Brody’s Italian, formerly known as Nick’s Italian, truly embodies its motto: where taste meets tradition. This Phoenix hidden gem is serving mouthwatering dishes crafted in a traditional Italian way.
Formerly Nick’s Italian, the newly renovated and rebranded Brody’s Italian is now helmed by Jason Brody, who started working at Nick’s nearly 20 years ago as a teenager. Brody continues the restaurant’s commitment to providing a strong community for patrons while dishing up stellar Italian eats and donating a portion of proceeds to nonprofits.
Upon entering Brody’s Italian, guests are immediately embraced in a warm, family-like atmosphere. The waitstaff greets regular customers with heartfelt hugs and treats everyone like a part of the family. Although the restaurant exudes the charm of a classic Italian eatery, its decor is modern, offering a variety of seating options, including booths, tables, outdoor spaces and a bar.
The drink menu has an assortment of beer, wine and craft cocktails. One of the most popular drinks is the Breezy Island, a refreshing fruit punch-flavored drink with hints of pomegranate, strawberry and grapefruit, garnished with an orange slice. Another unique cocktail is the Brody Negroni, a twist on the classic Negroni, substituting gin for tequila. This cocktail comes served on the rocks, garnished with an orange slice.
To start the meal, each table is given a bread basket with a side of olive oil for dipping. All of the bread at Brody’s Italian is made fresh daily and has a soft, pillowy texture. A standout appetizer is one of the signature dishes, Brody’s Baked Rigatoni. Served sizzling hot in a ceramic dish, the mozzarella cheese is crisped to perfection. The rigatoni pasta is topped with a signature pink sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy delight. Another must-try starter is the fried calamari. Lightly breaded and never greasy, the calamari is accompanied by a slightly spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping and a lemon slice for an added burst of flavor.
“I’ve always loved fresh pasta and homemade bread and being able to offer those items to our guests every day is a great feeling,” Brody says.
Brody’s Italian offers a vast array of handmade pasta, pizza, calzones, and entrees such as chicken (including the famous non-breaded chicken parmesan), veal and seafood-based dishes. The restaurant’s signature pasta dish is the Penne Alla Campagna, a simple yet flavorful creation. The fresh penne pasta sits on a bed of white wine sauce complemented by spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushroom, and tender pieces of chicken.
Don’t miss out on dessert. Treat yourself to a generous slice of tiramisu, elegantly drizzled with chocolate sauce and dusted with powdered sugar. The cake is light and airy, with a creamy filling. Other tempting options include a chocolate chip cannoli, cheesecake and a rich chocolate cake. For the perfect finish to your meal, pair your dessert with a cup of coffee or an espresso-based drink.
Brody’s Italian is open daily from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit brodysitalian.com.
10810 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 107
Phoenix, AZ 85028