Wait: We arrived shortly after 6 p.m. on a Wednesday and were seated right away.

Service: In addition to our server, there were two other gentlemen who waited on us, keeping our bread basket and water glasses full. All three did a fabulous job, though pleasant chit-chat was kept to a minimum.

(Perhaps this was because we were newcomers; I noticed the waitstaff chatting up the regulars, dishing out handshakes and hugs.)

What we liked: We loved, loved, loved our entreés — pollo parmese (essentially, chicken parmigiana) and melenzana arriverderci (eggplant stuffed with spinach and cheese). Both were served with pasta in a heavenly marinara sauce. I tried a dish similar to the melenzana arriverderci at another restaurant the previous week and was not impressed. Still, the eggplant and spinach combo seemed like something I’d eat up — pun intended — so I gave it a second chance and I’m glad I did. The eggplant, swimming in that divine marinara, generously stuffed with four cheeses and baked to crisp perfection, was bursting with flavor. We also couldn’t get enough of the complimentary focacia bread, which was so piping hot, it must have been whisked directly from the oven to our table.

Scene: Despite its strip mall location, Arrivederci exudes a warm and welcoming feel. With a mural of the “old country” on one wall of the restaurant and vines winding around the dining room, the space seems like the next best thing to Tuscany. I also liked the colorful set of plates — adorned with martinis and other fruity cocktails — hanging on one wall.

Bathroom break: The single unit was tidy and well-stocked.

Tab for two: $44 with tax and tip for salmone mostarda ($8.95), melenzana arriverderci ($10.95), pollo parmese ($12.95) and two iced teas ($2.25 each).

If work weren’t buying: Arrivederci is a fabulous addition to Ahwatukee’s dining scene. The pasta is delicious and the ambience is warm and welcoming; it’s as winning a combo as eggplant and spinach.

By CRYSTAL PETROCELLI
Get Out

Wait: We arrived at 8 p.m. on a Friday and were greeted with a friendly “ciao.” Moments later, we were seated.

Service: Have you ever felt like a restaurant was genuinely excited to see you? Before I walked into Arrivederci Trattoria, I thought that only happened to “$40 a Day” hyperactive Rachael Ray. But, this new Awhatukee place has been open less than two months and some how they're on a kiss-and-hug basis with everyone but us newbies. One lucky couple was treated to a fine Italian serenade by their server for no particular reason. The tie-clad staff have the basics down as well — fresh parmesan and ground pepper were offered throughout our meal, courses were timed perfectly and waters were kept full. The pièce de résistance? Complimentary after-dinner limoncello shots! We thought we'd died and gone to Capri.

What we liked: It's hard to believe we loved everything considering how many menu items we sampled, but the kitchen never faulted. Our antipasto was a beautiful spread of assorted salumi, cheeses, caprese, smoked salmon, roasted peppers and artichoke hearts. All fresh, all delicious. Our stone-fired pizza was built on a focacia-like crust with a light sauce, homemade mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, roasted peppers and garlic. The phenomenal cannelloni de carne — beef and veal stuffed into three homemade pasta tubes, covered with melted cheese and sauce — was the highlight. I doubt I'll ever come across a better tomato cream sauce. Things were going so great we threw waistline-worries to the wind and ordered up the creative chocomisu and cannoli. Dessert was just as impressive as the rest of our meal.

Scene: Arrivederci's winning combination of authentic Italian ambience, fabulous food, nouvelle menu and reasonable prices have made this cozy Ahwatukee restaurant an instant hit. There's a five-stool bar area near the entrance and a few outdoor tables, all of which were filled.

Bathroom break: Clean and stocked private units.

Tab for two: $73 with tax and tip for antipasto arrivederci ($11.95), two campagnola salads ($4.50 each), quattro formaggi pizza ($11.95), cannelloni di carne ($12.95), chocomisu ($4.95) and cannoli ($4.50).
If work weren’t buying: My goal is to make double-cheek-kiss status.

Arrivederci Trattoria
4221 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 102, Ahwatukee Foothills

Major cross streets: Chandler Boulevard and 42nd Street
Reservations accepted: Only for parties of five or more
Kid friendly: Yes
Health report: Two violations on Feb. 26
Prices: $8.95-$17.95
Most interesting item: Portobello reganato, $7.95