s marantos dishes

Restaurant of the Week: S. Maranto’s 

NOTE: S. Maranto’s has closed.

In 1948, Sam Maranto opened The Italian Kitchen in Texas, dishing up spaghetti with meat sauce for $.85, spumoni for a quarter and pizza for a buck. More than 70 years later, Maranto’s grandson, Michael Miller, is carrying on the delicious family business by opening the darling S. Maranto’s in North Scottsdale.

Upon stepping foot in the newly opened S. Maranto’s, a casual Italian eatery, market and bar in North Scottsdale, you know you have come across something special. From the gingham tablecloths and framed family photos, to the cute patio lined with planters and market shelves with jarred olives, canned tomatoes and tasty sauces, S. Maranto’s feels like a cozy, welcoming home away from home.

Much like his grandpa’s menu, which hangs on the wall in at the back of the restaurant, Miller’s bill of fare features starters, salads, sandwiches and fresh pasta. Orders can be placed at the counter and delivered to your table; or guests can saddle up at the tiled bar to enjoy a cocktail or Italian soda, alongside their meal.

In the short time that S. Maranto’s has been open, its house meatballs have already reached legendary status. A comforting classic at its peak, the meatballs are sided with rosemary focaccia, for soaking up the savory meat sauce. (Swing by from 3 to 6 p.m. for happy hour and pair the meatballs with a glass of red for a cool $12.)

The chicken Angelo wings, with a dry rub of garlic and herbs and paired with tender mushrooms, will definitely cause diners to do a double take, as it is unusual to find such a dish on an Italian menu. But this delicious homage to a plate served at Miller’s grandfather’s restaurant fits right in among S. Maranto’s smaller dishes.

A lighter option, the chopped antipasto salad is a standout, with Italian meats, olives, iceberg, tomato, cucumber, onion, pepperoncini and mozzarella, all tossed in a tempting house-made Italian dressing. For a heartier appetite, the chicken parmesan sandwich is not to be missed. Smothered in house-made Vita sauce and topped with some of the tastiest olives you’ll ever have, the chicken parmesan is moist, tender and mighty satisfying.

As celebrated as its meatballs is S. Maranto’s tiramisu. Don’t expect pretty garnishes or drizzles of colorful sauces; it might be no-frills but this traditional dessert is a popular crowd-pleaser.

S. Maranto’s is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To learn more, visit www.smarantos.com.

7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Ste. 1002
Phoenix, AZ 85054

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