Pizzicata is preparing to unveil its most ambitious chapter yet as it opens at Glendale’s Citadel on December 8, introducing a high-level Italian dining experience shaped by the personal journey of spouses Federico Venturini and Viola Tagliaferri. What began as a leap of faith when the couple emigrated from Umbria, Italy in 2018 has evolved into one of Arizona’s most admired family-run culinary groups. The Glendale debut marks a pivotal moment in that ascent, signaling a new era of design, craft, and hospitality for the brand.
Set at 19420 N. 59th Avenue, Suite C117, the new restaurant occupies a prominent corner of The Citadel, a center known for its European-inspired architecture, warm energy, and strong neighborhood presence. The location mirrors the atmosphere and spirit of the Italian towns that shaped Federico and Viola’s early culinary lives.
“Glendale felt like home from the moment we arrived,” says co-founder Federico Venturini. “The Citadel has the visibility, the energy, and the beauty that allow us to build something truly special. We knew this was the right place to bring the next evolution of Pizzicata.”
More than a new restaurant, Pizzicata Glendale represents the group’s most intentional expression to date—an elevated, thoughtfully choreographed space that captures both the maturity of the brand and its continued desire to innovate.
Insider Takeaways
- A prominent corner location inside The Citadel, giving Pizzicata instant visibility and situating it within one of Glendale’s most charming, European-inspired destinations — a setting that reinforces the brand’s Italian roots.
- Hand-painted murals and an open kitchen that transform the dining room into a living expression of Italian artistry, allowing guests to see, feel, and connect with the craft behind each dish.
- Signature Roman pinsa, Neapolitan pizza, fresh-made pasta, and daily house-crafted sauces anchor the menu, alongside a selection of fresh seafood specialties and traditional meat entrées that reflect the team’s years of culinary refinement in both Italy and Arizona.
- A polished cocktail and wine program built around premium spirits, thoughtful pairings, and an expanded dessert menu, bringing a more refined, celebratory finish to the Pizzicata dining experience.
- The debut of The Private Kitchen Bistro, an intimate chef-led tasting room offering elevated menus, interactive demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes access that introduces Glendale to a rare, immersive encounter with authentic Italian cooking.
The Glendale restaurant is positioned as the brand’s most elevated expression—an environment designed with greater intention, movement, and emotion. It reflects a culinary group that has grown from a single trattoria into a confident, evolving presence in Arizona’s dining landscape, without sacrificing the warmth that first defined it.
“This restaurant brings together everything we’ve learned since opening our first U.S. location,” Venturini says. “Our goal is simple: we want guests to feel at ease and enjoy a genuine taste of Italy. Every detail—from the murals to the menu—reflects that journey.”
Since landing in Arizona in 2018, Federico and Viola have been on a roll, growing their lineup to include Pizzicata Carefree, Pizzicata Mesa, Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood, and now Pizzicata Glendale. Their big win on “Little Big Italy”—the TV show that hunts for the best Italian food outside Italy—crowned them Arizona’s top spot for authentic Italian cuisine and kicked their reputation into high gear.
As the Glendale opening nears, Venturini credits the success of the brand to the people who helped build it. “Many of our team members have grown with us from the beginning. Their passion and belief in our vision made this chapter possible,” he says. “Pizzicata Glendale is a celebration of family, culture, and the dream that brought us from Umbria to Arizona.”
For more information, go to pizzicatausa.com.
