The Arizona Republic

Mora

-

Now that his family has had time to settle into desert life and his first Phoenix restaurant, Mora Italian, has had time to settle into the burgeoning culinary chaos of Seventh Street, Conant has assumed the mantle of celebrity chef and neighbor. As such, in neighborly fashion, we can dispense with the awkward formalitie­s, sit down on the patio, crack a beer and get constructi­ve in considerin­g his first offering.

It could be better, but Mora’s pretty good.

It’s also ambitious. The 180 seats, 45 dishes and crushing expectatio­ns would devour lesser restaurate­urs, but two experience­d teams — courtesy of Conant and Stefano Fabbri, who also owns and operates Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana — have combined to design a compelling menu and serve it in a gorgeous space that isn’t lacking for buzz.

A larger-than-life scene

 ?? PHOTOS BY TOM TINGLE/THE REPUBLIC ?? This is the ricotta and mascarpone gnudi from Mora Italian, an upscale restaurant and bar at 5651 N. 7th St. in Phoenix.
PHOTOS BY TOM TINGLE/THE REPUBLIC This is the ricotta and mascarpone gnudi from Mora Italian, an upscale restaurant and bar at 5651 N. 7th St. in Phoenix.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States