Caffe Torino

A Review by D&D Diners

A family-owned Italian restaurant that serves up amore in every bite. Chef-owner Daniela Borella moved to Oro Valley from Italy with her family in the late 1980s, back when the area had no Italian restaurants. She brought the family recipes with her, and she’s been elevating them ever since.

It’s hard not to order the pizza here. It’s that good. But push past the instinct, because the entrees are comfort food dressed up in cozy sauces you’ll be thinking about for days.

We started with the Gamberi e Pancetta: cured pork belly and a generous shrimp over fresh tomato, drizzled with balsamic pesto and topped with shaved parmesan. Crunchy, tart, a little sweet, a little sharp. A genuine party on the tongue.

From there, the rigatoni con salsiccia arrived loaded with sausage and mushrooms in a rich pink tomato sauce so good we wanted to eat it like soup. The pollo taleggio was just as strong, with a sauce that ties the chicken, spinach, and noodles together beautifully. Save room for dessert: the tiramisu is rich and creamy, made with both brandy and amaretto. This kitchen doesn’t hold back.

And if you can’t finish, take one of the famous pizzas home to reheat tomorrow night. You won’t regret it.

Service matched the food. The servers know the menu inside and out, and they move efficiently, with several keeping an eye on every table rather than just their own section.

The Caffe itself is intimate; the kind of place made for a date night or a Ladies-Who-Lunch afternoon where you can actually hear the person across the table. The patio adds a stunning mountain view for anyone who wants to eat outside.

Caffe Torino

Quick Bite: Caffe Torino
Address: 10325 N. La Canada, Oro Valley
Cuisine: Family-owned Northern Italian, chef-driven recipes from Italy
Must-try: The pizza, but don’t stop there
Best for: Date night or a relaxed lunch with friends
Setting: Patio seating with mountain views
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Price range: $$ (Moderate), most entrees in the $18 to $32 range