5 to try: Authentic ‘mom & pop’ Italian restaurants in the East Valley

MXSW readers frequently ask me, ‘‘Are there any good ‘mom and pop’ Italian restaurants in the East Valley?’’ I’m never sure if they’re simply looking for small, locally owned Italian spots or, more specifically, those where a husband and wife actually work day in and day out. If you’re looking for the real thing, here are five worth checking out:

La Calabria Ristorante

Giovanni Spataro, who hails from Calabria (the region of southern Italy that’s the toe of the “boot”), serves as chef, and his wife, Clara, runs the dining room and makes the delicious ricotta cheesecake at this strip-mall gem in Gilbert (map). Daily house-made pasta includes fettuccine, linguini, rigatoni, lasagna, and ravioli.

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza

Sicily-born Sal Cuffaro is best-known for his creative pasta-topped pizzas, which landed the Gilbert Town Square restaurant (map) run by him and his wife, Grace, on the Food Network’s ‘‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.’’ But their menu also offers a variety of pasta, sandwiches, and entrees. Be sure to check out the amazing happy hour specials.

Alessia’s Ristorante Italiano

One of the East Valley’s best-kept secrets since 2004, this northeast Mesa eatery (map) took its name from the Italian niece of owners Jon and Shari Carr. Unlike the other restaurants on this list, it’s the wife, Shari, who’s the chef, while Jon greets diners. The dinner-only northern Italian menu features several rarely seen dishes.

Zappone’s Italian Bistro

Dueling pianos, themed dinners, cooking classes, and even magic shows are just some of the ways chef Sal Zappone and his manager-wife Dina keep things lively at their Gilbert restaurant (map). The menu is ‘‘traditional … with a modern twist,’’ which means items like lamb meatball flatbread and pancetta-and-mozzarella mac ’n’ cheese.

Vincitorio’s Ristorante

The Apulia region in southern Italy is the inspiration for chef Mario Vincitorio’s cuisine at this south Tempe restaurant (map), which has two sides – a dining room and a lounge (osteria) – overseen by his wife, Ginger. One of the big draws is the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet featuring a small salad bar and three pasta dishes daily.