Italy comes to glendale
The Story of Us
Our Story
The culinary landscape of Arizona is about to experience a remarkable new chapter. Federico Venturini and Chef Viola Tagliaferri—born and raised in the medieval town of Gualdo Tadino, Italy—moved to the United States in 2018 carrying with them generations of tradition, the aromas of slow-simmered sauces, and the unmistakable warmth of Italian hospitality. What began as a dream rooted in family, love, and craftsmanship has now grown into one of Arizona’s most celebrated Italian dining journeys.
The vision became reality in 2019 with the opening of Pizzicata Carefree, a cozy neighborhood restaurant built on hand-crafted recipes and a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. A year later, in 2020, the family expanded with Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood, bringing classic coastal dishes and fresh daily pastas to Cave Creek.
Their dedication to authenticity soon earned national attention.
In 2022, they were honored on the television program Little Big Italy, winning Best Authentic Italian Restaurant in Arizona — a milestone that celebrated their heritage, their sacrifices, and their unwavering commitment to quality.
The journey continued in 2023 with the launch of Pizzicata Mesa, extending their signature warmth and artisanal cooking to a brand-new community.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: PIZZICATA GLENDALE
Now, Federico and Viola are expanding their culinary family once again with Pizzicata Glendale, opening December 1st, 2025. Nestled inside The Citadel, the restaurant blends beauty, charm, and tradition. Italian murals line the walls, the scent of wood-fired dough fills the air, and every corner is designed to transport guests straight to Italy.
The menu features an elevated selection of Italian favorites, including:
- Neapolitan-style pizza, praised for its perfect balance of crispy and chewy.
- Their renowned Roman Pinsa, a lighter, artisanal dough that has taken Arizona by storm.
- A tempting array of freshly made pastas, house-crafted sauces, and seasonal specialties prepared daily with passion.
THE LUXURY PRIVATE KITCHEN BISTRO
Within Pizzicata Glendale lies a unique new concept:
- The Luxury Private Kitchen Bistro, an intimate, reservation-only experience where fine dining meets interactive culinary artistry.
- What Makes the Private Kitchen Bistro Special
- Exclusive Access
- A select number of guests enjoy a curated, reservation-only dining experience that offers privacy, comfort, and personalization.
- Interactive Chef Experience
- Guests step behind the scenes as Chef Viola crafts each dish, sharing techniques, traditions, and the inspiration behind every creation.
- Tailored Menus & Premium Ingredients
- Every menu is customized using guest preferences, seasonal products, and elevated versions of Pizzicata classics—dishes available only during this exclusive dinner.
- Wine Pairings & Storytelling
- Thoughtfully selected wines accompany each course, while staff narrate the traditions and heritage behind each dish and bottle.
- Intimate Boutique Atmosphere
- Designed to feel like entering the chef’s private kitchen — warm, refined, and authentically Italian.
- The Private Kitchen Bistro is not just a dinner.
- It is an immersive culinary performance where craftsmanship, storytelling, and Italian passion come together.
A FAMILY TRADITION SHARED WITH YOU
Through every opening, every plate, and every guest welcomed at the door, the mission has remained the same:
- We are not here to “just open another restaurant.”
- We are here to share who we are.
- To serve food that tastes like home.
- To pour wine as if pouring for old friends.
- To create a space where guests feel truly cared for.
At Pizzicata, we hope you enjoy our pinsa, our pastas, and our table.
But more importantly, we hope you feel at home.
Because when you are here, you are part of our family.