Savor Italy in the heart of Scottsdale, where Dean Martin's smooth melodies serenade you and each bite of exquisite house-made mozzarella is a revelation.
“Our ‘muttz,’ or mozzarella, is the best without question. When you cut into it and see all the milk spout, you know it's something special,” says Brandon Gioffre, owner of DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant, formally, The Blind Pig.
Brandon and his wife Michele don’t have a formal culinary background; however, as Calabrese Italians, they learned the art of cooking before learning to ride a bike. The two have since found a passion, fulfillment and knack for creating magic in the kitchen.
“We love to cook. When our friends come over, we make enough food to feed an army. As Italians, food is our love language,” Brandon says.
It’s a love language that speaks to foodies all over the Valley. After making a name for themselves at the Uptown Farmers Market in Central Phoenix, the husband-wife duo started getting catering requests from big properties and private parties. As word spread they were the “it” Italian chefs, Brandon and Michele sought to open what they say Scottsdale lacked.
“We struggled to find a restaurant that delivered authentic New York style Italian food. We tried tons of restaurants hoping to find our new favorite spot, but eventually realized we had to create one ourselves.”
A little over a year ago, the Gioffres discovered The Blind Pig on Hayden and decided to buy the business. They never changed the nook’s name… but gave the menu a makeover.
“Our go-to recipes are chicken parm, linguine with clam sauce, orecchiette with broccoli rabe & Italian sausage, chicken scarpariello, and our famous lasagna.”
Shortly after they took over The Blind Pig, their Italian eatery became all the buzz. Brandon says people came to dine from all over the Valley… even out-of-staters sought to experience their food.
“We encompass an old school vibe. It’s warm and inviting. We make you feel at home. The food is simple but complicated, made to order and made with love. Only the freshest ingredients.”
However, The Blind Pig is The Bling Pig no more. In fact, Brandon’s dream of giving his baby a refresh has come true… and prompted a restaurant name change.
“When we took over the restaurant space, it was already called ‘The Blind Pig,’ and we just kept the name. I always knew I wanted to rename it, but didn’t know which direction to take. When I met the DiMaggio family, it just clicked.”
Brandon says Frank DiMaggio, owner of MDF Development, had come into his restaurant for dinner and was simply blown away by their food.
“Frank said he had just returned from NYC and that our food was good- even better- than any places out there.”
Overcome with Italian-food-fulfillment, Frank and his MDF designers decided to step in and give the restaurant a refresh. They studied what an authentic Italian restaurant should look like and spearheaded a deserving remodel.
“It’s incredible. Thanks to Frank and his team, it feels like you’re eating in a true east coast hole-in-the-wall. We are not in a fancy location with super tall ceilings. We don’t have valet parking and a pretentious atmosphere. It has that feeling of ‘if you know if you know.’ Once you experience the food, you’re hooked.”
Brandon fittingly renamed his restaurant DiMaggio’s, paying ode to the guy who brought new life to his trattoria. Newly reopened, you can now take a taste for yourself.
Location: 3370 N Hayden Road Suite 116 in Scottsdale
IG @dimaggiosaz
dimaggiosrestaurant.com
"As Italians, food is our love language."