Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

- 1960 W Ray Rd #4, Chandler, AZ 85224

Tucked into the heart of Chandler, Arizona, Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar has evolved from a simple pizza spot into a premier dining destination, highly regarded by local residents for its authentic Italian cuisine and inviting atmosphere. It is the perfect blend of a neighborhood favorite and a sophisticated wine bar, offering an experience that manages to be both casual and romantic. Since its foundation in 2004, the restaurant has built a reputation on scratch-made sauces, traditional recipes, and a commitment to quality that shines through in every dish.

Pesto's has successfully created an ambiance that makes patrons forget they are in a suburban commercial plaza. The interior is often described as cozy, inviting, and even romantic, featuring thoughtful decor, including a unique and impressive fish tank full of exotic ocean fish that adds a distinct touch to the space. This transformation into a full Italian kitchen and wine bar—which includes expanding the dining room and offering a secluded kitchen—reflects the owners' dedication to an elevated guest experience. It is a family-friendly establishment that also appeals to groups, tourists, and couples looking for a trendy, intimate dining setting.

The culinary offerings span the full spectrum of Italian comfort food, yet the kitchen maintains a focus on fresh ingredients and homemade quality. Patrons rave about the expansive menu which includes much more than just the foundational pizzas. The New York-influenced pies are a cornerstone of the menu, featuring creative and traditional topping combinations like the 'Pizza Alfredo' or the 'Tuscan Prosciutto'. Beyond pizza, guests can indulge in classic and inventive pasta dishes such as the comforting Baked Ziti, layers of 'Italian Flag Lasagna,' or the unique Mushroom Sacchetti served in a pesto cream sauce. The menu also consciously caters to different preferences, ensuring healthy and organic options, as well as plenty of flavorful vegetarian choices.

A significant highlight that draws a crowd is the comprehensive beverage program. Pesto's features a fully stocked bar and is celebrated for its truly great wine list, boasting over 50 wines available by the glass, along with great beer and cocktail selections. The "Mediterranean Mule" is noted by guests as a refreshing must-try. This emphasis on quality drinks complements the food, making Pesto's a true 'Wine Bar' in addition to being an 'Italian Kitchen'. The service, even when the venue is "popping" with crowds, consistently receives high praise for its attentiveness, professionalism, and warm hospitality, ensuring water glasses are refilled and plates are cleared without a second thought.

Finally, the dessert menu is the perfect capstone to the dining experience. The homemade dessert selection, particularly the Homemade Tiramisu and Homemade Cannoli, is a source of local pride and frequent customer accolade. The commitment to making these classic Italian sweets in-house solidifies the restaurant’s dedication to authentic, comforting fare, ensuring every meal ends on a high and delicious note.

Location and Accessibility

Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is ideally situated in Chandler, a major hub in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area's East Valley. Its location on Ray Road makes it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike, positioned conveniently near key commercial and residential areas.

The address is: 1960 W Ray Rd #4, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA.

The restaurant is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests, with key accessibility features including:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating within the dining area.
• A wheelchair accessible, free parking lot for convenient access, supplemented by free street parking.
• Outdoor seating options, which also allow for service to pets (dogs allowed outside).

Services Offered

Pesto's provides a diverse range of services to accommodate all dining preferences and occasions:

• Table Service and Dining: Offers both lunch and dinner services with attentive table service in a comfortable setting.
• Reservations: Accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend visits, due to its high popularity.
• Takeout Service: Convenient options for ordering and picking up meals to enjoy at home.
• Outdoor Seating: Beautiful patio area available for seating, perfect for enjoying the pleasant Arizona weather.
• Catering: Provides catering services for various events and gatherings.
• Happy Hour: Features special pricing on drinks and a popular selection of happy hour food items, often noted for their decent portions.
• Family Amenities: Welcomes families and groups, featuring high chairs and a dedicated kids' menu.

Features / Highlights

The dining experience at Pesto's is elevated by several key features and amenities, setting it apart as a premier Italian spot:

• Extensive Wine Program: Celebrated for its great wine list, featuring a variety of choices, including a selection of local specialty wines, making it a true Wine Bar.
• Crafted Cocktails and Beer: Highly rated great cocktails and a great beer selection complement the dining experience.
• Authentic Homemade Desserts: Known for the quality of its homemade desserts, including the highly-praised Homemade Tiramisu and Cannoli.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu includes a robust selection of Italian comfort food, New York-influenced pizza, small plates, healthy, organic, and vegetarian options.
• Atmosphere and Ambiance: Features a cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere, enhanced by a fully stocked bar onsite and available Wi-Fi.
• Fast and Attentive Service: Despite being busy, the restaurant is consistently praised for its fast service and highly attentive, professional staff.
• Late-Night Food: Offers options for those looking to dine later in the evening.

Contact Information

For dinner reservations, inquiries about catering, or current Happy Hour specials, please use the contact information below:

Address: 1960 W Ray Rd #4, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA

Phone: (480) 821-2949

What is Worth Choosing

Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is the top choice for Arizona residents seeking a quality, fully realized Italian dining experience that goes beyond the basics of pizza and pasta. It is a worthwhile destination for multiple reasons:

• The Full Dining Experience: Unlike many casual Italian spots, Pesto's provides a full sensory experience—from the cozy, romantic atmosphere to the exceptional wine list and great coffee—making it ideal for date nights, celebratory dinners, or a sophisticated solo meal.
• The Happy Hour Value: Customers are consistently impressed by the quality and generous portions of the Happy Hour food selections, offering a fantastic opportunity to sample their best items like calamari, stuffed mushrooms, or a smaller pizza at a good price point.
• Homemade Signatures: The commitment to making desserts like the Tiramisu and Cannoli in-house ensures a truly authentic and high-quality finish to your meal. The homemade Pesto and house sauce are integral to the flavor of their calzones and signature dishes.
• Menu Depth and Quality: Whether you crave a New York-style pizza, a rich baked pasta like the Ziti, a unique appetizer such as the Stuffed Mushrooms, or simply a Caprese Salad, Pesto's delivers dishes with a focus on fresh taste and quality ingredients, cementing its status as a local staple in the Chandler community.

Pesto's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

1960 W Ray Rd #4, Chandler, AZ 85224, USA