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Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

I walked into the parking lot with my mom and looked up to friendly, smiling staff members who greeted her with, “Hey Mary how are you doing?” and when approaching me they said, “What’s up bud (with a high-five)?” Yes, my mom and I were frequent customers of the restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. They seated us outside immediately to enjoy the lavish Arizona sunset, and asked what we would like to drink. Quick as a rabbit, they sprang into action ordering not only our drinks, but also our dinner selections from the vast selections printed in their newspaper-sized menus. We sat relaxed in the vibrant atmosphere with Frank Sinatra playing in the background, and watched the dancing flames of the candle set on the table.

The aroma in the air made every customer’s mouth water like a facet that won’t turn off. Finally, the handcrafted meal that took about 30 minutes to prepare arrived at our table. As always, the waiter asked if we needed anything else, and my mom graciously excused him as I devoured our whole wheat, thin crust pizza with Italian Gold Wings as if it was my last supper. Lastly, our waiter brought out their famous pizza cookie drizzled with chocolate chips and perfect circular clumps of vanilla ice cream, which we did not order. My mom questioned the waiter, and he said “this one is on the house in appreciation for being such loyal customers”. This was just one of the many wonderful experiences I had at Oregano’s, and it is just a glimpse of the kind of service you can come to expect if you’re looking for a casual dining experience with a lively atmosphere.

Lawrence Gibbilini, owner’s father

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro was founded by Mark Russell who was inspired by his father to create this restaurant. “My father, Lawrence Gibbilini, was born on the north side of Chicago in 1918. On weekends dad would throw a large checkered tablecloth over the dining room table and invite all his friends, family, and acquaintances over for dinner. He truly practiced his philosophy about life: the key to happiness is friends, good food and music. We miss him greatly” (Oregano’s, 2013). Oregano’s Pizza Bistro originally opened their first store in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona in 1993. Russell’s father, Lawrence Gibbilini, was a great cook who learned the family recipes from his mother. The legacy was passed down and now there is a food-chain of 12 restaurants across Arizona (Oregano’s, 2013). As a frequent customer, I love to visit the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant and consume a meal I know was worth paying for; it will always be my number one choice to go to when friends ask where I would like to eat! In general, Oregano’s has a great atmosphere, locations, food quality, and service.

outstanding service + delicous food = happy customers

http://www.oreganos.com/index_main.html

In an article from the Arizona Republic, Mark Russell, owner, explains how his intentions of just one restaurant, which has turned into multiple across the valley of Arizona, was in honor of his parents (Van, 2006). When the Arizona Republic questioned the owner how he finds all the decorations for his restaurants, Mark Russell (2006) replies, “I painstakingly search and search and search a little bit more until I find the right one I feel fits Oregano’s and its genre. I mainly look in the Midwest for 1940s, ’50s and ’60s antiques. I’ve come to find favorite places, since I buy so much of it, that they hold things for me” (Van). This information is simple, to the point, and from the owner’s words himself. This is the overall theme of the restaurant that brings people back to an era of jazz and flappers.

According to Oregano’s website, there are currently 12 restaurants open across Arizona! The hours are from 11-10pm every day, except Flagstaff (11-9pm), and Tempe on Fri/Sat. (11-11pm). I personally love the one in Old Town Scottsdale. Not only was it convenient because it was in the neighborhood, but also, it was the original one they made in 1993 (Oregano’s, 2013). It’s a great feeling when you go somewhere and they know you by name, personal service is a beautiful thing. However, now that I am a college student attending Arizona State University, I frequent the one in Tempe.

http://www.oreganos.com/tempe.html

The cities: Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, South Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tucson, North Tucson, and Flagstaff

As a regular customer, I would recommend starting off with 14 Italian Gold wings with ranch because they are without a doubt the best wings I have ever had; the flavor is simply tantalizing to the taste buds, with a combination of honey mustard and barbecue sauce. Then, for the main course, order their 16” whole wheat, thin crust pizza with pepperoni and spinach that is toasted to perfection and tastes mildly spicy if you add crushed red peppers; it’s one of their best. Lastly, I would suggest their famous pizza cookie because it is a warm, soft chocolate chip or macadamia nut cookie with vanilla ice cream that melts in your mouth.

Italian Gold Wings 🙂

Pizza Cookie!

According to Oregano’s website they have : tastes, soup, wings, midday rush, salad, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, drinks, and dessert. The best part of their menu, which is helpful for new customers, is that they offer fan favorites for each category! For those of you who are on the fence with what to order, these fan favorites can be a helpful deciding factor. This is unique to their menu because the customers selected these items (Oregano’s, 2013).

For example:

http://www.oreganos.com/thincrust.html

Yet another great thing about Oregano’s is that they are a highly diverse restaurant. They think about all their customers when it comes to dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan meals. For example, here are a few options directly from their menu:

In my opinion, Oregano’s is the best Italian, neighborhood restaurant there is in the valley of Arizona. Nowhere else will you be greeted with friendly staff members who are eager to help with any of your questions. The music there brings you back in time to a jazz lounge, which makes you want to snap your fingers, tap your feet, and bob your head throughout your stay. Plus, the food is always delicious, warm, and comes in large portions, guaranteed to send you home with leftovers. I don’t know about you, but I love to eat! Overall, the vibe is great, their merchandise is hilarious, and their dessert is out of this world. Take my word, you will not be disappointed.

Oregano’s happy staff waiting to greet customers!

Hilarious merchandise you can purchase

According to their website these are the awards received through 2012-2013:

http://www.oreganos.com/awards.html (here’s a link just in case you can’t read)

According to a reviewer on Trip Advisor (2013), “One of the best restaurants, a varied menu with across-the-board good food. Love their deep dish pizza, salads, and sandwiches. Amusing t-shirts by waiters. Always go there when driving through Phoenix area [sic] (Eacollinsjr). Don’t just take it from me, it is an award-winning restaurant, known for creating a family fun atmosphere with great service. Worst case scenario, you do not have time to sit down and eat. Heads up, did I forget to mention they have take-out! According to Bob Petrie from the Arizona Republic, he mentions how takeout is a great option who those craving jaw-dropping food from Oregano’s but have difficulty finding parking, seats, or just do not have time to sit down and dine. However, he does recommend sitting and enjoying the sunset with the painted Chicago skyline on the walls surrounding the restaurant, as it gives a beautiful feel to the evening (Petrie, 1999). Enough chit-chat, go get some food and make the trip, you won’t regret it, trust me!

Other favorites that I recommend: