La Locanda Italian Bistro — Restaurant in Scottsdale

This rating is in comparison to other upscale eateries. A conveniently situated eatery located in Scottsdale, LA locanda features a nice exterior and and interior that makes you feel upscale with a classy ambiance. LA locanda has a full bar. Tables are lined with polyester tablecloths and cloth napkins. Menu prices match this eateries looks but are still a bit lower than steak houses with most appetizers in the $15-20 range and dinner options between $25 and 35 mostly. Service was prompt and we almost immediately had menus and drinks on the way. Lighting is dim and volume is low and pleasant. Temperature is comfortable. Items ordered - grilled calamari, cook was fair, a tad on the overcooked side, but not terrible. The lemon wine sauce was delicious. Black linguini frutti Di mare, fresh pasta dyed with squid ink, this dish had a tasty sauce that could have used a little pop (fresh basil or parsley) and perhaps a bit of garlic. 2 of us ordered this, the one I had was cooked well. The other party said his fish was a bit overcooked. This dish also would have been good with some bread, which does not come with food unless you order it (up charge), which I found to be strange. The Calabria chili's added a very mild undertone of heat that was pleasant, but I would have liked a bit more. Osso bucco, this had a rich flavor, but also could have benefitted from some fresh herbs and perhaps some parmesan, which was never offered by wait staff. Salmon piccata, fish was drastically overcooked. Sauce was very good. Where this eatery lost stars was a mix between the servers not being attentive once food was brought out, standard bread at an Italian restaurant not on the table or even offered, and items being mildly or severely overcooked. Offering cheese or red or black pepper was absent. Lemons for water also absent. Butter on the table absent. Salt and pepper shakers absent. A charge for sharing food is petty. The menu is well designed, but the food quality seems to be closer to casual dining establishments rather than upscale. With a few tweaks, I think this place could really be excellent, but either they had an off night or are just not there yet. I for sure would give this place another try if...

Simple Italian eatery. Let me start by saying I am a retired chef of 14 years owning an Italian restaurant. Spent 6 weeks traveling throughout Italy last year with my wife eating at dozens of restaurants, some Michelin starred. While La Locando will not impress you, it will also not disappoint you if you know exactly what you're going in for. The food was fresh, generous portions and simple but tasty. First, the calamari, it was fresh and tender with a clean tomato sauce and lemon wedge. Next, we had four cheese ravioli, easy-going, and cooked al dente with a nice, flavorful, more rich tomato sauce. We followed with a chicken parmigiana that was made well and satisfied. Then a light, creamy shrimp & penne pasta in alfredo sauce. Tiramisu and Panna cotta for dessert were delicious and some very tasty espresso. We enjoyed everything and wouldn't hesitate to return. Price is according to the fact that it's in Old Town Scottsdale ( read, touristy, and kitch). Service was very good, and ambiance is not pretentious.

Ignore the reviews that slam this delightful little spot. They're snobs who want to act like everything should be the Ritz.

Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this as a satisfying place to fill your...

While we were at La Locanda closer to lunch time, the food we had, chicken parmigiana, was closer to dinner fare - and absolutely delicious! The location is fantastic, right at the main intersection of the old village, so resuming our quest for local souvenirs after our meal was really easy.

Our servers were very friendly and attentive, which allowed us to relax and refuel, without having to wait a long time to settle our bill and continue our exploration of Scottsdale.

Part of my reason for writing this review is to let the staff at La Locanda know that their efforts are appreciated, even though they may never see the bulk of their customers again (or at least for a very long time). Fond memories count! Think of yourselves as ambassadors for your establishment and for Scottsdale, which really impressed me as a town that knows how to promote itself to tourists. Let's just say that I wasn't thrilled to return to Canada's minus-something-awful-Celsius temperatures the next day, which means a return visit to Scottsdale is definitely something...