Pesto's Pizza & Calzone

Elite '08

38

209

MaryLou D.

San Diego, CA

I only got to this place once while I was in Arizona and really intended to go back--maybe next trip!.  They had really wonderful spaghetti with white clam sauce, an item I often try but rarely find as good as my home place in California--San Fillipo's in La Mesa.  My daughter got the calzones, which she had had here before and knew they were good.  I had a taste and while that is an item I never order, they were delicious!  The atmosphere here was very nice also and I was really glad we had chosen it.  It's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.

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0

15

cassandra r.

Chandler, AZ

I remember when this place was nothing more than a hole in the wall :) I went here a couple of months ago and WOW! What a change! The food is still delicious as ever, but they have really upgraded the place and it is a really nice restaraunt now. A great place to go for a first date.

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15

43

Tom T.

Mesa, AZ

When I first moved here in '96 I got a job at a Mail and More store 3 doors down from Pesto's. The owner of Mail and More used to trade services for food so we'd eat for free here and there. Back then Pesto's was a simple strip mall eatery, nothing fancy, just good Italian food with a smile. Over the years they've branched out and taken over the space next door (a former Bagel Nosh) to open an adjoining wine bar and have become noticeably more upscale with prices to match.

They have an excellent selection of reds (try the Klinkerbrick Zin) chilled and served at the proper temperature (mid 60's) and their cheese and home made pesto calzone doused in red sauce always does it for me. Sure it's about half the size it used to be and close to twice the price, but it's still as good. Add in some sliced meatballs for a little protein kick and you're all set.

Stuffed mushrooms are tasty as are the portabella stuffed raviolis. Wines by the glass perhaps a buck too high but worth it to get a red at the proper temperature.

The owner still works the joint regularly, though older and grayer, the years seem to have rewarded him well when I look at the progression of Pesto's over the years. If only we could all own a successful neighborhood restaurant that gets 5 star reviews on Yelp.

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11

14

Nancy J.

Tempe, AZ

I have My friend Tigearnan to thank for first introducing me to Pesto's.  Who knew it even existed with it's unassuming stripmall facade.   I was pleasantly surprised to meet Antonio, a superb bartender who makes you feel as if he invited you to his house for dinner and cocktails with 40 or so of his closest friends.  He mixes a mean martini and helps you make the best drink and eat choices to fit your mood.

The lighting is right, the food fresh and tasty and the staff bring it all together for a delightful evening of socializing and or just eating.  I'm crazy for their house Pesto Pizza and  fabulous Greek Salad.  All this for a great price.

It's a jewel in the East Valley you have to check it out.

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1

13

Mary s.

Phoenix, AZ

yes i agree! Fellow NY-er here says this restaurant has some of the best NY pizza in town! They also catered my brother's rehearsal dinner and all the food was great. ( sausage and peppers- yummy!)

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Elite '08

29

113

Rhonda J.

Scottsdale, AZ

I have gone here several times and have tried the pizza, subs and the calzones.  I have not had anything there that I did not like and the only reason I don't give this five stars is because everytime I am in there it seems a large group with lots of young kids has just sat down (or come to run around me while I try to eat) at the same time as my date and I.  I admit, I wish restaurants had sections for families so that those who do not like watching kids run around or spitting food out of their mouths on to the table could eat in peace, but that is just me and that is why I have dogs and not children.

Anyway, this place has awesome food, good service and if you can handle large groups of families then I highly recommend you take the drive out here to give it a try.

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7

39

Steve G.

NV

Awesome food and a big selection of Wine. The pizza ranks as "pretty good" for east coast standards, but "damn good" for Phoenix for sure. The house specialty is some kind of pasta-alfredo-chicken and a few other choice ingredient combo which is REALLY RICH and tastes great but sits pretty heavy. It's a nice place to go for dinner for 2 and not blow tons of cash (if you live way out there).

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264

Natalie W.

Chandler, AZ

When I was a little girl, one of the few foods I just couldn't stomach was eggplant. My mom served in drenched in egg and fried in oil. Even as an adult, I just didn't see the point of the lowly vegetable.

But Pesto's changed all that. The first time I tried their grilled eggplant pizza all I could think was, Eggplant-- where have you been all my life? Maybe if my mother had been Italian...

Everything at Pesto's is made from scratch, from the pasta to the salad dressing. And he sophistication factor just went up with the recent addition of a wine bar.

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