EVO

Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, EVO is a standout Italian eatery that primarily highlights comfort food from the country’s central and northern regions. Nonetheless, guests will still find dishes that originate from the south such as the Arancini (Sicilia) and Pizza Margherita (Campania). However, owner and executive chef Nick Neuman specifically states that his inspiration for this restaurant comes from his Italian mother and the time they spent together as a family in the inimitable regions of Lazio and Lombardia, where the dishes rely on an abundance of polenta, cream sauces (think pasta carbonara), and of course, risotto. Inside the kitchen, the talented chefs prepare traditional recipes from the Old Country combined with an innovation and panache designed for modern palates.

Antipasti

On the menu, the starters or antipasti are the most important part of the meal, where guests can share and converse while waiting for the main entrees. Begin with the Polpettine, or little meatballs alongside the aforementioned Arancini or little oranges. These meatballs made with Grana Padana cheese are enough to merit a visit all by themselves. The chefs prepare the crispy Arancini with mozzarella, tomato and parmesan; they simply melt in your mouth. The Steak Bruschetta is another tempting option. The chefs prepare this dish with tenderloin carpaccio, a crème de brie, grilled asparagus, and truffle oil. The charcuterie plate also merits attention, where the selection of artisan cheeses, cured meats, house-pickled veggies, compotes and ciabatta will impress the entire table.

Buono!

Since we are dining at an Italian restaurant, one would be remiss not to speak about the excellently prepared pastas here at EVO in Scottsdale. A couple of the highlighted dishes include the Squid Ink Chitarra and the Cast-Iron Lasagna. The Chitarra is a seafood medley that includes shrimp, mussels, and calamari in a scallion-saffron broth, while the lasagna features ingredients such as Stracciatella cheese, Bolognese and parmesan combined with balsamic and herbs. In homage to Lazio, many local diners rave about the Lobster Carbonara, where the perfectly cooked crustacean combined with pancetta, gnocchi, and crispy prosciutto has the ability to transport diners to Rome.

Dolci at EVO in Scottsdale

The dessert menu features a brown-butter baby cake, a flourless chocolate torte, gelato and of course a seasonal selection of panna cotta. If you have the kids with you, order the zeppolini for them; they will
love you for it!