Mesa has more red-checkered tablecloths than a nonna’s linen closet. Most of them serve spaghetti. But only a select few have nonnas, where generations of family recipes simmer into sauces so rich they could mend broken hearts. Whether you crave authentic carbonara or just want to bask in garlic-scented nostalgia, here’s where to twirl your fork.
Pacino’s Restaurant
$$ | (480) 985-0114 | WEBSITE
Pacino’s Restaurant is only open for dinner service, but the Mesa location’s lively atmosphere with live music means they clearly have a target audience. The homemade lasagna is made on the thicker end—get ready for very hearty portions—and finished with a rich tomato sauce that pairs nicely with a generous layer of melted cheese. Get it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for the full experience. There’s also a special mention for the bruschetta in case you need a pre-meal appetizer fix.
Alessia’s | Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (480) 396-2888 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano in East Mesa feels like entering a refined dining sanctuary. The dining room has an upscale feel with warm lighting and elegant table settings, surrounded by a handful of intimate booths and well-spaced tables. All around, there’s soft Italian music playing while guests peruse the extensive wine menu. The lasagna arrives with a rich red sauce and a subtle spicy kick, served directly onto large, generous plates.
Show up during happy hour and the Bruschetta Arros comes highly recommended.
Milano’s Pizzeria
$ | (480) 325-1600 | WEBSITE
Milano’s Pizzeria is nestled in a family-friendly Mesa neighborhood, with a comfortable atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a casual meal. The make-your-own pizza isn’t quite as gourmet as other Italian spots dedicated to this style, but it’s as fun and satisfying as any you’ll find in town, and served in portions so generous that even a couple of slices will go a long way.
Try it with the spaghetti—it’s classic but packs a big flavor, which is perfect alongside a friendly bartender who makes you feel welcome.
Sourdough Pizza Italian Restaurant
$ | (480) 985-6658 | WEBSITE
Sourdough Pizza Italian Restaurant has one location in Mesa, and it comes equipped with a welcoming atmosphere and staff churning out fresh pizzas. The sourdough crust pizzas are solid, with flavorful toppings that can be a little sparse at times. But the crispy bottom and pillowy end of the San Francisco-sourced crust hold up well.
These won’t be the best pizzas you’ve ever eaten, but you’re not looking for anything life-changing when you’re seeking nearby sustenance and want something to suit every taste.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
$$ | (480) 507-9463 | WEBSITE
Tucked among the strip malls of Mesa, Buca di Beppo offers a few types of Italian classics, but the specialty is right there in the name. The Chicken Parmigiana coming out of the kitchen is cooked well, then it gets finished with a generous portion of sauce and cheese so each bite has a hearty richness that contrasts nicely with the family-style atmosphere. This dish is a little light on seasoning sometimes, but there’s enough portion size to make up for it.
Babbo Italian Eatery
$ | (480) 354-2322 | WEBSITE
There’s one location of Babbo Italian Eatery—in Mesa, offering the same friendly service and cozy atmosphere that makes it a neighborhood favorite. This is primarily a family-friendly operation that’s open for lunch and dinner all week. The homemade bread with oil is a little too simple to stand out on its own, but the deep fried mozzarella balls are seasoned well, just not quite as crispy as we’d like them to be.
Head to Babbo when you’re feeling hungry for generous portions at affordable prices, or just enjoy their dreamy dreamsicle Italian soda on a date night.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
$$ | (480) 654-9099 | WEBSITE
The Chicken Trio at Carrabba’s Italian Grill is simple, but it’s prepared with the practiced care of a kitchen that knows its way around classic Italian flavors. The trio of chicken arrives still steaming from its time in the oven—where it roasts alongside perfectly cooked seafood—then gets finished with a pomodoro sauce that ties the whole plate together. Try it with the Caesar salad, if you’re looking for something fresh and generous.
RedLine Pizzeria
$ | (480) 649-5500 | WEBSITE
The menu at this local pizzeria in Mesa spans everything from personal St. Patrick’s pizzas to wings, salads, and mozzarella sticks, all of it served with some of the best family-friendly hospitality in town. Most days, the pizza comes straight out of the oven hot and delicious, but even if you show up during a busy rush where there might be a short delay, the food is still flavorful and satisfying.
Whatever time you go, save room for their wings—they’re the only thing we (somehow) like more than the signature pizza.
Baci Italian Bistro
$$ | (480) 988-1061 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever driven by Baci Italian Bistro on a Friday evening, you’ve probably noticed a dining room that’s almost packed to capacity. Most people are there for the veal Parmigiana, a classic dish that doesn’t even disappoint. All the classic Italian favorites are covered, but the shrimp and scallops in garlic butter sauce with linguine is the reason to keep coming back. It’s served pretty generously and presented in a double layer of steaming pasta.
Grab a seat at one of the cozy tables in the restaurant after making it through the inevitable wait (it moves fast) and get comfortable with a glass of Chianti.
Pizza Mart
$ | (480) 962-4233 | WEBSITE
If you’ve spent any time in Mesa, you’ve probably heard Pizza Mart mentioned in conversations about family-friendly spots, affordable eats, and/or where to grab a nostalgic meal. It’s a beloved restaurant, and the pizza here lives up to its reputation admirably. The crust can be a little thin and salty at times, but it’s nothing a generous sprinkle of parmesan and a hearty dip in ranch can’t handle. Make sure to head to the arcade area and not just the dining section.
Maybe it’s the retro games and the cheerful atmosphere, but the whole experience just feels a little more special back there.
Sauce Pizza & Wine
$ | (480) 497-3500 | WEBSITE
This restaurant is tucked away in a location that can be tricky to find, but it’s absolutely worth the effort for their delicious thin-crust pizzas. The base pizza starts at $11.50 with additional topping fees, resulting in fewer toppings compared to unlimited options at other restaurants. The gluten-free crust is a highlight—crisp and perfectly baked. The new hot honey pizza offers a sweet and spicy kick that balances beautifully with the savory toppings.
The staff are extremely friendly and professional, with Talon making the pizzas perfectly and Maya providing an excellent experience at the front. The General Manager, Jose, is a phenomenal, down to earth, real dude who ensures every guest feels welcome.
While some customers have experienced a decline in food quality in the past, Sauce Pizza & Wine remains a popular spot for many, with one reviewer saying they will start coming again regularly due to their great experience and the best customer service they’ve ever had.
Jimmy G’s Salads, Pastas and Mac & Cheese
$ | (480) 590-0414 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of the salads and pastas coming out of this eatery every day of the week, but for lunch, Jimmy G’s busts out the mac and cheese to make the best comfort food in Mesa. The creamy cheese lends itself to rich, satisfying flavors that provide a great balance to the fresh salad options on the menu. To up the customization factor even more, add a layer of gluten-free chick pea pasta for a few dollars more.