Among the many fine dining establishments that comprise the famed Maggiore Restaurant Group, Tomaso’s stands out among the rest. Hailed as being the best Italian restaurant in Phoenix since 1977, the upscale eatery boasts a thoughtfully curated, modern menu like no other, that still manages to pay homage to its founding father in Chef Tomaso Maggiore.
Located in Central Phoenix‘s charmed Camelback Corridor, Tomaso’s shies away from fine dining pretenses with a space that’s sophisticated yet still warm-feeling and totally accessible. The low-lit restaurant has rounded tables scattered throughout, all adorned with the same elegant spread of cutlery and white tablecloths. Charismatic artwork fills up every bit of empty wall space, while traditional Sicilian melodies play in the background.
Once you’ve had a moment to absorb the ethereal nature of the environment, it’s onto the main attraction: ordering from Tomaso’s seemingly endless (and always delicious) menu, of course. Wine might not be an appetizer, but it might as well be with how central a little bubbly is in kicking off the experience. You can never go wrong with a Riesling, but any spirit is a welcomed one.
As far as real appetizers go though, the prosciutto and caponata dish is a real winner, with a base that includes eggplant caponata, San Daniele prosciutto and a flaky charred Italian bread. For something a bit more atypical, the stuffed mushrooms are another flavorful favorite, with Italian sausage ragu, ricotta, mozzarella and oreganata breadcrumbs.
Tomaso’s doesn’t have a single bad entree, but plates like the pappardelle and short rib ragu, veal chop caprese—made breaded pan-roasted with an heirloom tomato, mozzarella di bufala and tomato wine sauce—and the butternut squash ravioli are, truly, not to be missed.
No visit to an Italian restaurant is complete without a dessert, and the Tomaso’s menu is abundant with rich, decadent dishes that are designed to end your night on a high note—along with classic cappuccinos for those looking to indulge in a more caffeine-infused nightcap.
The cannoli Siciliano is a crunchy, sweet cream-filled staple, while desserts like the tiramisu and New York cheesecake double as refreshing indulgences worthy of an order in any season.
Regardless of what you have a taste for, few restaurants offer a more authentic taste of Italy right here and in the heart of the Valley—and even fewer do it with as much ease, hospitality and traditional Sicilian warmth than Tomaso’s.
Tomaso’s is currently located at 3225 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix with plans to relocate just across the street in the coming months. The establishment is open seven days a week, with varying availability across lunch and dinner. For more information, visit www.tomasos.com.