Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen

How can you not love this place?

This review is long overdue, and I'm almost ashamed I didn't get to it until now. But I'm writing it right before we plan to go back, it was so memorable.

We visited the Cactus Rd location a couple of months ago and had a fantastic time! Our server, Kale, was one of the best servers we've had at ANY restaurant. And that's saying a lot - we're middle aged and we eat out a LOT. So we've got a lot of experience and not always that easy to please.

But we were certainly pleased with Picazzo's, not just because of the remarkably great service from Kale (more on that later) but also because of the food quality, particularly for gluten-free. I know, I know, when you eat gluten-free or gluten-friendly, you're always qualifying your opinion with "this was really good for a gluten-free version of X." But at Picazzo's the food really IS that good, and you don't need the qualifier. My friend has the gluten allergy, I don't, and I had no complaints whatsoever.

I specifically remember the cheese focaccia was really good. Didn't fall apart, didn't crumble, really tasted great. And the turkey meatballs were also excellent. We didn't even try the pizza, but it looked great.

I had the eggplant Parmesan and it was excellent. I mean, there are a TON of gf options at this place, and everything we did have was great. Since we're planning another visit to Phoenix, no way we're missing Picazzo's again. It was THAT good.

A significant part of our positive experience was the service delivered by Kale. He has a great personality, very friendly and approachable. He did all the mechanical things skillfully - acknowledged us quickly, got our drinks (and by the way he's a great bartender because I had one of the mixed drinks, the Prickly Pear Margarita), timed our meal perfectly by giving us enough time to enjoy the appetizers before ordering the main dish, checked on us to see how we were doing - but more than just the mechanics of serving, he brought an art to it. I'm serious, there is just something about this guy, Kale, that brings serving to another level. It was easy and pleasant to engage with him. He had great menu knowledge, and made good recommendations. He seemed to enjoy what he's doing, and it shows in the quality of service he delivers.

Picazzo's has a winning formula, that's all I know. This is a restaurant where you can not only enjoy great food, excellent service, and even have lots of great gluten-free options. How could you not like it?

Best gluten-free pizza in Phoenix. I have tried dozens of restaurants with gluten-free pizzas and Picasso's is by far the best! I love all of their salads-the Heart Healthy is especially delicious! They also have the best pasta. It's gluten-free also, but you can't tell.

Picazzo's Carry Out. My daughter loves this place. Every time we visit serves Picazzo's carry out for dinner one night. The Shrimp Scampi Pizza we had last trip was excellent.

This is such a great lunch spot. Everything is so fresh and absolutely delicious. The pizza is some of the best I’ve had in Arizona for sure. A very healthy option that doesn’t weigh you down. The lunch specials are just the right size. We try something different each time and have not been disappointed.

This place is incredible! Super friendly servers, impeccably flavorful and healthy food! Some friends visited us from out of town, once we ate there they just wanted to keep going back-its so good! Something for everyone-vegans, meat eaters, gluten free, whatever you need. Family run, everyone seems to be happy working there, we just love it! The deserts are insanely good!! NY Cheesecake, Apple Crumble. Oh my!

We sat outside on the patio to eat in the evening. It was perfect weather. I am not a vegan, although they had a whole vegan menu, and I even ordered a vegan pizza which was so good. I believe it was called the Elote pizza. It had a nice spicy sauce on it. Had it for leftovers the next day as well and still loved it! They also have gluten free options. The staff were all nice and provided good customer service, even asked about allergies. Our waters were routinely refilled. Loved the overall experience. Would highly recommend it to others.

Phenomenal place! Superior customer service, healthy menu and they even have Healthy Hour. Highly recommend this restaurant if you haven’t tried it yet!!

This place is vegan approved. The vegan cheesy bread appetizer is so delicious. The barbecue vegan chicken pizza is also really great. The vegan chicken piccata lunch special was outstanding and tasted very authentic. I really enjoyed the vegan ranch as well - it tasted homemade. The customer service is really great here and we appreciated the free refills with our meal. Well definitely visit again on my next trip to Phoenix.