Lunch with Lance: Spinato’s Pizzeria – A MUST Visit For Pizza Lovers in the Valley

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By Lance Reece

Photo: Lunch with Lance logo

Hey Pulse listeners and fellow food enthusiasts! Lance Reece here, and for this week’s installment of “Lunch with Lance,” my good friend and trusted dining companion, Michael Mallace, and I embarked on a delicious mission to a local favorite: Spinato’s Pizzeria in Tempe, AZ. If you’re searching for authentic, family-style pizza, or just a fantastic spot among Tempe AZ restaurants for Italian comfort food, you’re going to want to hear about this gem.

Photo: Inside Look at Spinato’s Pizzeria

The Vibe and the Victuals

Stepping into Spinato’s, you’re immediately greeted by a wonderfully homely and welcoming environment. It feels like a place where families gather, friends share laughs, and everyone is simply enjoying great food. The staff were incredibly friendly and receptive, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. It’s that kind of warm, inviting atmosphere that truly enhances the dining experience.

Spinato’s boasts an incredibly effective menu that goes beyond just pizza. They offer a delightful array of pizzas, pastas, calzones, and even sweet desserts, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. But, of course, when you’re at a pizzeria, you start with the main event!

I decided to go for a classic comfort food, their Mama’s Signature Calzone. This was a perfectly baked, golden-brown pocket of deliciousness, generously filled with gooey cheese, fresh greens, and rich tomatoes. It was everything a calzone should be: warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying.

Michael and I also decided to split one of their most iconic offerings: the Red Zone pizza. And yes, for all you sports fans out there, this is indeed the official pizza of the Arizona Cardinals! This pizza was loaded with flavor, but what truly stood out to both Michael and me was their signature pizza sauce. It’s a bit on the sweeter side, which might surprise some, but we both absolutely loved it. It provided a delightful contrast to the savory toppings and crust, making each bite incredibly enjoyable and memorable. It’s a unique touch that really sets their pizza apart here in the valley.

Grub or Dud?

So, after a truly delightful meal filled with cheesy goodness and that uniquely sweet sauce, the moment of truth arrived. Was Spinato’s Pizzeria a “Grub” or a “Dud?”

The answer was absolutely unanimous between Michael and me: Spinato’s Pizzeria is unequivocally a GRUB! From the delicious, well-crafted menu items like my calzone and the Red Zone pizza, to that standout sweet sauce, and the genuinely warm and friendly atmosphere, this place hits all the right notes. It’s a spot that consistently delivers on taste, quality, and a truly enjoyable dining experience right here in Tempe, Arizona.