Pizzicata is opening a new location at Glendale’s Citadel, introducing an expanded Italian dining concept 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 grown into a family-run culinary group in Arizona. The Glendale opening marks the brand’s newest chapter.
Located at 19420 N. 59th Avenue, Suite C117, the restaurant occupies a prominent corner at The Citadel, a center known for its European-inspired architecture and neighborhood setting. The location reflects the atmosphere of the Italian towns that influenced Venturini and Tagliaferri’s early culinary lives.
“Glendale felt like home from the moment we arrived,” said Venturini, a co-founder of Pizzicata. “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.”
Pizzicata Glendale represents the group’s most developed concept to date, combining expanded design elements with an elevated dining experience.
Features of the new location include:
• A corner space within The Citadel, offering high visibility in a European-inspired setting that reflects the brand’s Italian roots.
• Hand-painted murals and an open kitchen, allowing guests to see the preparation of dishes.
• A menu featuring Roman pinsa, Neapolitan pizza, fresh-made pasta and house-made sauces, along with seafood dishes and traditional meat entrées.
• A cocktail and wine program built around premium spirits and pairings, as well as an expanded dessert menu.
• The Private Kitchen Bistro and Private Chef Experience, offered as a single reservation-based dining option. The experience includes chef-led tasting menus, interactive demonstrations and seasonal ingredients. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
The restaurant also continues the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve dinner, inspired by the Italian tradition of La Vigilia. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
“This restaurant brings together everything we’ve learned since opening our first U.S. location,” Venturini said. “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 arriving in Arizona in 2018, Venturini and Tagliaferri have expanded their restaurant group to include locations in Carefree and Mesa, as well as Pomodoro Italian Grill & Seafood. Their appearance on the television show Little Big Italy brought national recognition to their cuisine.
Venturini credited longtime staff members for the brand’s growth.
“Many of our team members have grown with us from the beginning,” he said. “Their passion and belief in our vision made this chapter possible.”
For more info, visit pizzicatausa.com.
Dining and Cooking