The Parlor Pizzeria — Restaurant in Phoenix

The Parlor exceeded all my expectations. The restaurant had such a cool vibe. The ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience. We ordered two amazing appetizers. The crispy rosemary polenta was absolutely divine. The polenta had a perfect crispy exterior while remaining soft and creamy on the inside. The addition of rosemary added a delightful aromatic flavor that complemented the dish beautifully. The accompanying dipping sauce had a little kick which elevated the flavor. Next, we indulged in the calamari and shrimp, and I was blown away by the freshness and tenderness of the seafood. The calamari and shrimp, though a little light on the serving size, was perfectly cooked, with a light and crispy coating, and so flavorful. For my main course, my daughter and I opted for the Pappardelle Bolognese, and it was a true masterpiece. The homemade pasta was cooked to perfection, and the Bolognese sauce was rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Each bite was a delight, and I couldn't help but savor every mouthful. My daughter Spencer had the Calabrian pizza, and it was a taste sensation. The crust was thin and crispy, and the toppings were perfectly balanced. My hubby had the rigatoni carbonara. Chef’s kiss! This unique twist on a classic dish was a true winner. The creamy carbonara sauce paired perfectly with the al dente rigatoni, and the addition of the Guanciale (better than crispy bacon) added a delightful crunch. It was a true comfort food experience. To end the meal on a sweet note, we indulged in the almond tart, banana trifle and tiramisu. We obviously could not decide! This desserts were a work of art. The almond tart was buttery and crumbly. The trifle was a delight with layers of banana and creamy filling that added a luscious sweetness. I’m not a tiramisu fan, but this was a winner. The pine nut brittle crumbles made the tiramisu outstanding! I also love that The Parlor offers small and large servings. Overall, my experience at this Italian restaurant in Phoenix was nothing short of amazing. The quality of the food, the attention to detail, and the friendly service (Ainsley!) all contributed to a truly memorable dining experience. I highly recommend. You won't be...

Visiting from Austin and exploring the local restaurant scene, I’ll admit I have high standards when it comes to food—5 stars are reserved for only the absolute best. This pizzeria came close to earning a 4+ star rating. After being waitlisted at Pizzeria Bianca (still on our list to try), we decided to give this place a shot, and with only a 15-minute wait, it was a convenient choice.

The service stood out from the start. Our server was prompt, attentive, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu and its nuances, which reflects well on the restaurant’s commitment to training its staff. Her genuine passion for food was clear and added to the experience.

We ordered a variety of pizzas, including a classic Pepperoni for the kids, BBQ Chicken, and the Fungi pizza featuring an assortment of mushrooms. The Pepperoni was good but not exceptional—the sauce was overly sweet and had a ketchup-like quality rather than a traditional pizza sauce. That said, it wasn’t bad, just different. The BBQ Chicken pizza, on the other hand, was excellent, with the perfect balance of smoked chicken, heat, and BBQ sauce. The Fungi pizza was a standout, loaded with flavorful mushrooms and goat cheese.

We also tried the lemon ricotta ravioli, which was the highlight of the meal—absolutely delicious. The desserts, however, were a bit of a letdown. The chocolate cake had an off-putting oily aroma, and the Amaretti Cheesecake was overly sweet for my taste.

One notable bonus was the list of restaurant recommendations our server and her manager provided, which we’re eager to try. Overall, this restaurant earns a solid 4+ stars for its great food, excellent service, and...

I normally wait to review after dining in, but I have to take the time to commend the exceptional takeout service I received my first time visiting The Parlor. I was met with a friendly greeting, offered a seat and takeaway water cup while I waited for my food to be finished. I sat at the bar and was even asked how I like my pizzas done as they were being baked in front of me. I don't recall ever being asked how I like my pizza (crispy vs. golden). I ordered an Heirloom Margherita pizza, Funghi pizza, and the Roasted Beet Salad, all to share with my wife. The salad had great balance between the fresh arugula, sweet and crunchy golden beets, rich and tangy walnut-crusted goat cheese, and creamy avocado slices, topped with a lightly acidic vinaigrette. The margherita at any pizzeria is how I generally compare to the competition, and The Parlor delivers a home run here. The huge slices of heirloom tomato burst with flavor, juicy without watering down the experience. The generous chunks of mozzarella have good cheese coverage. I watched the fresh basil leaves being added just before entering the to-go box. Of course, the crust is what makes this one of the best Naples-style pizzas in Arizona, balanced between fluffy, tearable edges and thin but supportive center. Beautiful. For a taste of the creativity The Parlor has to offer, the Funghi was a revelation. The mushrooms are sliced small and piled on generously and amplified by truffle oil for an umami explosion that is nicely cut by the tangy goat cheese and mild chive spice. We can't wait to come back to try more from one of Arizona's best...