incredible food, great price. the az rep got this one right! while the decor may not be that of a 5-star, stuffy restaurant, the wait staff treated us with great respect and were very personable. when i requested a suggestion, the family matriarch (grandchild was in a highchair towards the back), took the time to understand our tables' likes and dislikes before making a recommendation.
her suggestions were right-on! we started with the amazing stuffed shrimp and garlic bread. all seasoned perfectly where you could taste the food, not a bunch of salt and spices. we then followed it up with a combination of pizza and the family specialty (i have never seen it in another restaurant), the chicken pesto lasagna. we actually ordered two pizzas, both diverse from the other, and each incredible in its own manner. i loved the italian stallion (meat pizza), while my wife enjoyed to perfect blend of cheeses and garlic, olive oil and basil on the white pizza.
while the beer and wine list was not extensive, the options complimented the menu very well. and by dessert time, our heads were spinning. once again, grandma made a few recommendation for our table, and after her previous success, we cashed in again! the cheesecake was simple yet elegant and wonderful, while the cannolli's where exactly what i expected and more (again, i preferred the standard while a friend of ours absolutely loved the chocolate version).
bottom line, the food at this family restaurant beats anything that scottsdale can offer without the snobbery. meanwhile, the price was the most reasonable i have experienced in some time. we will go out of our way to eat at la piazza al forno. well done!