First a comment on the older reviews that were not favorable...try it again. Most of these were anywhere from a week to a month after opening. Any restaurant needs some time to work out the kinks.
It was our first time, having read about them in Phoenix magazine. Very happily surprised with what we found. Early on a Saturday night, we chose to sit at the kitchen bar where we had a birds eye view of the skill in the open kitchen. Very clean and professional. Having owned and operated a fine dining Italian restaurant, it was evident that this crew were very experienced.
First courses were an excellent Caesar salad. Perfectly dressed with a very nice breadcrumb instead of a crouton and the touch of white anchovies in the dressing really made it flavorful. Burrata with beautiful peaches and marinated cherries was very tasty. Could have used a bit of coarse salt to finish.
Entrees were the octopus for the lady. Tender with some excellently crispy fingerling potatoes. Yum. Also had the house made tagliatelle with Bolognese was super with a rich sauce and tender pasta...as good as mine, if I must say! Had a taste of meatball with was also tender and flavorful. Pizzas looked great. Will try next time.
Chef and staff were very welcoming. They were busy so our server was a bit stretched but nothing to complain about.
Great addition to Mesa. We'll be regulars for sure.