Owner Salvatore Moscato says his family’s favorite recipes are meant to be savored.
Moscato Italian Restaurant attracts fans from over the country, but Camp Verde superfans make visits a weekly routine.
Celebrating the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, owner Salvatore Moscato said he selected Camp Verde because he loved the small-town look, especially the historic building where they were initially located for six years. Four years ago, Moscato purchased a new location and updated it to reflect his beloved Italy.
Thompson Paralegal Services owner Susi Thompson and her husband, Gary, of Camp Verde, agree it’s their favorite meal of the week. “You cannot beat these flavors and the pasta is all homemade. I’ve even watched them make it,” said Susi. “The food here is phenomenal.”
Replete with Italian sophistication and panache, the dining room reflects upscale décor with the romance and dignity of fine dining. The wine room is an elegant space with wines from around the world that doubles as a private eating area.
Born in Vittoria, Sicily, and steeped in the traditions of the Old Country, Moscato decided at a young age to pursue life in America. He has lived in New Jersey, Puerto Rico and Arizona. In a culinary career spanning many years, he now chooses to showcase his talent with modern interpretations of traditional family recipes from his mother, Angelina, and his grandmother, Giovanna.
His first job in America was in an Italian coffee shop in New York. After a few years, he moved to New Jersey where he worked for Casa Dante Restaurant. “The owner, Vinny Russo, taught me a lot of things. There is a picture of him in our kitchen. I came to the United States in 1988, I was on vacation then and I’m still on vacation,” he joked.
“Moscato Italian Restaurant is the best kept secret in the Verde Valley,” said Phillippa Atterbury of Sedona. “The food is the best I have had around here and the service is great. You walk into the restaurant and the décor is fabulous. You feel like you are in a different world and it’s reasonable for what it is. I’m in total admiration of what Salvatore had created. We are so lucky to have such a great restaurant. It is a treat.”
One of Moscato’s favorite dishes to prepare is marinara. “It’s a simple but complex dish to make and takes six to seven hours.”
Other popular menu items include Mahi-Mahi Cacciatore, Pollo Marsala, Pollo alla Sorrentino, Costatella, Puttanesca and Al Pomodoro. Popular desserts are tiramisu, cannoli, bomba spumoni and caramel panna cotta, all made from scratch.
An outside eating area features a classic Italian fountain. A garden at the back of the restaurant is where Moscato grows his eggplant, tomatoes, herbs and other vegetables. All bread is baked in-house.
Assistant Manager Paulina Medrano has worked at Moscato Italian Restaurant for four years. “Salvatore really cares about his employees and customers,” she said. “He is honest and such a great person to work with. I really appreciate his leadership. He treats us like family and motivates us to grow professionally.”
Moscato welcomes regulars and warns first-time guests, “Don’t come in a rush. Nothing here is pre-made; everything is fresh and made to order.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Moscato Italian Restaurant is located at 368 S Main St., in Camp Verde, For more information, call 928-567-7417 or visit Moscatoaz.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Salvatore Moscato, owner of Moscato Italian Restaurant, stands inside the dining room he designed to reflect the elegance and romance of his native Italy.
Dining and Cooking