Leccabaffi Ristorante, Scottsdale

- 93% 

If you like authentic Italian ( not Macaroni Grill or Olive Garden ) and the ambience associated with it, this is a great place. more»

I love Italian restaurants, but am sometimes disappointed by what sometimes passes for authentic Italian. more»

Leccabaffi Ristorante features authentic dishes from such regions as Toscana, Umbria, Emilia, Calabria, Lazio, Sicilia and Liguria. We offer a warm European atmosphere while presenting simple dishes using the finest fresh ingredients coupled with the chef's own native culinary skills. Leccabaffi, which means lick your mustache in English, is chef/owned by Michael Lepore, a native of Italy, whose interest in cooking started at his mother's side as a young child.Leccabaffi received the Best Authentic Italian Dining Award from Phoenix Magazine, August 2000 and the named chef Scorzo the Best Do-It-Yourself, August 2001. The Arizona Republic awarded Leccabaffi the Best Italian Restaurant two consecutive years, September 2000 and September 2001 and in September 2003, 2004 and 2005. Rated #1 in the Arizona Zagat Guide. At Leccabaffi Ristorante, patrons recognize Michael's 'trademark': he purchases only the freshest vegetables, fruits, imported cheeses, meat and the seafood is flown in daily. The food is prepared by order, nothing pre-cooked. And everything right down to the spices and extra virgin olive oil are equally important to Michael and thus the final product reflects that.