If you live in Laveen, you’ve probably heard of the outstanding neighborhood spot Mimi Forno Italiano. If you live elsewhere in metro Phoenix, this eatery is so worth the trip to the southwest Valley. The small restaurant often is bustling with couples on dates, friends catching up over pizza or locals stopping by for a quick snack at the bar. We recommend sampling multiple sections of the menu. Start with an order of Arancini, or fried risotto balls that are crispy and golden on the outside and creamy and rich inside. These baseball-sized treats are studded with mozzarella cubes and meat and served with a side of spicy tomato sauce. Next, dig into the pizza selection that includes both red and white options. The Contadina is an excellent vegetarian pie topped with artichokes, zucchini, eggplant and mushrooms, or satisfy the meat lovers in your group with the Polpetta, topped with sliced homemade meatballs, ham and sausage.