Ahwatukee favorite Bell’ Italia shutters after 24-year run

🍝 After 24 years in Ahwatukee, Bell’ Italia appears to be done for good.

The Italian restaurant on the southeast corner of Chandler and 48th Street – known for East Coast-style pies, family recipes, and Thursday pasta nights – has shown a “temporarily closed” sign for a couple weeks, but staff members say they’ve been told the shutdown is permanent.

Owner and chef Mario Caputo opened Bell’ Italia with his family in 2002, building a loyal following for its red sauce and gluten-free options. His unexpected death in 2021 left the restaurant in the hands of family members, who kept the ovens running despite the loss.

No official statement about the closure has been announced yet.