Try to get a seat on the patio of Grazie Pizzeria & Wine Bar (6952 E. Main St., 480/663-9797, www.grazie.us, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily). For some reason, the gourmet pizzas seem to taste better outside. The delicious selection of thin-crust pies, prepared with hand-tossed dough and house-made mozzarella, pop with simple ingredients like prosciutto, arugula, shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese, and kalamata olives. Select a bottle of sangiovese or chianti from the extensive wine list, and start thinking about how you’re going to make room for the panna cotta.

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria (4000 N. Scottsdale Road, 480/994-1100, www.patsygrimaldis.com, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–midnight Fri.–Sat., $10–16) brings a Brooklyn tradition to the Valley of the Sun with its coal-fired ovens and famous “secret” sauce. The simple menu offers salad starters, calzones, and pizzas, accompanied by list of fresh toppings. Kids will love the quarter-sized slices of pepperoni, and the ricotta cheese is incredible. Be prepared to build up an appetite—its reputation for unique flavor draws large crowds to this casual and family-friendly spot.