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.
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