Pizza and Salads are Artful at Picazzo's

Picazzo’s (3 peaks/5)


1300 S. Milton Rd.
226-1000
picazzos.com


Although Picazzo’s has locations in the Phoenix metro area, Sedona, and Prescott, Picazzo’s has become a favorite of Flagstaff locals and visitors alike. Located on “the main drag”, Milton Road, the restaurant is easy to find.

Picazzo’s specializes in pizzas and salads. Portions are large and prices are reasonable. Picazzo’s also offers an array of vegetarian and gluten intolerant menu choices.

Salads are especially good with crisp, fresh ingredients and a light, flavorful touch to the dressings. (The Asian and The Greek salads are particular favorites.)

Pizzas also taste fresh with quality ingredients, (the mushrooms are not canned, but are actually fresh, for one – always a test of the establishment), and are numerous in their offerings of toppings and made-for-you combinations. However, the pizza sauce lacks pizzazz and the crust is adequate. It will appeal really to anyone as the quality is high, but to this reviewer, it’s not the best in town.

Picazzo’s has a modern, nicely put together, and very comfortable atmosphere along with a full service bar. In the summer, handsome patio seating is available for leisurely lunches or dinners. The staff is helpful, friendly, and prompt.
It is one of the nicer restaurant settings in Flagstaff in terms of comfort and accommodations, and is a perfect place to go out with friends, the family or a first date. Everyone will find something to like.

German Food Matters at Matterhorn

Matterhorn Grill (4 peaks/5)

103 W. Birch St. (SW corner of Birch & Beaver)
226-7388
Tues. – Sat. 5pm – 9 pm












The Matterhorn Grill is steadily catching on in Flagstaff. Open for a year downtown near City Hall in a space that formerly housed a Mexican restaurant, the owners have done a nice job at changing the space into a comfortable, German-themed setting.

Open only for dinner, your experience promises to be warm and relaxing in a nice, yet casual milieu. The owners greet customers personally. At Christmas time, guests are treated to a complimentary glass of glühwein, a spiced wine served warm that is traditional at that time of year in Germany to ward off a winter chill. Such a thoughtful gesture sets the tone for this welcoming restaurant.

Klaus, the owner and master chef, takes great care and pride in this place and cuisine and it shows. (They also boast the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen in Flagstaff!)

The cuisine is German and is named on the menu in German with detailed descriptions in English. The staff is well trained and greatly knowledgeable and attentive. It is one of the best staffs in Flagstaff. If you need any recommendations, they will deliver.

In one word, the food is excellent. It is well-suited to a cold evening and is comfort food at its best, even if you may not be familiar with all of the offerings. It is a perfect après-ski meal.

There are a wide variety of schnitzels (breaded pork cutlets), several fish dishes, and beef or chicken selections on the menu. Entrees come with a choice of two sides and all are fine choices.

The starter salad is one of the finest salads I have eaten in Flagstaff; perfectly cold and fresh with a savory, kitchen-made dressing. The bread is quite tasty as well – soft in the middle with a good crispy crust.

A large selection of German beer and wines are offered, along with some California wines. The servers are proficient at matching the options to best suit your meal.

A huge bonus is the Matterhorn Grill has its own parking lot, (a rarity in downtown Flagstaff), and is conveniently located at the edge of downtown so it is easy to get to and get out of, yet still right in the middle of all of the action.

I can highly recommend the Matterhorn Grill for a lovely and personalized all-around dining experience.