Artisanal pizzas, 35 beers on tap, wine list, charcuterie, and a killer kale/pear salad. Very small, tucked in next to The Tortilla Factory. The best BLT in the Valley!
Pizzeria Virtu
6952 E Main Street 480.663.9797
TUES-SAT 5PM -10PM
celebrated Scottsdale, AZ chef and restaurateur Gio Osso of Virtù Honest Craft opens a casual yet elegant spinoff concept called Pizzeria Virtù right down the street from Virtù Honest Craft in Old Town Scottsdale. The focus of Pizzeria Virtù is Neapolitan pizza, and the menu will also feature Italian small plates and a selection of salads, as well as Italian cocktails and wine. The pizzas will be authentically Neapolitan, as Osso is a certified Pizzaiolo by the Accademia della Pizza Napoletana ““ a denomination of control (DOC) established by the Italian government ““ a legal entity able to give special designation to individuals who meet strict requirements that respect the tradition of the art of Neapolitan pizza making. At Pizzeria Virtù, Osso channels his Italian heritage and frequent travels to the region to offer diners a true taste of Naples in the Southwest.
Informal. Well priced and filling. Vegetarian pasties, bangers and mash, soups, salads. Beers and a bar. Service can be inattentive so pay attention. Our staff’s go-to for eating in or takeout back to The Pen.
Longtime favorite of the PP staff. Casual restaurant serving Thai standards and wine in an art-adorned space with hardwood floors. Excellent food and terrific ambiance.
Hula’s Modern Tiki Scottsdale
Happy Hour 3-6pm. An easy walk from The Pen with a fun vibe and quick service.
They’re menu is extensive and is a fusion of Polynesian and American flavors. Try them once, you’ll be hooked.
Menu changes. The octopus and the asparagus appetizers are basically a meal. Has a mixologist for creative drinks. The chef keeps one wine just for me, but his list is excellent. The restaurant is on the east side of Marshall Way south of Second Street, tucked inside the BeSpoke Inn. Usually easy parking on Marshall Way. 2 minute drive from The Pen.
Full bar adjacent. Terrific version of Parker House Rolls. Small plates as well as entrees. Good service, patio lunch and dinner as well as inside seating. You can order small plates at the bar, too: the cheese plate is delicious.
Restaurants Nearby
AZ 88
7353 Scottsdale Mall (west side, close to Brown) 480.994.5576
Chic contemporary. Martinis! Small plates and entrees. Big patio looks out of the Civic Center Mall. Has a hot vibe, can be a little noisy. The restaurant is catty-corner to Distrito, a cozy but cutting edge cuisine outpost from Jose Garces and is located inside the Saguaro Hotel. 480.970-4444; www.distritorestaurant.com. Reservations at Distrito recommended.
Reservations advised. Can be noisy inside, patios are wonderful in cooler weather.
Modern Latin cuisine. Excellent margaritas. Fabulous tableside guacamole. Outstanding bread pudding—and the mahi mahi tacos are irresistible. Parking lot across the street on Brown, can fill up.
