- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Babbo Italian Eatery
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
6855 N 16th StPhoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 279-1500
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Since its inception in 2003, Sauce has clearly struck a dining nerve. We've been packed ever since, pleasing people of all ages with reasonably… read more »
38 reviews for Babbo Italian Eatery
Review Highlights
"And it's served with olive oil and balsamic , great way to..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...with a pink sauce & sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...Mandarin Spinach, Mushroom Asparagus, and Pasta Rustico."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
38 reviews in English
-
Review from Andy G.
Tempe, AZ
12/26/2011
My sister dragged me here with the kids but to mu surprise everything was awesome!!!!
The valducci pasta with chicken was amazing.. it had olives artichoke hearts with penne pasta and a creamy tomato sauce!
Mmmmm my mouth is waterin wishing I kept some fr lunch today.
The service was very good.. we had 4 kis with us so that's no easy task, server was all over the bread and drink refills...
Thank you I will be cming back! -
Review from Stephanie S.
Phoenix, AZ
1/21/2012
First time here.... After reading Yelp reviews for 30min at dinner table I choose to order both the 'Pasta Martini' and the 'Pasta Rustico' just to try both.
Hands down the Pasta Martini did circles around the Pasta Rustico!!
Martini wins b/c of the Vodka sauce. It's smoother. I also really enjoy the flavor of the olives! Yum yum
Very very yummy bread served with balsamic to dip.
So now my diet starts tomorrow- definitely tomorrow, so I can fully enjoy off my movie w/ buttered popcorn & diet DP! -
Review from Shirley S.
Phoenix, AZ
10/7/2011 3 photos
It's tough to impress an Italian girl with Italian food. Babbo Italian Eatery left an impression and it was "molto bene!"
The ambiance at Babbo Italian Eatery was cool and urban. It's a dimly lit restaurant; one that's good by day, but I suspect better by night. They have a nice little patio which was a bit noisy (too noisy to hear my favorite band emanating through the speakers!) but that's to be expected at a busy CenPho intersection. I imagine even cool winter nights would be pleasant on the patio warmed by electric heaters. And for what it's worth (I think the ladies will back me on this one) I was very happy to notice the restroom was clean and attractive.
I ordered the Steak and Pesto Pasta (flank steak, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and pesto over penne and topped with shreds of Parmesan and basil.) It was colorful, flavorful and plentful...so much so I could only finish about half. It was slightly on the oily side, but that's par for the course with pesto. The meal also came with a nearly-warm herbed focaccia along with a "not-too-heavy" oil and "just-the-right-amount-of-kick" balsamic plate for dipping.
The service was fast and friendly; the server even chatting me up for a few minutes. He's leaving Arizona soon so I hope the other servers are just as personable on my future visits. For today's visit, Babbo Italian Eatery was "squisito"! -
Review from Jennifer O.
Mesa, AZ
1/23/2012
This place kind of rocks a whole lot. They give you as much free delicious and warm bread as you want with balsamic. My brother had them cater his wedding and the food was quite good. I went there last night for my mom's birthday and the food was equally good. I got the pasta rustico and it was tasty, but would benefit from some basil or something. The BF had the turkey sandwich and it tasted very fresh which was good. My mom had the chicken in creamy garlic sauce with pesto added and it was delicious! So rich, but so tasty. Everyone enjoyed their food and the service was great. I'll definitely be back here again.
-
Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
I sometimes eat here with my friends after hiking Dreamy Draw Hiking Trail.
Yeah we ruin the burned calories by stuffing our faces with pastas and pizzas at Babbo afterwards.
Is it good? Definitely!
As you sit you are swarmed with servers laying down complimentary breads with olive oil, and balsamic dip.
However, I cannot eat bread and pastas all the time, or I'll gain weight.
I have to watch my svelte figure now that I'm getting older.
They do have an interesting menu and the ones that I've had were extremely flavorful. I've had the Garlic Cheese Crostini, Bruschetta Romana, Roasted Asparagus, Mandarin Spinach, Mushroom Asparagus, and Pasta Rustico. The place is also very clean, the ambiance is fabulous, and service is always great.
Highly recommended with a great lunch menu too! :-)Listed in: Mid-Day Masticate
-
Review from Mark S.
6/14/2011
My wife had traveled to Phoenix for work and her coworkers took her here for lunch. She said we would have to try it if we were ever in Phoenix.
So, on our way home, we found ourselves about five minutes from this location... perfect chance to try it.
She knows what I like, bless her heart, and I was not disappointed in Babbo.
They start you off with soft focaccia bread, which, when it's 2:30 in the afternoon and this is your first meal, does not last long. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are poured on a plate for your dipping pleasure. Very good.
Daughter #1and I had the pizza and salad special. We both got the Pepperoni, Sausage and Mushroom pizza. I got the Mista salad and she got the house salad. The only thing on the salad she did not like, was the golden raisins. She picked them out and put them on my plate... I was happy to oblige. You could see them in the kitchen tossing pizza dough, so we got nice, fresh pizza. My daughter announced, "this is the best pizza I have ever had". I won't go that far, but it was really good.
Daughter #2 - Fettuccine Alfredo (I think she must have cream and parmesan cheese coursing through her veins by now). was enjoyed thoroughly.
Wife - Pasta Martini (their version of Penne Vodka) was her choice. She enjoyed it, but the addition of Kalamata olives was slightly odd. She said it was overkill and seemed like they did not belong.
I liked the ambience and the price was fairly reasonable. Babbo seems to be a Phoenix chain. It would be nice if they would expand into an area near us. I think I would be a regular. -
Review from Andy M.
Phoenix, AZ
5/19/2011 11 Check-ins Here
We usually eat there every Monday. I used to get the spaghetti and meatballs special, but got kind of bored with it. The mac and cheese is great; the best pizza is the mushroom/sausage/pepperoni.
I was very disappointed with the manicotti when I ordered it. And the buffalo chicken "sandwich" is interesting, almost like a flatbread taco. -
Review from Asina G.
7/15/2011
Yum, yum, yum! My friend and I accidentally happened upon this place for lunch, and we were pleasantly surprised that the food was so good! I'm not a big fan of Italian restaurants, but I will definitely be heading back to this place. They have lunch combo specials where you can get pasta and a salad or pizza and a salad for $9!!! I had the Sicilian pizza and the Misto salad, and my friend had the Pasta Rustica and the Misto salad. Everything was delicious! The crust on the pizza was delish and the sauce used in the Rustica was very fresh. They also bring out some fresh, warm, doughy bread with olive oil and balsamic before your meal!
We also learned that every Monday and Tuesday, they serve spaghetti and meatballs for only $5 -- dine-in or take out! We've already planned another trip back during happy hour so we can test out their drink selection! :) -
Review from Judy F.
M and I stopped in for lunch today. The set up reminded me of a CPK. The server was awesome... He was there checking and making sure everything is good. I like!
I order the creamy garlic chicken pasta (Roasted chicken, creamy garlic sauce, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes served on penne). Very good. And the portion is fairly large. I should NOT have tried to eat all of it. Now, I can bearly type or think (FOOD COMA).
It is Friday and what the hey, I ordered a Dreamsicle (A dreamy orange cream soda mixed with sprite, mandarin-orange &vanilla syrups, and a splash of cream.). It was good....
They also serve a complentary bread (warm, sliced, garlic, & red onions). I do not know if we were hungry or it was GOOD, we had a second plate. LOL! We dipped the bread into the olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix. YUM!Listed in: PIZZA... or Pie some might…
-
Review from Kate H.
Phoenix, AZ
12/18/2011
Monday and tuesday they have a 5.99 special spagetti and meatballs dinner. It was fantastic the bread was great. Well worth the price. Ambience was upscale but very comfortable. Had the apple calzone for desert. One fed all four of us, it was fantastic.
-
Review from Jen H.
Phoenix, AZ
2/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
While I'd like to give it more stars, I just can't for two reasons: The food was delish but not memorable and it's a chain.
Upon entering we noticed the atmosphere was a little mixed. Meaning the decor is a little cold, but the employees were very warm and inviting. We decided to sit at the bar. We started out with the Firecracker rolls. Interesting and not bad. A little on the bland side. We split one of the Neapolitan pizzas, which was also not bad. The service was friendly. This location (16th St.) seems to have quite a few regulars as they were popping in and out throughout our stay.
If we are in the neighborhood we might try it again, but there are so many good restaurants in that hood... -
Review from Michele M.
Phoenix, AZ
3/31/2011
Been here a few times, and haven't been disappointed at all!
Servers have always been friendly; this past time there, the GM (I'm assuming) came by when we were done and took our http://plates.it was actually a busy Friday lunch crowd, so nice to see their attentiveness to their guests as well those waiting for a table.
I am in love with their Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta Pasta Dish, it has some spice in it as well, but it's basically brussels, pancetta, pasta in olive oil and Parmesan..yummy..
The bread served is yummy, I think it's better than Olive Garden's! And it's served with olive oil and balsamic , great way to start the meal.
They do have an happy hour special, that's next, but it's not over priced for a good plate of pasta, salads, or pizzas..so enjoy!! -
Review from Aj R.
Phoenix, AZ
3/7/2011
Everyone who knows me, knows I love Italian food. Babbo was really good. Definitely not the best I've ever had, but when you have great service, great food and a great ambiance then it is a winner. I felt so comfortable at this restaurant. I felt like I was a regular my first time.
I had the spicy penne and Adam got the alfredo. Both were very good. The pasta was cooked well and the sauce was savory. I had a bloody mary that I will say just slipped by my picky bloody mary radar.
I would easily go back to eat here. I would eat here often if the was one in North Phoenix. -
Review from Rand H.
8/9/2010
Popped in here today for lunch, joined by Mike C., to give the place a try & take advantage of their $5.99 Monday & Tuesday lunch special, which they advertise on a billboard, but not in the restaurant. I didn't care much for the atmosphere, as the building is wide & thin, with windows most of the way along the front & no blinds... light glaring in.
The special is a fairly generous serving of thin spaghetti & 2 large meatballs, & it was ok. We also received an adequate serving of warm, sliced Garlic Toast, along with a saucer of olive oil + ? dip (pictured).
This place was ok at the special price, but I certainly don't think it measures up to, say, VinciTorio's, & I would have been dissatisfied & given it only two stars had I paid the menu prices to eat here. -
Review from Deborah R.
Phoenix, AZ
9/6/2011
So disappointed with babbo. Our family has been going there since it opened up. The pizza is amazing and I love the salads. Unfortunately, they only receive one star based on our most recent experience. We picked up a pizza and brought it home. When we lifted the pizza lid, our pizza was so sad looking. It looked like someone forgot to add the sauce and we probably had about 3 ounces of cheese, sparsely sprinkled on top. We called babbo and spoke with the manager. He said there was NOTHING he could do unless we drove back to the restaurant. We live about 25 minutes away and asked if they could mail a credit, or credit our debit card. The answer was no. So sad. I love the pizza, but can't stand poor customer service, especially when I have been a loyal customer.
-
Review from Kerstin B.
Phoenix, AZ
Updated - 8/9/2010
Yay I'm a fan of this sandwich!
Italiano sandwich - Genoa salami, ham, capicola, tomatoes, pepperoncini, provolone & Romano topped with fresh mozzarella, romaine lettuce and Italian vinaigrette served on fresh baked foccacia. This sandwich is delicious the foccacia was peppered the mozzarella is very fresh, this sandwich itself gets 5 stars! So freakin good! There is something delicious happening here. The salt and pepper of the meats and cheese blend just right. THIS SAMMY WILL MAKE YA SLAP YA MAMMY! Split it with a co-worker for lunch oh yay!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/2/2010
I must say after the mixed reviews I was pleased to form my own opinion. Babbo's was brought in for… Read more »
-
-
Review from Linda S.
Lakewood, CA
2/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I give the 4 stars based on their brussel sprout, beet, and goat cheese salad because it was unique and very, very good. And, their foccicia bread that they served while waiting for our food was warm, soft and very tasty.
However, it feels too much like a semi-fast food chain - and the others at my table didn't enjoy what they ordered. They complained that the pizza was weak.
I'd go back, just for that salad. -
Review from Kirstin E.
Phoenix, AZ
8/12/2010
For what it is, this place is pretty decent, its like a fast food Italian place, only you sit down. So not really fast food...but its no upscale Italian eatery.
We ordered the artichoke, shrimp and crab dip to start. It should just be called artichoke dip, as the shrimp and crab was very lacking...maybe 5 little bits in there.
I ordered a Mista side salad and it was soooo heavily loaded down with crap, sometimes less is more!
Now, the dinner was pretty tasty! I got the roasted Brussels sprout and pancetta pasta, heavenly!!! Though i wish they would have put MORE Brussels sprouts and less pancetta, but over all pretty decent.
We enjoyed it and will probably go back again. -
Review from Gretchen L.
El Mirage, AZ
8/22/2010
I've put off trying this Italian chain for quite a while, because I am super spoiled rotten - my hubby makes amazing, authentic Italian food at home, so my discerning palate is usually disappointed when trying to have it somewhere else.
Last week, I finally broke down and came here - I ordered the flank steak salad. It was really good, although it was a bit heavy on gorgonzola (I can't believe I just typed that... there is NO such thing as too much stinky cheese!). I loved their focaccia and dipping oil, too. My only complaint was that the 'small' salad size was still too freaking big, and I wish I had tried the new roasted brussel sprout and beet salad. That one sounds really tasty... so, next time. :) -
Review from Miss C.
Phoenix, AZ
7/15/2010 2 photos
This area is severely lacking in sit down restaurant choices, so this was nice to see a sit down place going into the old Nicks 24/7, especially because it seems to have taken them 1200 years to get this place open...I had actually thought they had pulled out it took so long.
The menu here is large. The pizzas are yum. The pastas are nice. They have this italian sandwich which is absolutely divine! I just wish the sandwiches had more side choices. You get a bland pasta salad at lunch or fried zucchini chips at dinner which are nice when fresh, but if left too long before hitting the table they are cold and floppy. I have found the salads to be hit and miss. Their tiramisu is totally delish! And anyone that knows me knows, that if the tiramisu doesn't impress I am hard pressed to come back.
The service here sways between attentive or absent, guess its just the luck of the draw. The prices are right, and if you sign up for their monthly newsletter you get some pretty nice bargains. -
Review from liz p.
Phoenix, AZ
7/9/2011
consistently yummy!!! I frequent Babbo quite often..quick lunch with the hubs...take out for dinner, dinner with my ladies. Everything is always good. Bread and oil check...pasta check...MR Pibb check!! I like their special deals on monday and tuesday for spaghetti and meatballs for $6 cant go wrong!
-
Review from Lacey B.
Phoenix, AZ
12/14/2009
i was at a conference last week at the pointe squaw peak and we saw this cute little eatery & decided to give it a try! I was very pleased!! i went there with some colleagues and we all ordered different things - the service was great, very quick & the server was on top of things! (funny too!!) i ordered the lunch special - salad & pasta - the salad was crisp & fresh with golden raisins and a great dressing. the pasta was perfectly al dente with a pink sauce & sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts & olives....
my co-workers were pleased also - the pasta rustico was filling and loaded with chicken, the meatball subs were just the right size on great bread with lots o meat & the caprese salad is served with pistachios!! yum!!
babbo is well priced (lunch specials are $9) and a quick bite of good (if fairly traditional) pseudo-italian eats! cant wait to go again :) -
Review from Dakra T.
Phoenix, AZ
1/26/2010
This place opened a few months ago within walking distance of my condo. I never ventured in until last night, when an out of town friend took me to dinner. It was Monday night, and they had a $5.99 spaghetti special that I didn't even know about.
The place was packed when we arrived, and the decor is quite nice. The ambience was good as well, with muted conversations all around us. We were seated quickly and the service was quite fast, especially considering the crowded nature of the place due to the special. We ordered an appetizer of special egg rolls ($7.50) filled with steak, chicken and ground beef. The steak one was the best, but all of them were great, and the spicy sauce for dipping was amazing. The little salad on the side was a nice touch as well, along with the standard roasted bread they bring for free, served with oil and vinegar. Yum...yum.
We both ordered the special and it was really quite good. The meatballs were pretty good and much better than Buca di Beppo's nasty meatballs. There was a little too much sauce, but at least it was slightly sweet and tasty. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and overall this is one of the better dining experiences I've had recently, much better than The Old Spaghetti Factory I went to Sunday night with some friends.
I give it an A- and will be back with more friends soon. Very soon, in fact. -
Review from Jason B.
Phoenix, AZ
7/27/2010
This is the Pei Wei of Italian food, except you get a waiter. No, it's not the best restaurante in town, the food is quasi-fresh but it's quick and fills you up. They have a great menu selection, services was great and the prices were ok.
Maybe it's me, Italian food was meant to be romantic and you want to see some Italian running the joint with a name like Luigi or Papageorgio. This place was far from that... -
Review from Shaq D.
Phoenix, AZ
9/5/2011
Large portions of good food, well-prepared, with friendly service at a reasonable price. Not high-end gourmet Italian, but everything is done well. My daughters could live alone on the bread that comes with every meal. The roasted asparagus appetizer is a big hit. The individual and family size pizzas are excellent. Creative pastas and salads. We've never had a bad meal here, and there's always leftovers.
-
Review from Joe E.
Phoenix, AZ
7/31/2010
I've been coming into Babbo regularly for a couple years (I went to the Cave Creek location before this one opened), and have always been completely satisfied.
The menu is large, with plenty of pizzas and pastas to choose from. From the pizza menu, it's hard to choose between the traditional choices like the Sicilian or meat-a-ball, and the more interesting varieties like the chicken alfredo with spaghetti baked on top of the pizza - but I think my favorite would have to be the barbecue chicken pizza. On the pasta side of the menu, there are a couple dozen great dishes, but the new three-cheese mac and cheese with bacon and Italian sausage may just be the best thing on the menu.
Service has always been great. Everyone is friendly, and there's a casual atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. There seems to be a lot more "regulars" here than most places I go to, which says a lot about a place. -
Review from Lisa C.
Phoenix, AZ
7/4/2010
I'm not a big fan of Italian food, but I was craving pasta and pesto and my daughter wanted mac n'cheese. I'd driven by Babbo many times so figured we'd try it. Home run! The bread they bring to the table was fabulous! Nice start. The staff was very nice and quick. My daughter loved her mac n'cheese and I had a tasty steak and pesto dish. The noodles were a little al dente - and I'm a mushy pasta girl. The steak was tasty, the pesto was quite good and I had adequate garlic breath when I left!
I will go back to try something else there - their menu was quite large and had some interesting appetizers and dishes. And their wine list looked nice too! -
Review from Jessica W.
Phoenix, AZ
12/6/2010
It's sad to admit that I lived across the street from Babbo for over a year before finally trying it out...it was great, and I'll definitely be back. The portions are huge and I was really impressed with the salad and pasta I tried. The salad was made with brussel sprouts and beets - unusual and tasty. I ordered plain old spaghetti and meatballs as my entree and it was really great! The sauce was homemade and I loved it. My portion was enough for three meals which was also nice for about ten bucks. The atmosphere is pretty ordinary, but there is a neighborhood feel which is rare and appreciated :-)
-
Review from James S.
Phoenix, AZ
2/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nothing fancy here, but a recipe for success that seems to escape too many restaurants. Good food, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Don't misunderstand me--this isn't fine Italian cuisine, but is American-ized Italian food. That isn't bad by any stretch, but don't expect something else. Having said that, they execute on that strategy very well. The location is nothing fancy, but that isn't why you come to eat someplace like this. We're not far from here, so we get takeout about once a week.
-
Review from VIRGINIA D.
Phoenix, AZ
1/16/2011
Lunch special is the best deal. Pizza with Salad or Pasta with Salad. You should defintely try their Mista Salad and their penne pasta with asparagus and white sauce, it's delicious. Their pizza is also good, my choice is the margherita. Service is good.
-
Review from Fred M.
Phoenix, AZ
3/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a really enjoyable addition to the neighborhood. I used to spend my friday nights here when it was Nick's 24/7 pizza. There used to be punk rock shows all the time. Babbo did away with the old floorplan completely and turned it into a really nice little modern neighborhood spot.
I sat at the bar alone and had the penne with pink sauce, garlic, and chicken. It was a ginormous bowl of pasta for $10 and I think I may be one of the only ones who could actually finish it. VALUE. It wasn't super low quality crap either. It was decent food. They also include your before dinner bread and olive oil. All and all with an iced tea it was $14 including tip.
It's a solid place and the staff was very friendly. I had conversation with three staff members while I was there and they all seemed happy to work where they do. Happy staff = happy customers. -
Review from mike c.
8/9/2010
went for lunch here today with Rand H. we both had the spaghetti and meatball special that you have to know about before you get there because its not on the menu or any signage. Well it was ok , nothing to write home about Rand thought it was a generous portion but I could have eaten two easily. So i will just say a-ok and give them 3 stars.
-
Review from Aubrey W.
Phoenix, AZ
8/21/2011
My son, mother, and I all went to Babbo. I had been looking forward to trying this place for awhile. There was no wait, the food was great, and the atmosphere was comfortable. The service was bla but the food more than made up for it. Love the price and the whole experience.
-
Review from Edmond L.
11/3/2010
Good place for pizza and pasta, staffs are friendly, good value!
-
Review from Staci B.
6/28/2010
I was at a Bridal fair last month when I sampled some pasta from Babbos Italian Eatery. The sample was god enough to peak my interest so we came here for a casual Saturday lunch. I had the lunch combo (for $9) it included a side salad and a personal pizza. I got the Mista salad which had a ton of deliciousness; mixed greens, mushrooms, olives, pepperocini, mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette. It was a big portion size for a side salad. For the pizza I had the Bianca pizza which had ricotta cheese (one of my favorites), tomatoes, spinach and rosemary. I love Bianca pizza but some places make it greasy or put some crazy white sauce on it. This bianca pizza was delicious. This is a great deal for lunch because I barely ate my pizza so it was like having 2 meals for 1. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I will definitely be back to for lunch or to try one of calzones.
-
Review from janeen m.
Mesa, AZ
7/20/2011
good taste & good portions...I ordered the chicken & artichoke calzone ate half (more than enough for lunch) and took other half home. $10 well spent
-
Review from Mitch P.
Phoenix, AZ
9/24/2010
I went here the day it opened and thought it might be just another Italian place..and now every time I go I check in on FourSquare! It's totally addictive..the restaurant...I love their inexpensive Monday-Tuesday Spaghetti & Meatballs. Their onion bread with basil is really great..they even have a little bar. I go here once a week; the staff is super nice. Say hi to Tim the Manager cause He is always a charmer!
-
Review from suzanne c.
Phoenix, AZ
3/1/2010
I've been meaning to try out Babbo and finally did this past weekend with 2 friends. Their menu is extensive so we asked the waiter what he would suggest. He quickly came up with different dishes that he thought we may enjoy. I ordered a salad, my boyfriend ordered the meatball sandwich and my friend ordered a pasta with a side of meatball. All were delicious! We also ordered the dessert (fried dough balls with ice cream and whipped cream). That was equally as delicious. The restaurant has great decor and friendly staff. The food was great. The prices were reasonable. I'll be back again!
