The Italian fine dining restaurant Pietro’s has been serving up fresh, new dishes to the community as it nears its first year under new ownership.
Tucked away at the Inn at Eagle Mountain with its naturally lit dining room and sweeping views of the golf course and Red Mountain, Pietro’s is now owned by Executive Chef Adam Frost who has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years.
Changing hands from previous owners Richard and Diane Ferrarese who focused on perfecting their Tuscan family recipes handed down through generations, Frost says he wants to provide fresh, quality ingredients for his patrons.
And while many of the tried-and-true classics remain, Frost has added a few new menu items offering made-from-scratch recipes wherever possible.
From the new pappardelle pasta with from-scratch Bolognese sauce to the crab- and ricotta cheese-stuffed shells with brandy cream marinara, Frost enjoys trying new recipes for the ever-evolving taste of his guests.
As a seasonal treat, Frost has introduced a limited-time summer menu and refined his cocktail list, welcoming guests for dinner or a nightcap Wednesday through Saturday, from 5 to 9 p.m.
“We’re trying to be light and fresh,” Frost said. “We’re also trying to focus on the quality of ingredients. We want people to leave here feeling like, ‘Oh my god, the food was incredible, we had a great time and we want to come back.’”
In addition to its food items is a new wine list which will be partially featured at an upcoming wine-tasting event Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. along with appetizers and live jazz.
The team
Frost has worked extensively in restaurant management, most recently serving as chief operating officer of the dine-in theater group, Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill.
Throughout last year, Frost sought out opportunities in the Valley to run on his own. He became the new owner of the Mesa-based pizzeria Twisted Pies before also taking over at Pietro’s in January of this year.
Frost currently employs a bustling staff of six, including his son, Daxton Steele, and his front-of-house manager, Matthew Oliver.
“I grew up in restaurants,” Oliver said, who spent many years working at his mother’s neighborhood deli and his aunt’s restaurant in California.
Oliver and Frost have worked with each other previously in the hospitality industry. Oliver spent time in the banking sector and also started an over-the-road long-distance hauling company with his brother before rejoining Frost at Pietro’s.
“I’ve been in the food industry since I was 10 years old,” Oliver said. “Vacation to me is working in a restaurant.”
As more Italian fare lovers flock to Pietro’s for an evening at Eagle Mountain, Frost says he is overwhelmed with the support from Fountain Hills residents and those who come up the hill to visit the fine dining establishment.
“We’ve really enjoyed the community so far,” Frost said. “They’ve been so friendly, and we’ve been blown away by their praise and support.”
Building on his time operating dine-in movie theaters, Frost says what drew him to Pietro’s was more than just a restaurant; he wants his patrons to have a memorable dining experience.
“We want people to come here, enjoy themselves for a few hours, sit down, enjoy the beautiful views and have some wonderful food,” Frost said. “We just want them to have a wonderful evening.”
Pietro’s is located at 9800 N. Summer Hill Blvd. at the Inn at Eagle Mountain. It is open Wednesday through Saturday for dine-in and takeout, from 5 to 9 p.m.
The first wine-tasting event is Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. with another wine-tasting event scheduled in the coming months. The cost is $60. For tickets, send an email to matt@pietrosfinedining.com.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit pietrosfinedining.com or call 480-257-1199.
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