. "24"^^ . "2015-12-05T00:00:00"^^ . "13"^^ . . "4"^^ . "23"^^ . . "BACKGROUND \n\nNorth has a number of locations in Arizona and Texas.\n\nI just had dinner at the Kierland location in North Scottsdale.\n\nKierland is a beautiful mall and North is very pretty. (see pics) \n\nThere is an impressive bar, two dining rooms and a cozy patio that is heated for comfortable outside dining in the winter.\n\nTHE MENU \n\nThe menu includes appetizers/small plates, salads, pastas & mains. (see pics)\n\nAppetizers: \nZucca Chips\nBraised Meatballs\nCalamari\nBruschetta\nGrilled Cauliflower \nBlack Mediterranean Muscles\nTruffle Garlic Bread \nGrilled Artichoke \nChef's Board \n\nPastas: \nSpaghetti & Meatballs\nChicken Pesto\nCheese Tortellini\nBolognese \nStrozzapreti\nSquid Ink Malafoine (which I had)\nRicotta Gnocchi \n\nMains: \nGrilled Brazino\nShort Ribs\nDiver Scallops\nChicken Parmesan\nRoasted Chicken\nNY Strip\nAtlantic Salamon\n\nDesserts: \nBombolini\nOlive Oil Cake\nDark Chocolate Tart\nTiramisu\nAffogati\nGelato\nSalted Caramel Budino\n\nSERVICE EXPERIENCE \n\nMy only complaint is the hosting staff. \n\nAlthough I made reservations and there were plenty of tables available, I had to ask several times to be seated. There were 3-4 different hosts and no one was able to figure it out. \n\nCONCLUSION \n\nUnfortunately, all the effort to make a great environment and fantastic menu ALWAYS gets over shadowed by poor service and thus the 4 stars instead of 5.\n\n4/5 RECOMMEND \n\nOF NOTE \n\n*Parking is limited. Parking garage is near by. \n\n*Hours:\nLunch: 11am - 4pm\nDinner: 4pm - 9:30pm/10:30 Fri/Sat\nHappy Hour: 3pm - 6pm\n\n*For more information:\nNorthItaliaRestaurant.com"^^ .