The owner of a popular Phoenix pizzeria is opening a fancy new Italian restaurant downtown

Bahar Anooshahr
Arizona Republic

Stefano Fabbri, the owner of Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, is opening a new restaurant in downtown Phoenix.

Rōsso Modern Italian is slated to open at the end of February at the CityScape shopping center, taking over the space formerly occupied by The Strand Urban Italian.

Fabbri chose the spot because he feels downtown has become more of a dining destination. "People walk around now and that spot is perfect," he said.

Described as the "big brother" to Pomo, Rōsso will serve a more elevated menu along with a globally-inspired wine and cocktail list.

Rosso's decor is rustics meets stylish modern.

Classic Italian food with a modern twist downtown

Rōsso is Italian, but according to Fabbri, it won't compete with Pomo.

While Pomo is a traditional Italian pizzeria, Rōsso will be a modern Italian restaurant with an American twist. For example, in one entree, veal is swapped for pork, which is more popular and familiar in the U.S.

Fabbri described the vibe as rustic, but stylish. The brick wall is meant to conjure up visions of grandma's house, while the decor and furniture lean more modern.

The almost 4,000 square-foot space has a 150-person capacity between the indoor dining room and the patio.

James Beard semifinalists:These Arizona chefs and restaurants are James Beard Awards semifinalists.

What's on the menu at Rōsso

Fabbri's favorite dish on the new menu is tagliata di manzo: sliced steak served over piadina, an Italian flatbread from Fabbri's hometown of Romagna, with house made sauce and potatoes.

Other menu highlights include whole branzino topped with gremolata and served with roasted baby carrots and mashed potatoes with beurre blanc sauce.

Rather than veal Milanese, expect a porkchop Milanese served with a side salad dressed in orange vinaigrette.

Tagliata di manzo is atop piadini.

Pasta dishes include a baked cavatappi pasta with mozzarella, gnocchi burrata and tagliatelle Bolognese made with short ribs.

Pomo's pizzas will also make an appearance on the menu.

For dessert, expect a semifreddo tiramisu, cannoli and cheesecake.

On the drink menu, expect regional Italian wines and playful cocktails like the Rōsso espresso martini with Sicilian cannoli and a lemon drop made with vodka, limoncello and blackberries.

Rōsso Modern Italian

The restaurant's grand opening is expected to be at the end of February.

Details: 2 E. Jefferson St., Suite 113, Phoenix. rossoitalian.com.

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Closing:Historic Hawaiian restaurant is closing its last Arizona location after 20 years

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.