-3 hours free. Always bring your parking ticket to the restaurant and ask the host to validate before you leave.
This applies to most Italian restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale including Marcellino, Olive & Ivy, and Franco’s.
5. Ask About Gluten-Free Options
All five top-rated Italian restaurants in Scottsdale offer gluten-free options. Pomo makes gluten-free pizza dough (the crust actually tastes good), and North Italia has dedicated gluten-free pasta available for most dishes.
Call ahead and mention dietary restrictions when booking—these kitchens take allergies seriously.
💡 Old Town Scottsdale has the highest concentration of Italian restaurants, making it easy to bar-hop between dinner spots.
FAQ: Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale
What’s the best Italian restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale?
Marcellino Ristorante takes the crown for the best Italian restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale for fine dining, with authentic Northern Italian recipes and elegant atmosphere. For waterfront ambiance, Olive & Ivy wins. For traditional family-owned, Franco’s Italian Caffe delivers classic Italian comfort food.
Are there authentic Italian restaurants in North Scottsdale?
Yes—Pomo Pizzeria in North Scottsdale is DOC-certified for Neapolitan pizza (meaning Naples approved their technique). It’s the most authentic Italian restaurant in Scottsdale for pizza, period.
What’s the average cost for dinner at Italian restaurants in Scottsdale?
Expect $60-$85 per person for a full dinner with appetizer, entree, and wine at mid-range spots. Upscale Italian restaurants in Scottsdale like Marcellino run $90-$140 per person with apps, entrees, wine, and dessert.
Budget-friendly option: Pomo offers authentic Neapolitan pizza dinners for $25-35 per person including salad and soda.
Do Italian restaurants in Scottsdale take reservations?
Yes, most Italian restaurants in Scottsdale strongly recommend or require reservations for dinner, especially Fri-Sat. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for Marcellino (2 weeks), North Italia (1 week), and Olive & Ivy (1 week for patio sunset).
Pomo Pizzeria doesn’t take reservations for parties under 6—arrive early or expect 30-60 min waits.
What’s the best Italian restaurant in Scottsdale for a romantic dinner?
Olive & Ivy wins for the best romantic Italian restaurant in Scottsdale—request patio seating at sunset over the Arizona Canal. The waterfront ambiance with twinkling lights beats every other Italian spot for date nights.
Runner-up: Marcellino offers old-school elegance with white tablecloths and intimate lighting—perfect for anniversaries.
Where can I find top-rated gluten-free Italian food in Scottsdale?
All five top-rated Italian restaurants in Scottsdale offer gluten-free options. Pomo makes gluten-free pizza dough (the crust actually tastes good), North Italia offers gluten-free pasta for most dishes, and Marcellino, Franco’s, and Olive & Ivy have dedicated gluten-free menus.
Call ahead and mention dietary restrictions when booking—these kitchens take allergies seriously.
What’s the best time to visit Italian restaurants in Scottsdale?
Peak season (Nov-April): Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Weather is perfect (60-80°F), so patios are packed.
Summer (May-Oct): Easier reservations, locals-only vibe, and sometimes “dine in the heat” specials (20-30% off).
Best times to eat at Italian restaurants in Scottsdale AZ:
- Weekday happy hours (3-6pm): Same quality, lower prices
- Early dinner (5-5:30pm): Beat the rush, sometimes get discounts
- Late dinner (after 8:30pm): Quieter atmosphere, more chef interaction
Do Italian restaurants in Scottsdale have outdoor seating?
Yes—patios are huge in Scottsdale’s mild winter climate:
- Olive & Ivy: Waterfront patio (best in Scottsdale)
- North Italia: Large covered patio at Kierland Commons
- Pomo: Minimal outdoor seating
- Franco’s: Small sidewalk patio
- Marcellino: Small front patio
Pro tip: Nov-March = patio perfection. April-Oct = indoor A/C or you’ll melt.
Final Verdict: Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s Italian restaurant scene punches way above its weight class—you’re getting DOC-certified pizza, family-owned trattorias, and authentic technique that respects Italian tradition.
Here’s how to choose the best Italian restaurant in Scottsdale for your needs:
For the best authentic Neapolitan pizza: Pomo Pizzeria is non-negotiable among Italian restaurants in North Scottsdale—DOC-certified, wood-fired in 90 seconds, and priced like a normal human can afford multiple visits.
For romantic waterfront dining: Olive & Ivy combines Mediterranean-Italian cuisine with stunning Arizona Canal views. The lobster ravioli at sunset is peak Scottsdale romance.
For special occasions with elegance: Marcellino Ristorante delivers Northern Italian fine dining—white tablecloths, osso buco, and a wine list that requires reading glasses. This is the anniversary spot.
For traditional family-owned Italian: Franco’s Italian Caffe offers that neighborhood trattoria vibe where regulars have their own tables and the gnocchi tastes like Nonna made it.
For modern Italian with consistent quality: North Italia proves chains can do it right—handmade pasta daily, wood-fired pizzas, and 4.5-star reviews that don’t lie.
My honest take: You can’t go wrong with any of these five Italian restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona. But if I’m treating out-of-town guests who want “the Scottsdale Italian experience,” we’re hitting Pomo for authentic Neapolitan pizza, then Olive & Ivy for sunset waterfront dining the next night. That’s DOC-certified excellence followed by romantic ambiance—the perfect Scottsdale weekend.
Ready to book the best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale? Most of these restaurants use OpenTable for reservations—reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for dinner during peak season (Nov-April). And bring your appetite, because Scottsdale’s Italian chefs aren’t playing around.
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