16 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“

“Emma is incredible- friendly, kind and personal. The pizza is perfect every time we order! They never disappoint! Our favorite local pizza joint. Classic in its decor with the red and white tablecloths - fun to see the family all working together!“

“Amazing food! I have always had friendly staff members. Perfect lunch after a round of golf or dinner for a night out. 10/10 recommend!“

“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.“

“Incredible food, staff, and ambience! I have been longing for authentic Italian food for a year now. There is absolutely none where we live in Texas. We were in Scottsdale for a conference and this place was recommended. The moment we walked in and saw the oven and the flour, I knew we had found a gem! Homemade with love is the best meal ever and Sorrento’s surpassed my expectations. Enjoy a glass of their wine while they work their kitchen magic making you an outstanding meal from a lovely Italian family!“

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

“A local friend suggested Nick's after several disappointing Italian meals in Scottsdale, and it turned out to be our best meal in the area in eight months. Bar service was friendly and attentive, with a well rounded happy hour menu offering plenty of drink and snack options. We moved from the bar to a table and the excellent service continued. Both main courses were perfect in presentation, flavor, and portion size. We splurged on dessert, and the ice cream and cheesecake did not disappoint. As the evening went on, the bar filled with more patrons, giving the place a neighborhood favorite feel. One suggestion for improvement, serve the red wine closer to 55 degrees instead of room temperature.

Would I return? Yes, and soon.“

“If you're looking for genuine, neighborhood Italian done right in North Scottsdale, Enzo’s Italian Kitchen is an absolute must-visit.
The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between warm, inviting, and vibrant, making it just as great for a relaxed date night as it is for dinner with friends. The food delivers big on authentic comfort: classic, perfectly executed pastas, rich homemade sauces, and standout dishes like their Chicken Parmigiana and Bolognese that taste like they’ve been simmering all afternoon. Don't skip the garlic knots or a slice of tiramisu to finish.“

“despite some ratings not being high this was our first time and was a winner for us.
old space yet quite charming, true old world feel- as long as it is clean and presents with the white linens/tablecovers at table for 2-4- one of my favorite things, soft Italian music.
owner was quite welcoming.
all foods were delicious.
loved his own award winning saiad dressing, was perfect for my taste, the tomatoes were truly delicious themselves, the roasted peppers and the spaghetti sauce was amazing.
(only note- my husband's preference is a white Italian appetizer bread for dipping...)
**we have dietary requests, not an option for us, owner was quite accommodating and for this we thank him!“

“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.“

“Great meatballs for an appetizer. Tried the Quattro Stagioni pie. Napolitana style pizza. They do have a Sicilian as well. My pie was pretty good. It did need crushed red pepper to being the zing. Cocktails from the bar. I would return to try other items and would recommend checking Patricia's Pizza out.“

“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. 🍕🍕❤️❤️“

“Nice place for a special dinner. Friendly staff and great ambiance“

“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 🍻“

“I'ts like going back home to Chicago!!! Square cut, lots of sauce and seasoning... XOXOXO!!!!“