Best Cozy Restaurants in Fountain Hills / Rio Verde

Really impressed. We first came for breakfast and were pleasantly surprised. We had breakfast burrito, eggs benny, and omelet. All great. Quick service and friendly staff. Then we came back for dinner. I saw some recent mixed reviews so was cautiously optimistic …. Impressed. First they were quick with everything, water, drinks and bread. We ordered an app, salad and dinner and it all came appropriately and efficiently. Multiple staff members deliver the food so nobody has to wait. It was hot, delicious and perfect portions. We had the burger, salmon and short ribs. Then we splurged and enjoyed banana cheesecake and bread pudding. Yummo! I’m certain we will go again before we leave.

One of our very favorites restaurants for many years . Excellent food. Nice variety. Great service. Very reasonable.

Thanksgiving dinner. My wife and I enjoyed ourselves tremendously. First of all, it's a beautiful space; comfortable tables, tasteful color scheme and excellent lighting. Larger room than we envisioned. We opted for the Pasta Fagioli as our appetizer; "sidebar"....we had dinner several weeks ago at Volare in downtown Chicago and thought the Pasta Fagioli was the best we had ever had. It was remarkable at The Italiano and is the new standard bearer. For dinner we had the NY Strip Steak Parmigiano and the Fleet and Sausage Cacciatore. Both outstanding and cooked perfectly. Surprisingly, they don't offer a simple pasta as a side dish (which my wife likes) but the chef accommodated. Also delicious. If we have a small complaint it would be with the attentiveness of the server. Nice man and very helpful, when requested. Otherwise, we waited too long to have our table cleared and leftovers boxed. Small issue but there is little room for error at these price points. Great wine list. We enjoyed the 2023 Balade Pinot Noir ($85). Before tip, all in, $240. We look forward to dining at the Italiano again. I should mention the beautiful lounge area and piano player. Perfect.

Food was good. Servers were nice but service was so so slow. They seem to be short-handed every time we've been there, under old ownership as well as new. Perhaps hire more people especially for the weekend during busy, snowbird season? Also ran out of several menu items by 8:00 pm. The atmosphere is great - nice, quiet location. Will give them another try after a while and see.