Popular Italian Restaurant in Phoenix Has Unexpectedly Closed

A local Italian restaurant has closed.Photo byTim MossholderonUnsplash

Sometimes the writing is on the wall for local restaurants, it’s just difficult to decipher problems at the time. Especially as a casual restaurant-goer. Restaurant ownership can change, and employee turnover in the industry is nothing new. However, when a prominent chef leaves, with little reason given, and no announced plans as to what they will do next, there’s usually something else behind the scenes going on. All of that came to fruition, as earlier this week, the ever-popular Mora Italian in Phoenix closed without warning.

Mora Italian has called 5651 North 7th Street in Phoenix home for over seven years. In that time it became one of the most popular destinations for Italian cuisine in the Valley. With nearly 1,200 reviews on Google, it is also one of the most-reviewed eateries in the region as well. For nearly the entire time, Chef Scott Conant was the head chef.

Scott Conant spent much of his early career working in Munich and later in the United States before he became the executive chef at City Eatery. Several signature Italian dishes he crafted at the New York City-based restaurant appeared on Food & Wine. He was also named as one of the Best New Chefs in America back in 2004.

After receiving several additional awards he went on to appear as a judge on the popular cooking competition show Chopped. He has also published four cookbooks. While he had success in New York, he eventually came to greater Phoenix and helped launch Mora Italian, functioning as the head chef and the individual behind the entire menu. However, several months ago, it was announced that Scott Conant was going his own way. There was no real reason given as to why the sudden decision.

Some individuals just have the call to move on and to try something different. Especially after working in various kitchens around the world. However, nothing to this was ever given. And now, only a few months later, Mora Italian is no more.

The restaurant put out a brief post on Instagram, announcing the closure. In less than two days the post received over 1,000 likes and nearly 200 comments. Nearly all the comments were from shocked and saddened customers over the news and the inability to visit one last time. A few questioned what the impact of Scott’s departure had on the restaurant’s closing. Regardless, the restaurant is now no more.