North Italia Mesa Review: Best Tips, Must-Try Dishes & What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a reliable, consistently good East Valley restaurant that nails the food, the service, and the atmosphere, this North Italia Mesa Review is exactly what you need. North Italia quickly became a spot I genuinely love in the Mesa/Gilbert area. It’s a true farm-to-table restaurant where most dishes are made in house, and you can taste the difference in every bite.

I’ve been to the Gilbert location (they have several in Arizona), and the vibe is that perfect mix of stylish, warm, and buzzy. Modern Italian without being stuffy. Cozy enough that you can sit with a cocktail forever, but nice enough that you can also bring your parents or go on a date. It works for brunch with friends, date night, family dinner, or the “I need something good tonight” kind of night. Their brunch is incredible, their dinner is even better, and my personal must-orders never change: the White Truffle Garlic Bread (house-made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, and fresh herbs), the Italian Farm Salad with that oregano vinaigrette that will absolutely change your life, and the Strozzapreti pasta, where I always swap the chicken for the short rib because it turns the already-creamy mix of roasted mushrooms, spinach, parmesan cream, and toasted pine nuts into pure magic.

If you’re planning a bigger Arizona itinerary around your meal (highly recommend), check out my guide to A Weekend in Tucson: Desert Views, Saguaro Magic & Seriously Good Eats for more foodie inspiration.

The Vibe: Modern Italian, No Pretension, All Flavor

The first time I walked into North Italia, I immediately understood why people talk about it like it’s a lifestyle choice. The lighting is warm, the kitchen is open, the bar is always busy (in a good way), and the patio is basically made for perfect-weather days.

It has that “yes, carbs are happening” feeling. The “we’re ordering dessert, right?” feeling. Relaxed but still special. Not trying too hard, but very much delivering.

The Food: My Must-Orders (Trust Me)

Let’s get straight to the point.

My table always starts with the White Truffle Garlic Bread. Always. The combo of house-made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, and fresh herbs is ridiculous in the best way. If you go and don’t order this… I don’t know how to help you.

Next: the Italian Farm Salad. I know — talking about a salad at an Italian place sounds unnecessary. But this one is loaded: salami, speck, provolone, pepperoncini, olive, heirloom cherry tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, piquillo pepper, herb breadcrumb, and that oregano vinaigrette. It’s a full meal and somehow still addicting.

The Strozzapreti pasta is my forever favorite. The menu lists it with herb-roasted chicken, roasted mushroom, spinach, parmesan cream, and toasted pine nut — and it’s great that way — but swapping the chicken for the short rib takes it to another level. If pasta isn’t your thing (cannot relate), the Burrata with warm ciabatta, the Meatballs, the classic Margherita pizza, and the Bolognese are all solid.

They rotate seasonal dishes too, and when they had that strawberry orange panna cotta, I absolutely thought about ordering more than one.

When to Go & How to Get a Table

Here’s the truth: this place fills up fast. Reservations are a very good idea during peak hours, the patio is great when the weather cooperates, and the service is consistently excellent. Whether you’re a local or visiting the East Valley, North Italia in Gilbert is one of those restaurants you can count on to be good every single time.

If you’re planning a bigger Phoenix-to-Tucson adventure, learn more in my post about Best Places to Stay in Tucson — it pairs perfectly with a food-focused trip.

Brunch at North Italia: Worth Every Bite

Their brunch is so good that choosing between brunch and dinner is impossible. You shouldn’t choose. You should go to both.

Expect lemon ricotta pancakes, baked eggs, good cocktails, and all the prosciutto-cheese-carb combinations you could hope for. If you go and don’t order at least one bread or one cheesy item, I’m just going to assume you accidentally read the wrong menu.

Dinner at North Italia: The Star of the Show

Dinner is where North Italia really shines. Between the warm lighting, the clinking glasses, and the steady stream of dishes floating by that make you lean over and whisper, “Wait — what did they order?”, the whole experience just feels special.

It’s the perfect pre-movie dinner. The perfect I-just-got-a-promotion dinner. The perfect “it’s Tuesday but I want to feel alive” dinner.

Mid-meal tip: if you want to explore even more great stops during your Arizona trip, check out my Phoenix to Tucson Road Trip Itinerary for ideas you can easily add before or after your meal.

Should You Go?

I mean… yes. Absolutely yes. I’ve eaten my way through the East Valley, and North Italia stays at the very top of my list. Whether you’re going all-in on pasta, treating yourself to a cozy brunch, or simply looking for a guaranteed great meal, you’ll find it here. And if you do the short-rib swap on the Strozzapreti, please report back so we can collectively celebrate.