tasty pizza in Metro Phoenix (Glendale, Scottsdale: restaurants, marketplace, food)

[crazee1]

Originally Posted by Howard Roark

Any pizza is better than no pizza.

I've had pizza so bad that the carboard box the pizza was delivered in has more flavor. So, I have to disagree w/ this statement.

[crazee1]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I tried Uncle Louie's last night in N. Scottsdale/Carefree. Service was excellent, but the pizza was mediocre-good and the whole meal was plenty more expensive than the better meal at Grimaldi's. For the distance from my house, I might as well go to Grimaldi's next time, which I know is always super.

BTW, I think Bianco's is closed for another week or so. I'm wary of places that are so popular that they can afford to close for a month in the summer. It almost always means the wait times are just ridiculous. Where I grew up, all the pizza was that good. It was just expected and no one would have waited in line for it. .

I notica a trend w/ Uncle Louie. If Louie is there and over seeing everything, checking up w/ customers, the pies are great albeit rather pricey. When Louie is not there, the quality is subpar.

I've been to both the Scottsdale and Chandler Patsy Grimaldi locations. I was disappointed bothe times. I like to have thee pie's edges slightly charred on the edges from a brick oven pizza. However, both times the pies were burnt to a crisp. One has to really keep an eye on pizzas cooked in these extremely hot ovens. Perhaps I was at both locations at a really busy time and the help was overwhelmed. Anyway, they were a far cry from both Patsy's and Grimaldi's in Brooklyn!

As far as Bianco's is concerned, I endured the 3 hour wair for a taste of their pies after the NY Times named them "America's best pizza." My curiosity made me had to try it.

Although the pizza was good, I was not overly impressed. IMO, there are better pies to be had in other Phoenix pizzerias, let alone NYC, Chi etc.

Talk about overpriced, $14 for a personal size pie??? Pizza was born and perfected by peasants, not high end chefs. I find that even today that the blue collar, small family run pizzerias, not high end chefs make the best pizza!

[abmiku]

Originally Posted by crazee1

Turnco- Thanks. I've been to fatso's once. Down the street from Joe's Grotto. They were ok. I think you'll find Times Square much better.

Nitram- Anzio's, do they sell by the slice? If so, I'll try when I'm out that way.

Abmiku-Hello fello ex-NYer! I found that Buono's was much better before Vic Buono (hence, the name) sold, the place. Buono's hasn't been the same since. Decent, but not as good. Vic eventually opened up another pizzeria in Gilbert called Nicantoni's.

He sold the Gilbert one which went out of business, but still owns the Mesa one....at least he still did 2 months ago...as far as I know.

[crazee1]

Both Buono's and Nicantoni's are still both openiness for bus. Vic Buono sold his share of the business and namesake to his minority share partner about 5 years ago, and decided to get out of the business. Vic decided he wanted back in the pizza business and opened Nicantoni's around 3 years ago.

[joninaz]

Just curious... would most of you pizza fans order delivery from higher end, higher priced places? It seems only chains deliver, unless you live near a unique place.

I'd love to be able to order a coal or wood fired pizza with quality toppings, if they could be somewhat quick and kept it under $20. The chains are cheaper but taste like dish sponge.

[crazee1]

Originally Posted by joninaz

Just curious... would most of you pizza fans order delivery from higher end, higher priced places? It seems only chains deliver, unless you live near a unique place.

I'd love to be able to order a coal or wood fired pizza with quality toppings, if they could be somewhat quick and kept it under $20. The chains are cheaper but taste like dish sponge.

I'm not sure what side of town you live at. Although they aren't coal or brick oven baked, NYPD are delivering at some of their locations now. Almost all of their 16 inch "specialty pies" are priced under $20 and are of pretty good quality. They are a chain within the Phoenix area only, founded by an ex- New Yorker (Nassau, Long Island). Check out Welcome to New York Pizza Department

[Rick Lee]

Ok, I just came from trying out Times Sq. at Deer Valley and I-17. It was good, but not great. The crust was very bready, almost like they used Italian bread dough, flattened it out and then added the edge from another piece of dough. Still, very tasty. But it doesn't touch Grimaldi's. Still looking for another good one.

[COtoAZ]

Originally Posted by dixierox

I thought you were funny! Made me laugh

East valley recommendation - Pesto's...on Ray and Dobson I believe.

Pestos is awesome...we started going there when we moved her 12 years ago. It has expanded and added a wine bar. Family owned and operated, its great to see a "little guy" do well!

[crazee1]

I have returned from my hiatus! After all the hoopla surrounding Pizza a Metro on Thomas Rd. and 23rd Ave, I had to give them a try. All I can say is magnifico!!! I first ordered a salad that had a variety of mixed greens and 2 large tomato slices with a very tasty vinegrette dressing. The meal also included what I would describe as a basket of Tuscan style flatbread cut into slices served with capanota. Then on to the pie. I ordered the pizza Margharita that features a thin crust with a slightly chunky sauce with in house made mozzerella then fresh arugula scattered on top. I've eaten a lot of quality pies in my life (most in Brooklyn) and all I can say is that the flavor of this pie is so unique to anything I've ever had. I would best describe it as a very fresh tasting pie. Owner Maurizio Benforte is from Sorrento, Italy (near Naples) and has brought his talent to Phoenix for all to enjoy. I highly recommend this place! They are opening a second location in Scottsdale at 90th St and Via Linda.

Pizza Margharita (regular) $12.95
Insalata Mista (salad) $4.95

Next up... Pesto's, stay tuned!

[shiphead]

Any good pizza places near downtown? Besides pizza heaven, NYPD, and oreganos.