For many adults, “family-friendly” pizza places can conjure up some unappetizing associations: noisy games, inflated prices and, worst of all, pizza that often tastes no better than the frozen varieties found at supermarkets.
With this in mind, three of us are a little wary on a recent Wednesday afternoon as we head to Vito’s Pizza Place & Ristorante, on the southeast corner of Lindsay and McKellips roads in Mesa.
We’re optimistic about the grown-up-sounding “& Ristorante” tag at the end of the Vito’s name. But we also know the previous evening was Kid’s Night, featuring face-painting and balloon animals.
The first thing we discover when we arrive at Vito’s is the parking situation. There’s only a small number of parking spaces behind the restaurant.
Vito’s Web site points out diners can park at the car wash next door after 6 p.m., “but please pull forward to accommodate other vehicles.” Fortunately, it’s mid-afternoon and there’s an available spot in the tiny lot.
Once inside, we’re seated at a booth in the dining room. (There’s also an informal front room with a bar, and a decent-sized patio.) Wood and brass dominate the decor, and framed European landscapes and photos hang on gold-sponged walls.
The restaurant is only about a quarter full at this off-hour, and the clientele is mostly 40 and older. There’s not a game in sight.
Glancing at the menu, we quickly realize our fears were unfounded. Vito’s offers a nice selection of salads, thin-crust pizzas, pasta dishes, sandwiches and entrees — and nothing’s named after a mascot or cartoon character.
We start with a feta cheese salad ($7.49) with mixed greens, tomatoes, croutons, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and three small sides of raspberry vinaigrette. It’s listed as a “new” menu item and is large enough for the three of us to share.
We also decide to split a 12-inch pizza with pepperoni, ham and mushrooms ($11.99) — which proves to be delicious. Toppings are fresh and plentiful, and each slice has just a bit of tasty greasiness. The thin crust is more biscuitlike than cracker-like, and a wire rack between the pizza and the platter keeps the crust perfect until the last piece is gone.
The Ciabatta Combo Sandwich ($7.99) — pepperoni, mortadella and ham with provolone and sliced tomatoes — and the Chocolate Eruption dessert ($5.50) — a combination of chocolate mousse and cheesecake — also are good, but it’s the pizza we’re planning to go back for.
Vito’s celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. It’s easy to see why. It may be a “family-friendly” pizza place, but Vito’s isn’t playing games: Its thin-crust pies stack up favorably against any in the East Valley.
Vito’s Pizza Place & Ristorante
Where: 1947 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa (southeast corner of Lindsay and McKellips roads)
Open: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Prices: Appetizers $4-$12, salads $4-$12, pizzas $7-$24, pastas $10-$14, sandwiches $8-$9, entrees $13-$16.
Information: (480) 832-3311 or vitospizza.com
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