Riga Tony's A Tempe Italian Eatery

This article is from our print magazine issued January 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

A cozy Italian eatery in the heart of Tempe, Arizona called Riga Tony’s has been comforting guest with food since 1994. This family owned restaurant serves up authentic Italian dishes from family recipes. With lunch specials starting at $9.75, dinner specials starting at $12.95 and drink deals daily this is a hidden jewel in the valley of the sun.

Riga Tony’s isn’t a large food chain. This is an authentic food place specific to this location. Don’t get it confused with Rig A Tony’s in New Hampshire or Riga Tony’s Pizza and Pasta in Lancaster, California. You will only taste these original food spices and flavor at this single location.

Staff is chosen based on pleasantness and not just service experience. Upon walking in you’re greeted by the host with smiles and welcoming gestures. You are then seated by someone with quality knowledge of the floor plan and greeted again by your server upon being sat.

You feel at home while eating here. Not only does the food grab your tastebuds and scream “so good”, but the welcoming vibe and overall atmosphere brings a feeling of happiness. You will see family photos on the wall, historic photos and simple art from historians. For the holidays you will see lights and cheer all around.

The servers are apart of the entire experience at any restaurant, but these servers make you feel like family. Checking on you just enough to not feel violated, but not so scarce that you find yourself looking around for help. If you’re lucky you get one that know a bit of history about the place and can fill you in on details. If your server isn’t available for some reason, others come by to make sure you have everything you need.

Covid has been a daunting thing for food places, but this place has held up during the impact and still going strong. Their valued long term customers are still showing up because of the great food, service and pricing. They are constantly getting new-comers daily as well. “I had no idea this was here, but I’ll definitely be back,” Shelia Allen stated while having lunch.

A typical lunch date for two here could run about $49.44, including two alcoholic beverages for each person. One of their signature drinks is the Sicilia Punch, consisting of vodka, rum, Disaronno amaretto, triple sec, cranberry, orange juice, sweet & sour, and grenadine. A true punch with a kick.

The Pasta- Bilities, which allows you to create your own masterpiece, is a part of the lunch special. You start with your pasta selection, choose your sauce then the toppings, which could include sausage, spinach, shrimp and more. Another fabulous meal to share with you wonderful people. Happy Eating.