Rosso Italian: A Taste of Modern Italy in Downtown Phoenix
Rosso Italian, located in the bustling CityScape development in downtown Phoenix, offers a contemporary take on premium Italian cuisine. It aims to create an exceptional dining experience through fresh flavors, exciting vibes, and strong Italian roots.
š What Makes It Unique
Rosso Italian is often described as a more upscale, “dressed-up” spin-off of the popular Pomo Pizzeria, from the same group, Pomo Restaurant Group, led by Italian-born chef and restaurateur Stefano Fabbri.
- Modern Vibe with Rustic Warmth: The 5,000-square-foot space blends a sleek, industrial aesthetic (exposed ducts, bare concrete) with Italian warmth (brick walls, vibrant red accents, and images of Italian icons like Sophia Loren).
- Authenticity and Quality: While embracing Americanized Italian classics, the restaurant maintains a high standard, utilizing Italian-imported goods where it counts (like “00” and semolina flour for bread and pasta) while also supporting local vendors for fresh ingredients like seafood and chicken. The kitchen is helmed by talented chefs, often from Italy, who elevate familiar dishes.
- Signature Neapolitan Pizza: Diners can enjoy the same iconic Neapolitan pizza recipe that made its sister restaurant, Pomo Pizzeria, famous.
ā³ History
Rosso Italian was opened in February 2023 in the CityScape development in downtown Phoenix. It is the creation of Stefano Fabbri, a respected figure in the Phoenix dining scene who is credited with introducing authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizza to the city with his first restaurant, Pomo Pizzeria, back in 2010. Rosso represents a slightly more formal and expansive concept than its pizzeria predecessor.
š½ļø Highlight Menu Items
The menu is comprehensive, offering antipasti, salads, soups, pasta, entrees, and signature Neapolitan pizzas.
| Category | Featured Dish | Description |
| Pasta | Gnocchi Burrata | Pillowy house-made potato dumplings served with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a light, zesty cherry tomato sauce. |
| Pizza | Burratella Pizza | A Neapolitan-style pizza combining burrata and mozzarella with hot soppressata, local organic honey, and chili threads for a balance of sweet heat. |
| Appetizer | Polenta Short Rib | Slow-roasted, tender short rib served over creamy polenta, often praised as rich and satisfying. |
| Appetizer | Calamari Fritto | Tender fried calamari and shrimp tossed with roasted cherry tomatoes, fried vegetable strings, lemon, and Pecorino. |
| Dessert | Tiramisu | An ethereal version lightened with house-made mascarpone. |
š¬ Customer Feedback
Customer reviews frequently highlight several key aspects of the dining experience:
- Food Quality: Patrons commend the fresh ingredients and flavorful meals that evoke an authentic taste of Italy. The house-made pasta, specifically the gnocchi, is often singled out for its exceptional texture.
- Atmosphere: The inviting, trendy, yet casual ambiance makes it perfect for various occasions, from a quick bite at the bar to a more formal dinner.
- Location: Its convenient location near the Footprint Center and the Phoenix Convention Center makes it an ideal spot for locals, convention attendees, and sports fans.
šļø Significant Events
As a newer restaurant (opened in 2023), information on major historical events is limited. However, its prime location near major venues means it naturally serves as a popular destination for pre/post-event dining for concerts, sports games, and conventions. The venue also offers its space for private events and buyouts.
š Contact & Online Information
For the most current information, it is always best to check their official channels.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 2 E Jefferson St, Suite 113, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Located in CityScape) |
| Phone | (602) 218-6001 or (602) 237-6279 |
| Website | rossoitalian.com |
