The Sicilian Butcher — Restaurant in Chandler

[Vegetarian] TLDR: food sounds fancy on the menu, but taste, texture, and the pairing of flavors are mediocre. Would not go back.

The place is really nice and the servers go above and beyond to make the dining experience pleasant. That's not what this review is about.

We got there around 8:30pm and were tended to within 7-8 minutes (I'll excuse any time issues since it was super busy for restaurant week). Got one 3-course meal option (cherry bruschetta, lamb ragu, and cannoli).

Appetizer: 4 piece bruschetta, balsamic soaked cherry bruschetta (from the 3 course) Entree: Eggplant Meatball with chef recommended Picchio Pacchiu sauce on Paccheri pasta, Lamb Ragu w/ Papparadelle (from the 3 course) Drinks: Rosemary Pomegranate Mocktail Dessert: Cannoli + Tiramisu (from Bakery)

The appetizers were that bad. I liked the simple tomato, basil, balsamic bruschetta but even that felt a little lacking for a mid-range restaurant. The other bruschetta that we got (prosciutto, fig, pesto) were nothing too great. I liked the pairing of pesto with sweet peppers but there was just a third dimension that was lacking from the bruschetta flight. The fig was just too many sweet elements together without any balance.

The more bougie appetizer, that arrived a bit later, was our balsamic-soaked cherry bruschetta. At first I forgot they were cherries and was chomping on them as if they were tomatoes. Let me just say: the balsamic flavor on a bruschetta is not supposed to be extremely overpowering. There were too many cherries for it to be a light touch of balsamic and the fact that they were cherries was irrelevant because the sourness was all you could taste. Even if it was just balsamic glaze on top of regular sweet cherries this dish could have been saved. The goat cheese was immaculate and the bread could hold it's own. Why did they dump a bunch of really sour cherries on top of it? I am not sure.

After the "okay" appetizers, I was expecting the entrees to blow me out of the water. This did not happen. Even though I am unfamiliar with Paccheri pasta, I don't think it's supposed to be thick and chewy. The eggplant meatballs were extremely salty and unpalatable. I am vegetarian and was intrigued to see that there was a legitimate vegetarian option on the menu but was severely disappointed.

But don't even get me started on the dessert. My date and I took it to go and stopped by the Sicilian Baker next door to get some Tiramisu which I was super excited to try. The minute I got home and took a bite out of the tiramisu I was not expecting it to be so sweet and so thick. I usually prefer a fluffy tiramisu that isn't extremely sweet.

Every course just added to my disappointment and I most likely will not return since it was relatively expensive and not at...

I wish I had taken more pictures, but living in the moment at The Sicilian Butcher will prove memorable without them! The food was absolutely delectable, the atmosphere on the outdoor patio was homey and comfortable (even cozy with the heaters, setting a perfect environment for relaxing while we visited with our friends) and the service was fantastic! Our waitress was perfectly attentive - not overly so by checking on us to the point of distraction and not leaving us alone for a time where we had to flag her down - her timing was perfect, her personality was inviting and pleasant and she made us feel cared for, not just waited upon.

We were a party of 4 and began our adventure with the cured meat and cheese boards. I say boards because, as it was explained to us, they now serve the boards per couple instead of one large board for 4, taking up the entire table. It was a great idea, and each couple felt completely satisfied with the amount of food - and the presentation was lovely!

Then came the entrees. Tomaso's Sicilian Meatballs for me with Truffle Mushroom sauce and creamy polenta - a MUST HAVE combination! I'm Sicilian and can tell you these meatballs were truly spectacular! Exactly like my mom and grandmother would have made them - the pine nuts, the raisins, the combination of meats and cheeses. The Truffle Mushroom sauce? It was GRAND! Creamy, without being too thick or thin and flavor that I want to remember the rest of my life - delizioso! And the polenta - the creamiest, velvety polenta I've ever had...not grainy, not bland.., the mascarpone and parmigiano were divine. All in all, I gave my dinner an Italian 5 fingertip kiss without hesitation! Being 100% Italian myself, I can tell you that gesture says it all. 😉

The other entrees spoke for themselves, as well. The Sicilian Sausage pizza was absolutely fantastic with its flaky, crispy crust (the honey had to have something to do with that because it was a very special kind of crisp - yum ) and those caramelized onions! Goodness, the mozzarella was creamy, the peppers were beautiful, and the sausage was plentiful.

The other couple ordered the Chicken Parmigiana meatballs with Truffle Mushroom sauce and pappardelle pasta. What's not to love about that combination? The meatballs were moist, and although I didn't try the pasta, they gave it great reviews.

We wrapped up our 2 1/2 hour dining experience with decaf cappuccinos and espressos. Perfect. I keep using that word, don't I? Well done, Sicilian Butcher! We will be back very soon...

I recently relocated to Chandler, Arizona, and have been eager to try The Sicilian Butcher located off Galleria Way and Frye Road, just across from the Fashion Center mall. Tonight, I finally had the chance to visit, and I wanted to share what a fantastic experience it was.

When I arrived, the hostess informed me there would be a 20-minute wait for outdoor seating and about an hour for indoor, given how busy the restaurant was and that I didn’t have a reservation. That was completely understandable. However, my son is six years old and he doesn’t really have the patience to wait considering he’s on the spectrum so I debated leaving, however my son convinced me to get ice cream, I figured we could wait and enjoy some gelato in the meantime. I let the hostess know I was open to either indoor or outdoor seating—whatever became available first.

We decided to try the gelato while we waited, and I have to say, it was some of the best I’ve ever had. My son chose the cookies and cream and vanilla—both incredibly rich and creamy—and I had the old-fashioned spumoni, which was equally delightful.

Not long after, we were called to be seated at a high-top table. Initially, I was a bit hesitant since my son is only six, but he managed just fine. Our server, Katie, was absolutely fantastic. She was patient, attentive, and made great recommendations—including informing me that the chicken parmigiana is served without noodles, which I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I also tried the passionfruit Garibaldi from the happy hour menu, which was excellent—and offered at a great price.

As we dined, I noticed a team member named (I’m assuming a bus boy) Aaron who stood out with his exceptional work ethic. He was constantly on the move—refilling water, clearing and setting tables, restocking ice, assisting guests, and more. His hustle and professionalism were remarkable, and as someone who manages a dental office, I truly recognize and appreciate that kind of dedication, especially when things get hectic. He very well may have been the reason we were seated much earlier than expected.

Ken, the manager, also made a point to check in on us during the meal and offered some great suggestions for next time. His hospitality made us feel welcome and valued.

All in all, it was an exceptional visit, and we’ll absolutely be returning. Thank you to the entire team for making our first experience at The Sicilian Butcher so memorable!

Warm regards, Chelsea & Jameson

P.S. The only thing I regret is not getting...