When it opened along the Seventh Street corridor in 2017, Mora Italian–helmed by the incomparable Chef Scott Conant–was an exciting new addition to the Phoenix dining scene. The Italian restaurant continues to keep things fresh with captivating flavors and ultra-creative cocktails.
Tasty Italian food is like a warm hug. It is comforting, classic and the perfect way to welcome in the fall season. At Mora Italian in Phoenix, James Beard Award-winning Chef Scott Conant offers a divine menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas, decadent pasta dishes, unique cocktails and so much more that fit perfectly into a date night, family supper or after-work outing. Booming with vibrant reds, tufted leather booths and bold artwork, the vibe at Mora Italian is cool yet cozy. Toward the back of the restaurant, the bar provides a sleek setting for enjoying daily happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m.
A signature sip is in order at Mora Italian, and the cocktail program recently rolled out some new showstoppers. Get your phone ready as What’s in the Box!? is a social media moment. Presented in a treasure box, the concoction of Tiki Lovers Pineapple Rum, Calabrian chilies, pineapple and peach liqueur and blood orange juice is a tropical vacation in a glass. Brimming with fall flavor, The Apricots Are Talking showcases the warming flavors of vanilla, ginger, fig, cinnamon and, of course, apricot. A wide array of mocktails, wine, bubbles and spirits are also available.
Mora Italian’s famed pasta will have to wait as pan-seared octopus, with preserved lemon labneh and mint gremolata, and Peroni-steamed clams–two newer menu additions–are up first. The stone fruit and heirloom tomato salad is a lighter kickoff, offering a beautiful and refreshing medley of apricots, peaches and cherries with gooseberry vinaigrette and ricotta salata.
Alongside the delicious lineup of pizzas, Mora Italian’s mains feature such decadent options as the sizeable and mighty comforting pork chop “parmigiana,” which requires a platter rather than a mere plate. It is hard to beat the melt-in-your-mouth pasta offerings. The rigatoni is a creamy offering of wagyu Bolognese, pancetta and fontina fonduta while the black campanelle, crowned with clams, calamari and shrimp, with satiate any seafood lover.
Missing dessert at Mora would be a big mistake. The Sundae Fundae is super-fun–choose from several pre-set sundae options or have your pick of several toppings, ice cream and sauce options for an elevated take on this a childhood favorite.
Mora Italian is open daily, 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit MoraItalian.com.
5651 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014