Having gone recently to Italy I now have a much deeper appreciation for authentic Italian food when I find it. SOLO Trattoria is as close to authentic as I think you're going to find in Phoenix. Smaller portions, lots of unique flavor combinations, and amazing wines.
I just discovered this little gem at the Esplanade and have managed to eat there twice in two days. It's that good! On my first visit I enjoyed a pizza and wine sampling with friends and as such was able to taste 5 different pizzas and wines. They were all great, but the Albarino and Bianca pizza were my favorites. In fact, after the tasting my friend and I stayed and ordered a Bianca pizza to share! The next day I went back for lunch with co-workers and ordered the meatball panini. My co-workers are both vegetarian so I felt I had to make up for their meat-free choices (of which there are plenty, so don't dismay if you are vegetarian!). Anyway, each of us thoroughly enjoyed our meal and were sad that we could'nt order wine since we were in the middle of our work day.
I'll definitely be back, especially since I hear they offer half price bottles on Wednesday nights!