Papa Razzini's

My husband and I tried Papa Razzini's for the first time and we love it. We were looking for a good Southern Italian restaurant and we tend to be picky. It's hard to find good Italian in the Phoenix area, or at least the East Valley. My husband is from an Italian family and from New York. We both had the veal parmigiana, which was very cheesy with lots of fresh red tomato sauce, excellent breading, and high quality veal, served with a side of spaghetti. The complimentry bruschetta was never-ending and to die for. The salad included in the price of the meal was good too. My husband says it reminds him of his Italian grandmother's cooking on a Sunday dinner or of the restaurants in New York City. No non-sense, not super fancy weird food, just great Italian. We spoke with the owner who is from Southern Italy and also lived in New York City. He was very friendly and welcoming and said the business has been open for 10 years with the same chefs. The service was good, especially for a Saturday night. We were seated immediately. The ambiance was very casual and family oriented. If you want to go for the taste of fantastic food and decent prices with generous servings, you've got to come here. This is our new favorite spot and we will be lifetimers here. I will tell everyone I know to try it! I can't rave enough about it. Pros: Excellent food, best in the valley I've found. Friendly service! Good prices. Cons: Relaxed family atmosphere, not for a romantic evening. more

If you want pretentious fine dining, please go elsewhere. This place is for people that truly love Italian cuisine with a southern Italian flair. All of the pasta dishes are great, but beginners may want to try the rich and creamy penne alla vodka. When it comes other entrees, go with anything you think sounds good - it will be. And try one of the Italian wines on the menu, or perhaps on the specials board. I have frequented this restaurant for years before the owner started hosting a TV cooking segment and made it "cool." When I moved out of Phoenix for a few years, I missed Papa's more than any other food (besides my grandmother's cooking). I was amazed that other reviewers have somehow given Buca and Oregeno's higher ratings. These people either don't appreciate real Italian, or they can't accept that Papa's doesn't serve pizza. Go figure! Pros: The best Italian at the best value Cons: This isn't a place to be seen more

Wonderful food, quaint atomosphere. Yes, it's small, but that adds to the charm. We've done several birthday celebrations here, and we've enjoyed every meal. Try the Capellini ala Caprese--capellini with baby scallops and baby shrimp, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and lots of garlic. The cannoli are heavenly! Pros: Food, bruschetta on the table, atmosphere Cons: Can get crowded at dinner hour; make reservations more

I had the pleasure of dining at Papa Razzini's about 4 times and each time was better than the last. If it were closer I'd be there more frequently. Bruccetta very good. Seafood pasta dish (forgot the name) heavenly. Service was very friendly. Pros: Food, Service, Prices Cons: SMALL, Limited menu more