14 Best Italian Restaurants near Carefree

“We where a party of 8 celebrating my birthday. All of dinners where different and each one was very good and beautifully presented. The service was attentive and just at the right pace. Thank you Giordano’s we enjoyed“

“The pizza was delicious! The people in the kitchen are hard working, most of them family members. I wasn’t impressed with the hostess, or a couple waitress, although others were great. Being in the Restaurant business for yours it’s just really hard for me to watch somebody just stand around, especially when there’s dirty, filthy areas that could be clean, even just the top of tables and condiments.
We did enjoy the pizza, we might order to take out. I was a bit disgusted by the attire that a couple people wore. I think you need to be more presentable when you’re working with the public. Not just my opinion.
I JUST——-“

“come specifically for my favorite pizza: the Delicata with its prosciutto, arugula and shaved parmigiano. The Italian owners know the value of imported Italian ingredients. Their well fired pizza crust is thin with a light crunch but sturdy enough to support toppings without collapsing. Their small, rectangle pizza provides 6 slices which is perfect for my husband and I along with their Farmers Market salad. Wonderful outdoor patio within an amazing, large courtyard. A very popular restaurant. Highly recommend reservations.“

“Having dined here several times, I can confidently say this restaurant continues to impress where it matters most — the food. Each visit reaffirms its standing as a place that knows how to deliver bold, authentic flavors and a well-balanced dining experience. On my most recent visit, every dish from our table was spot-on, beautifully prepared, and deeply satisfying. The kitchen remains the restaurant’s strongest asset — consistently turning out vibrant, flavorful plates that celebrate Italian cuisine without pretense. The cocktails arrived promptly and were well-crafted, setting the tone for an enjoyable meal. The wine list deserves a special nod: it offers a thoughtful selection of Italian wines that are both excellent and reasonably priced — a rarity that regulars will appreciate. Ambiance can vary depending on the night. At times, the tables feel a bit tightly packed, and the noise level can climb higher than comfortable. This visit, however, was more balanced — the addition of live music created a warm, convivial atmosphere, and conversation flowed easily. Service, unfortunately, remains the restaurant’s weakest link. Our server spoke so quickly that explanations about the menu were rushed and unclear, and attention throughout the meal was uneven. While this lack of polish doesn’t overshadow the exceptional kitchen, it does detract from what could otherwise be a near-perfect dining experience. In short, come for the food — it’s worth it. The culinary team continues to deliver excellence on the plate, making this a restaurant that earns repeat visits. But with a bit more focus on service refinement, it could elevate from “very good” to truly outstanding. Bottom Line: ⭐ Food: 9/10 – Consistently excellent, authentic, and flavorful 🍷 Drinks: 8.5/10 – Strong cocktails and a well-priced Italian wine list 🎶 Ambiance: 8/10 – Lively, sometimes loud, but charming with live music 💁 Service: 6.5/10 – Rushed and inattentive; room for improvement 💰 Overall Value: 8.5/10 – Excellent food at fair prices Verdict: Go for the cuisine — and hope the service soon matches the kitchen’s brilliance.“

“Friendly, delicious and timely. I love this place!“

“OMG. The best food ever. Lovely Owner. I highly recommend. ❤️❤️❤️ love you Gigi“

“My husband and I discovered Alberto’s Ristorante in Cave Creek, it feels like stepping into old-world Italy. The atmosphere is quaint, charming, and refreshingly old school—more like a small village trattoria than a modern restaurant.

We were told that each meal is made completely from scratch by a single chef, and that care shows in every bite. Dinner here isn’t rushed; it takes time, but in the best way. The slower pace allowed for a relaxed conversation, making a romantic evening spent sharing a bottle of wine.

Alberto’s is more than a meal, it’s an authentic experience that is not modern day Italian“

“I just got this pizza 🍕 as pick up since I live in the area. Great tasting, and was cooked just as I ordered. The oregano on a cheese pizza was a nice touch.
The ladies working the restaurant were awesome, they had it running like a Swiss watch! Very sweet and polite.
Definitely got a new customer!!
Daniel C. Scottsdale“

“Nick's is my goto Italian restaurant. There are a lot of Italian restaurants in Scottsdale but Nick's stands out because of the consistency and classic Italian entrees. Their gnocchi is the best I've had outside of Italy. My favorite entrees are the veal picatta, Marcela and parmasean.

Their tiramasu is the best I've had anywhere.“

“I went here for Valentine’s Day with my husband and I literally could not have had a better experience! The food was amazing and all the team members were so attentive. Gabe was our server and gave us such a good experience!

They sat us down as soon as we arrived and we got drinks immediately too.

Honestly will make this my go to Italian place!“

“Great service with an amazing staff. Food was above and beyond our expectations. please ignore the negative Nancy reviews, some people just cannot stand seeing people succeed while they fail in their own lives.“

“Amazing service from the hostess to the waitresses and the food there is made with a love and flavor i havent had before! Take a trip and pay your compliments to the chef! This restaurant is amazing!!! i would highly recommend the ragin cajun chicken“

“A great neighborhood pizza place! They serve pizza by the slice for lunchtime at a great price. Barro’s on Cave Creek Rd is very supportive of local school groups like our high school band, and always willing to host a restaurant night to help us out. (Fast turn on getting the turnout numbers and check too) We absolutely love our local Barro’s Pizza! And yes, of course the pizza is delicious. Win-win for everyone, and scrumptious pizza. 🍕🍕❤️❤️“

“The pizza and salad were really good but the mango-habanero wings were to die for 😋. Really impressed will the great service and the cozy comfortable neighborhood vibe. Cheers to the owners 🍻“