The service was spectacular from the moment we walked in. We were the only customers in the restaurant. Our server made us feel welcome and once we told her the occasion we were celebrating she was very helpful and made it feel like a special occasion.
The bread and nochi are "Next Level"! We will be back just for those two items. I don't want to say anything negative because Ringo has eaten here more than once...I'll leave it at that.
Highly recommend the lasagna, beef short rib pappardelle, and our favorite, the mushroom risotto. The server was excellent. He was kind and attentive and made us feel very welcomed. Stop by if you want authentic Italian food.
Enjoyed our experience - food, service, and ambiance. A restaurant that has been around since the mid 1970’s with an old school Italian restaurant vibe but is updated and upscale.
Tips:
Enjoy the pictures of celebrities in the entrance.
Restaurant week is fun there and a good value
Recommend reservations if going during prime times.
Made reservations for 6 for the Thanksgiving Buffet with friends. Food was excellent, and a good variety was offered so those with dietary restrictions had choices. Not only roast turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes and dressing, but also Italian dishes, Appetizers/salad and desserts. Everyone remarked how delicious it was, no matter which items they ate. Server was very attentive, professional and friendly. Plates were cleared away soon after forks were set down, so we could go for another part of the buffet. Very efficiently-run operation on a day with a lot of people.
The restaurant's decor is Art Deco, with mirrored ceiling panels, glass accents and black and white. The parking is probably sufficient most if the time but was nearly full when we arrived.
The only negative thing was that this area of town is older and a bit run down. But I would definitely come back for dinner.
Avanti has amazing food! The caesar salad and the pumpkin ravioli are so delicious. Compliments to the chef đź‘Ź I highly recommend Avanti and will definitely be going back.
Love sharing our Anniversaries at this Phoenix classic. The fresh pasta trio is the best! Sergio takes tremendous care of us. Thank you so much for making our dinners feel special.
This was without a doubt the best Italian restaurant I've been to in my life. Sergio was our server and was absolutely spectacular -- he made sure everything was perfect, told us about the history of both the establishment and people who worked there, and could not have been more kind. The pasta is made in house by a gal who clearly loves her work... She's been there several decades and it showed. The gnocchi was seemingly made of clouds. The lasagna couldn't have been more delicious. There is no chance I'll ever come back to Phoenix and not visit.
A ton of celebrities eat here and we were here mid-week, a little slower. A couple ladies in their 80's came over to say they were pleased to see people having fun in such troubling times. I bought them a couple drinks before they left. We were there for the last night of 9 days hiking around the state with our good friends in the pictures.
Then the Commissioner of MLB came in, Rob Manfred, and his wife and sat next to us. We didn't bug them, I've got a ton of celebrity customers and understand. Total d-bag, wouldn't even acknowledge our existence when we left and said we hoped they had a good evening.
So terrific place to eat, can't emphasize enough how it was the best Italian I've ever eaten. Also Rob Manfred is a dink although his driver is a great dude, salt of the earth.
Delicious food and outstanding service. We had the Escargot de Bourgogne and Italian Antipasto, then the Scampi and Scallops Fra Diavolo, and the Cioppino Mediterraneo. No room for dessert but I would like to try their tiramisu next time. The escargot at Christo's is still my hands-down favorite (entire pieces and then some and the garlic butter sauce is way better balanced and tasty), the antipasto was okay but didn't seem to fit the price, variety-wise. The Scampi and Scallops were very tasty but the bright star of the evening was absolutely the Cioppino. I was craving Cioppino for weeks and Avanti's Cioppino definitely delivered. Yummers!!! Beware the cocktail prices, they're ridiculous. Two Manhattans were over $50 alone with tax and tip. Just stick to the food.
Came here for a Birthday celebration! Beautiful private room, wait staff very knowledgeable of the menu, personable, professional and patient. Food delicious, nice selection of wines as well as mixed drinks! We were approximately 30 ppl, not including a photographer, and a magician! They even allowed our cakes from the outside and brought us plates!
I’ve never had lasagna that was made so masterfully before!!! This is one of the best establishments I have ever been to in my life! It’s a great spot for date night, and nice ambiance! The menu isn’t overwhelming, and I love the service. My friends and I felt well taken care of here, and we will be back.
Absolutely the best authentic Italian food I have ever had. The staff and the owner are amazing hosts as well! I am adding this restaurant to my top places to eat.
Update: 2/16/21
The food is still just as amazing as it was every other time we have eaten there. It is freshly made every day and you can certainly taste it. The staff is still awesome and the owner loves to joke around with the customers. Just so you know, they are only open from 4;30 pm to 10:00pm but definitely worth the trip.
Came here with a friend for a birthday dinner, rolling the dice because the restaurant originally selected was closed. We were not disappointed.
As soon as I had the bruschetta, I knew we were in for a good time. As for entrées, my friend scarfed down the lasagna and the cocktails our waitress made. My spaghetti was also delightful—wonderful marinara sauce, soft noodles, savory meatballs…
What’s more, all the dishes came out hot and beautifully presented…and the staff was very kind. Even the Italian owner introduced himself and asked if we were enjoying ourselves. :)
My only regret now is not having enough room for dessert! Would go again or recommend for a birthday/anniversary/special occasion. Will come back!
Due to some unforseen circumstances, my husband's coworker ordered food for us to be picked up. She had ordered from Kentucky (online) and was unable to adjust the time zone for pickup. When I arrived, they stated that the food had been ready for 2 hours.
I did not complain at all - explained the situation and said I could just reheat it. They overheard a phone conversation about my husband being in the hospital and reheated the entire meal with no hesitation. I insisted that i could just use the microwave - they refused and reheated it. That, to me, was the most amazing thing I could have asked for.
They staff that evening was amazing, would have hugged them :)
Food was fantastic- a lot of food for a fair price! If I'm ever back in Phoenix- I'll definitely be back!!
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. There were multiple people checking on us throughout our dining experience and they all had an impressive amount of knowledge on the food. The atmosphere was very romantic and sexy. Perfect for a nice date. The bruchetta was the best I've ever had, and I have had A LOT of bruchetta in my life. The Caesar salad was light and fresh, as it should be. I need to find out the brand of prosecco they serve because it was divine! My boyfriend had a very tasty seafood risotto but my pasta combo was AMAZING. The penne in pomodoro sauce was very tasty and I loved the flavors of the filling in my ravioli. But the gnocchi is something I'm going to be thinking about for a while. The texture was perfect and the alfredo was one of the best I've tasted and I have VERY strong opinions about alfredo. The gnocchi themselves had a very slight sweetness to them that I was obsessed with. If I never have another reason to visit Phoenix, Avanti will be that reason. I will fly here again just to eat here.
It’s giving overpriced Old’s hangout. Good food, just not worth $$$$$$$$$$$ imo
Also the aged decor + boomer vibe = LOL
Mother's Day brunch was excellent. The host was amazing, the wait staff was amazing. Very pleased with the food options. Very authentic Italian dishes. One downside to the entire experience the meal did NOT include drinks, no bottomless mimosas or soft drinks.
Was craving Italian food Saturday night and made reservations at this place and im so happy I did because it's one of my favorites now. Unique atmosphere old school Italian place . Service is amazing and our food came out fast. We had an awesome experience and will be back
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