Best Italian in 30 min vicinity of Tempe

[fishermb]

For dinner tomorrow night, new years eve, looking for the best Italian meal me and wife can have without getting suckered into some prix fixe ripoff. Thanks all-

[rlevitch]

Try http://www.andreoli-grocer.com/
They have authentic Italian food located in Scottsdale 90th St Exit off Hwy 101. Call 480-614-1980. This is not a fancy place, just great food.

Another place is Ristorante Giuseppe 13610 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Arrive early if you want to be seated quickly. Cash only. Read the reviews on the web. They do not have a website. A BYOB place that serves outstanding Italian food in a relaxed setting. This is a restaurant that you would find in Italy. Friendly atmosphere without being upscale.
[phone]

If you are looking for upscale Italian go to Sassi. Our family ate at Sassi on Mother's Day and the food is outstanding. It is a bit of a drive from Tempe, but worth it. A beautiful setting in North Scottsdale.
http://www.sassi.biz/
I would suggest making reservations on http://www.opentable.com/sassi-reservations-scottsdale?rid=2936&ref=1291

For more suggestions go to http://onelocalfamily.com/

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Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Sassi
10455 E Pinnacle Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Ristorante Giuseppe
13610 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ

[kmarg]

Kick it old school at Avanti on thomas. We had NYE dinner there a couple of years ago and it was great. Dancing and everything. 80's art deco decor included at no extra cost. food is still excellent though!

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Avanti
2728 East Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016

[exit2lef]

I'd proceed with caution regarding Andreoli. The food is indeed good, but in my experience the service has ranged from passable to indifferent. Besides, it's an order-at-the-counter place, and that may not be what you're looking for on NYE.

The other suggestions above make sense, although I think it might be a stretch to get to Sassi in 30 minutes.

I'd add a few others:

La Fontanella -- near 40th St. & Indian School on the east side of Phoenix

Aiello's -- near Central & Camelback. Bonus points for being a short walk from light rail -- something that might be particularly valuable on NYE

My absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the Phoenix Metro Area, however, is Marcellino, which I am still trying to forgive for moving from my neighborhood in Phoenix over to Old Town Scottsdale. That works in your favor, though, because the new Southbridge location is well within 30 minutes of Tempe. Marcellino is not cheap by any means, but I think the food is well worth the money, and the restaurant is *not* offering a prix fixe menu on NYE.

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Sassi
10455 E Pinnacle Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Marcellino
7114 E Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

[fishermb]

Thanks all for the helpful suggestions, we'll look through these and see what we can get together. Happy New Year to all-

[kmarg]

I love Marcellino as well, even though it is pricey. They were fully booked for NYE last time I checked. They use OpenTable if you are interested.

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Marcellino
7114 E Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251