Riazzi's Italian Garden

The best meatballs in town. more

This local place is a must see for Tempe. We had a great dinner, glass of wine and dessert here. My daughter had never been a fan of Minestrone soup before going here, now she want Mom to make it. Salads were fresh, the lasagne and Marsala were flavorful and well - cooked. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed. The courtyard is completely encased in a beautiful tree, we got pictures it was so nice. This is a good place for a romantic date, or to eat with your older (10+) children (it's not a playground). more

Like down-home family Itailan cooking, can't beat the prices and quality. Very friendly waitress. Suggest you get reservation for Fri-Sat nights more

Their combo is NOTHING like most combos - it even had artichoke hears on it! Great think crust, great sauce, great toppings. We also got a hamburger/onion pizza - just as delicious! more

We've eaten here a few times and each time have been please. They have generous portions, tasty plates and a heavenly tiramisu. more

Very nice and reasonably priced Italian restaurant. Fried calamari was delicious - not your typical rings, and offered with 3 sauces to dip - marinara, cocktail and tartar. Choice of soup or salad with dinner - I chose the Minnestrone and it was very very good. The waiter was very nice - did not make us feel rushed. Prices really surprised me at how reasonable they are. Would definitely re-vist. more

The service was the same ""relaxed"" approach that I've received over the last several visits - despite a full restaurant with several large groups. No issue here, just a different experience than the more commercial chain restaurants. Just a great home-style family experience. more

I have discriminating tastes when it comes to Italian food and despite the less than favorable reviews listed here, I decided to try it. It was relatively quiet and intimate and has a unique style about itself (hence ""Garden"" in the name).\r \r I found the pasta to be cooked very well. However, the meat sauce was a bit runny. If they had less water in it, it would be perfect. The time it took for the food to be served was good - not rushed and not unnecessarily delayed. \r \r The waiter service was great. Again, not being super-busy, this is expected. They delivered and I was very happy with it. \r \r The critique about interior décor is a hyperboles at best. Simply, the floral patterns on the booths are a bit dated, but this has no bearing on the dining experience. By the description of the reviews from others, I was expecting to walk into sea-green and puke-yellow color. It was nothing of the sort and I found the interior calming and quiet - the way an Italian restaurant should be. \r \r While I'm still exploring about additional sit-down Italian restaurants across Tempe, I will keep this on my short list of places to hit. \r \r Oh yeah, friends don't let friends go to Olive Garden or Sbarros. Shop local! ;-) more

In Tempe for a triathlon, and needing to carb-load with some pasta, I found this place on Yelp. It was about two miles from my hotel, and the reviews here were good enough for me to check it out. It's a perfectly fine, mid-range, family-oriented Italian restaurant. When I dine alone, I take a book, so I always request a quiet corner booth. The hostess gave me the best that they had, as it was a crowded, busy Saturday night. There was a chatty family at the adjacent table, but they left halfway into my dinner. I had a Veal Piccatta, fettucini alfredo, a Moretti beer, and a glass of the house Chianti. Hot Italian bread came out immediately, and it was excellent. The salad was uninspired - just iceberg lettuce with a few garnishes. The blue cheese dressing was great, though, being thick and chunky. The pasta and veal were perfectly cooked, and I was given a bowl of parmesan cheese, which went great with the pasta. The tab? $30 (before tip) for bread, salad, entree, a beer, and a glass of wine. The food was excellent and the ambiance is very nice. Reading the other reviews that complain about Riazzi's having dated decor - I don't agree. The floral patterns in the booth are appropriate. The only thing that I thought could stand an improvement was the chairs - they're quite worn, and I remember seeing the same chairs in a pizzaria in the 70's. But it's not a big deal. This is a very nice, reasonably-priced Italian place with excellent food and great ambiance. more

Riazzi's offer an extensive menu of pastas, seafood, chicken, pizza, and even steak. Their Antipasto Platter is scrumptious! They have a good wine list as well as a full bar. The service is excellent. more

This eatery has been around for quite a while. The food is basic with a solid value. All entrees include soup or salad. The bread is hard not to fill up on.\r Prices are extremely reasonable. Lunch is a very good value. This is one of the favorite lunch dining of ASU faculty and staff. more

Best Italian food in Tempe! more

I live in the townhomes right next to this restaurant and it still took me 4-5 months to actually try it. Absolute blasphemy as I see it now. This is a charming little place, decor outdated enough that it's sweet again, friendly servers, and man, great food. The pesto cream sauce ravioli (I believe) will blow you away. The wine glasses are filled high. Everything is great quality. Prices are medium-range, most dishes ranging from $11-18 but coming with a salad or soup and bread. This would be a great, great date night spot. more

I loved this place. more

Okay-I grew up in North Phoenix- and Riazzi's used to have a restaurant on the north side of Phoenix. I even think I went to school with one of the daughters....1978-80's? more

While living in the Valley for good Italian food, I tripped over this jewel through yelp. I don't see how this place could be considered bad seeing how fresh everything tasted. Salty? Perhaps too much fresh grated cheese with your food (which you get to spoon in yourself). more

One of the best authentic Italian resaturates in the valley. Amazing food more

This is the best Italian restaurant in town. While eating dessert, I died and went to canoli heaven . more

When my mom was high school she worked at Riazzi's in their old location. (Torn down looooooong ago.) The same people who owned it then, own it now. Growing up Riazzi's was always a constant part of my restaurant experience. (The owners remember my mom and she still talks to them when we go.) They have great food, made from old family recipes. I have always enjoyed the chicken piccata and chicken marsala. I like the red wine, the bread and desserts. Riazzi's is a true Italian family restaurant that has been a part this community for many years, and for a good reason: They are great at what they do. It's local, it's real, it's my kind of place. more

Great food! Best Italian food out here. Veal Marsala is better than any place in New York. Their chicken stuffed with three cheeses is also delish. The bread and salads are simple and classic. This restaurant is a staple of mine, and I've been going here for countless years. Yes, besides the unique tree growing over the entrance, the decor is bland (1980's Italian style). I think it makes it feel a little more like if you were eating at Ma's house, and she was stuck in the 80's. Love this places food! more