Occupying a historic 1929 building in popular Heritage Square, Pizzeria Bianco is one of the many establishments opened by celebrated chef Chris Bianco. As its name implies, the restaurant's focus is pizza, with pies made from handcrafted mozzarella and topped with the finest produce from local sources. The restaurant has the classic Margherita or the slightly adventurous Rosa, made with onion, parmigiano, rosemary and AZ pistachios. The best time to visit is lunch because dinner service is usually crowded. The pizza at Pizzeria Bianco is outstanding, particularly if you can discern the aroma of fresh ingredients sourced locally, the smoky, woody flavor imparted by wood-fired ovens and the iridescence of the olive oil on the oven-fresh pizza. Rationalizing cost by writing off the intrinsic and ambient specialties of the pizza would not do justice to the chef’s nature, Italy, which is where each variation has a backstory.

Cibo (food in Italian) serves freshly baked hand-tossed pizzas with toppings of mozzarella, basil, garlic, smoked salmon, zucchini and more. The best in organic produce is imported so that you can taste the authentic Italian flavor. Choose a more complex preparation such as the Bresaola; a type of salad or the Pear Salad for those health conscious moments. Mini crepes with whipped cream topped with berries and Nutella make for a lovely dessert.

Founded back in 1974, Avanti rests on Italian tradition both in terms of gastronomy as well as dining culture. Owner, Angelo Livi, plays the perfect host to patrons that include celebrities like Larry King and The Beatles' Ringo Starr. Talented culinary veterans translate their expertise onto a menu featuring regional specialties like Mozzarella Caprese, Tortellini Portofino, Cioppino and Veal Picata. Pair the same with a bottle from their extensive wine cellar and end with one of their signature desserts. The ambiance exudes elegance and the unrivaled hospitality matches that of the Italian people.

Federal Pizza takes is name from the building it is housed in, which is the old First Federal Bank building from the 1950s and an example of Phoenix Mid-modern design. Federal Pizza focuses its efforts around its wood-burning oven, which turns out delicious gourmet pizzas using ingredients like fresh corn, candied pecans or sweet potato in addition to more conventional ingredients like pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms. Aside from the pizzas, there is also an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches. A great selection of draft and bottled beers and the great wine selection round out the offerings, and make it a great meal you're bound to want to repeat.

Giuseppe's on 28th is a Phoenix area favorite, serving up delicious and classic Italian cuisine to anyone looking for a great meal. Having been featured on The Food Network, the menu is full of favorites like risotto, house-made pastas and ravioli, osso bucco, bolognese, soups and more, although the menu is prone to changing at times. They also have an excellent wine selection. The cozy and unpretentious dining room is the perfect place to enjoy foods from the old country just like nonna would make.

A no non-sense pizzeria located north of the city center, The Pizza Parlor ranks high among the city's best pizza places. The interiors with wooden-beamed ceilings and ambient lighting give a comfortable vibe to the place. The menu offers not just pizzas, but a whole list of Italian specialties. There are twelve delectable varieties of pizzas including the classics like margherita and funghi. Try one of their inventive creations like the Forager or the Calabrian. Accompanying the stellar pizzas is a choice of drinks including cocktails and wines. The garden-side patio is a charming place to enjoy your meal. Check website for more.

In-the-know locals frequent this unassuming little wine bar in the Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood (there are two others as well, one in Gilbert and the other in Central Phoenix). In a city buzzing with strip mall cuisine, Postino is hidden in a residential neighborhood, where the kitchen serves wonderful helpings of the Italian countryside, the Napa Valley, the South of France, and the Mediterranean coast. The wine selection rotates every few months, but Californian and Italian labels are the most common, with a few French wines and a handful of Argentinian ones added for good measure. Beer lovers can also appreciate the superb selection, including the stellar Hazy Little Thing IPA on draft or a rotating selection of craft beers.

Inspired by the cuisine of its namesake region, the North Italia is all about natural, home-grown ingredients and offers delicious favorites for their diners. With its rustic ranch decor, community tables and indoor-outdoor bar, the restaurant has a comforting, nostalgic charm. It is not a surprise that simple food reigns here. While the pizza and pasta are made from scratch, the other dishes are prepared daily using only the freshest ingredients. Pair it up with your choice of beverage that complements your fare. North Italia is a wonderful place to spend time with your family and friends over a memorable lunch or dinner.