Chef Joey Maggiore’s newest creation, The Italiano, has landed in Scottsdale, tucked just past 90th Street and Shea Boulevard. The simple exterior opens up into a wide and airy interior, befitting the ceilings decked out in fluffy clouds and light blue sky that subtly change colors.
Behind the entrance sits a large, bright bar and lounge, full of noise and laughter. The blue and white color palette carries through the restaurant’s decor, even down to the white piano the musician expertly works throughout the night for just the right background music.
Crystal chandeliers hang above the bar and murals depicting Renaissance artwork adorn the back walls. The lounge flows into the dining room and seating beyond with an alfresco feel.
During dinner service, an attendant circles the dining room with a large serving cart, stuffed with 30 different items, stopping to talk with the birthday groups, anniversary couples and gatherings of friends. Sticking with the theme of Build Your Own items that can be found across the Maggiore Group's restaurants such as Hash Kitchen, The Italiano has put their spin on a BYO antipasto plate.
Diners can pick either six or 12 items from a range of meats, cheeses and accompaniments. It’s a good way to ease into the evening while waiting for orders to be taken or arrive. But don’t fill up on antipasti, because the menu does not disappoint with options.
The Italiano is a love letter to the Maggiore family's culinary heritage. Maggiore's father, well-known Valley icon Tomaso Maggiore, left his family's home in Bagheria, Sicily, at age 22 to pursue the American dream. He and his brother Augustino moved to New York before Tomaso moved his family to Arizona in 1976. Throughout his restaurants in the U.S., Tomaso shared the food of his homeland and his son Joey has worked to do the same.
The poached octopus appetizer is a standout, cooked perfectly and sliced into bite-sized pieces served alongside potatoes and olives, all tucked neatly into a metal tin bearing the name "Maggiore Recipes."
A primi piatti section sits just under the appetizers, honoring the Italian tradition of a pasta dish before the entree. These shareable plates are designed for a minimum of two people and are the perfect way to indulge in the signature handmade pasta.
In the Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, the sauce has been dialed into an exceptional balance of flavor. It is luscious and rich without feeling overly heavy, the tomato cutting through with the right touch of acidity.
One dish that might sum up The Italiano best is the Chicken & Sausage Scarpariello, listed under the Italian Masterpieces section of the menu. The classic is elevated just enough without damaging its humble roots as a platter of pan-roasted chicken breast pieces and sausage links mingled with cherry peppers.
Doused in generous ladles of demi-glace with pops of lemon and salty capers, it’s a comforting dish. It's served with a side of simple sauteed lettuce, a refreshing surprise and nod to the meal’s European origins. The goal of The Italiano is to showcase the Maggiore’s heritage and with the Chicken & Sausage Scarpariello, you can feel a piece of the family being shared with the diner.
Portions are generous and can easily be shared at the table, leaving enough room for the dessert. Tiramisu here has been built into a molded chocolate teacup. Break into the thick pile of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers while also catching a piece of chocolate for the perfect bite.
There’s also a different version of cannoli, using thin pastry shaped into a cigar stuffed with the traditional ricotta and chocolate chip filling. Those who are not generally fond of cannoli should try this version; the crispy, wafer wrap lightens up the entire dish.
A decent amaro selection is available for post-dinner digestifs, but keep an eye out for the roving bottle of limoncello. A complimentary shot of the liqueur is provided as a way to round out the meal.
The cocktail menu is full of well-executed classics. When the weather is warm, try the Aperol Spritz that incorporates frozen Aperol cubes, melting and mixing into the drink at just the right rate. Old Fashioned lovers will enjoy The Italiano’s version with light hints of thyme, fig and cardamom.
Maggiore calls The Italiano "our best concept yet" and he may not be wrong. The new restaurant strikes the right balance of refined yet approachable, a place worthy of both date night and happy hour. With warm hospitality and a menu that plays to its strengths, this is a great page to add to the ever-evolving Maggiore book.
