Arizona-based Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen has been named the Best Italian Restaurant in Phoenix Magazine’s 2025 Best of the Valley Awards. It’s a major coup for a pizza brand in a highly competitive region that’s also the home of Chris Bianco’s legendary Pizzeria Bianco.
“It’s extremely rewarding to know that so many of our customers and longtime fans voted for us in this year’s BOV Awards,” Picazzo’s managing partner, Chris Disney, said in a press release. “We’re proud to offer flavorful dishes featuring clean, organic ingredients and options for those seeking a gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, allergen-free, or simply delicious Italian meal!”
Picazzo’s is a locally owned restaurant chain with locations in Sedona, Arrowhead, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe/Chandler, and Gilbert.
The restaurant, which first opened more than 20 years ago in Sedona, offers guests a variety of pizzas available on gluten-free, cauliflower or regular crust, as well as pastas, salads and signature dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Baked Rigatoni, the Athena Quinoa Bowl, and Sustainable Mediterranean Salmon.
Every year Picazzo’s also hosts the Raising for Rett campaign to support research into a cure for Rett syndrome. Disney’s own daughter, Colly, was diagnosed with the rare genetic neurological disorder three years ago.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Best of the Valley Awards. Nearly 4,000 people submitted 16,000 nominations to get on the ballot. After voting ended, 20,000 people had cast 150,000 votes across more than 300 categories.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen says it sources clean, whole foods that are rich in nutrients and offers a fusion approach to modern-Italian cuisine that sprinkles in the bold flavors of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican ingredients.
The restaurant sources 95% organic produce and makes sauces and dressings from scratch, using organic spices and non-GMO sunflower and imported olive oils. In addition to the main menu, Picazzo’s offers a separate 100% vegan menu with salads, entrées, pasta, pizza, and desserts, using brands that support the plant-based diet, such as Follow Your Heart, Daiya and Beyond Meat.
