The Strand Urban Italian

Went there on a Friday night and there was no wait. We ordered 2 soft drinks, a delicious sautéed shrimp appetizer, 2 pasta dishes and 2 desserts for $71. Janelle our server was excellent. She made great menu recommendations. I would come here again. The restaurant has very good food, generous portions, and excellent service. The server made sure the iced tea was always topped off and even offered us to-go cups of tea to take with. (we didnt ask, he offered... Great touch!)

We picked this because it was close to the Arizona Federal Theatre. The food was surprisingly better than I thought. We had the bruschetta, the lobster mac and cheese and the Gemelli chicken pasta. All were very good. The inside of the restaurant didn’t feel like an Italian restaurant. It had more of cheap feel to it and the music just didn’t fit at all. I think the prices are slighty high for the overall experience.

My family came here before a suns basketball game. We had never been so we were excited to try this place out. Our server came right over and asked if we wanted anything else to drink besides the waters she had already brought over, I got the sangria which was really good. She took our order and brought over their bread and oil dip which was amazing as well. Our cheesy bread came out a few minutes later and shortly after our entrees came out. My husband got the margarita pizza which he said was the best pizza he has had since our family moved to arizona. My son got a kids pizza which he loved as well. I ordered the shrimp scampi which was fantastic. It was served with linguini, capers, tomatoes, shrimp and a white wine scampi sauce. This dish was so good. Our waitress came over and checked on us frequently but it wasn't annoying, she refilled my husband's soda at the perfect time every time. She was so sweet. This place is so good, the service is great and the aromposhere is very nice.

Wandered in on my own after being told to head towards the Cityscape area for more variety in Phoenix. I walked into this local Italian restaurant after bypassing what was recommended to me by hotel staff. Nice casual place with a very active vibe. Served by the owner who was a very nice and genuine guy. Provided not only good food drink and conversation but was genuinely interested in my time there as I was asking him about the greater Phoenix area . Never felt alone or out of place. Definitely would visit on a return trip.