For many Phoenix food lovers, the words Tratto and Town & Country have always gone hand in hand. The intimate trattoria from James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco first opened at the Town & Country shopping center on Camelback Road in 2016, quickly earning a loyal following for its handmade pastas, seasonal menu, and thoughtful wine program.
Now, after four years in a different space, Tratto is coming back home.
In an announcement this week, Bianco revealed that Tratto will leave its current home inside the historic Roland’s Market building on Van Buren and return to its original Town & Country location this September. For residents of Arcadia, the Biltmore, and North Central Phoenix, the reopening of Tratto Town & Country Phoenix feels like the return of an old friend.
Why Tratto Moved During the Pandemic
The story of Tratto’s move is rooted in the challenges of the pandemic. When COVID-19 hit, restaurants across the Valley had to adapt quickly to new health and safety requirements. For Bianco, that meant facing a tough decision.
“In the middle of the pandemic, like so many in our industry, we faced challenges that were not in the playbook,” Bianco wrote in his announcement. “We needed more space to accommodate patrons and our team, so the only viable solution was to move to a larger space.”
The solution was Roland’s Market, a 4,500-square-foot historic building that Bianco had intended for another project. Tratto’s original space at Town & Country was only 1,000 square feet, so the move gave the team room to spread out while keeping both diners and staff safe.
For the past four years, Tratto has thrived in its Van Buren location, but the essence of the restaurant: intimate, soulful Italian cooking — was always tied to its jewel-box home at Town & Country.
Why Tratto’s Return to Town & Country Matters
Bianco confirmed that renovations at Town & Country are now complete, making way for Tratto’s homecoming. The refreshed space is about 400 square feet larger than the original but will maintain the charm and intimacy diners loved.
“Here we are four years later and renovation is done,” Bianco shared. “It’s only 400 square feet larger than it was, but we are bringing Tratto back to its original jewel box of a home.”
The Town & Country shopping center at 20th Street and Camelback has become a cornerstone of the Phoenix dining scene. Anchored by Pizzeria Bianco and now welcoming Tratto back, the center attracts both locals and visitors looking for elevated yet accessible dining options.
For those who live in the Upper Middle zip codes, Arcadia, Biltmore, and North Central Phoenix, the reopening of Tratto Town & Country Phoenix means world-class Italian cuisine is once again just around the corner.
What Diners Can Expect from Tratto in Phoenix
When Tratto reopens this fall, diners can expect the same focus on fresh, seasonal Italian food that made the restaurant a favorite.
- Handmade Pastas: Tratto’s menu will continue to highlight pasta made daily, crafted with precision and paired with locally sourced ingredients.
- Seasonal Menus: Dishes will shift with Arizona’s agricultural calendar, featuring produce and products from regional farmers and artisans.
- Curated Wine Program: Guests can look forward to a thoughtful wine list emphasizing Italian selections, natural wines, and pairings that elevate the dining experience.
- An Intimate Setting: The slightly expanded dining room preserves the cozy, jewel-box feeling that defined the original space.
The return to Town & Country reinforces Bianco’s commitment to offering Phoenix a dining experience that balances authenticity with hospitality.
What’s Next for Roland’s Market
While Tratto moves back to Town & Country, Bianco assured fans that Roland’s Market will not be left behind.
“We have something really special planned for our Roland’s Market building,” he teased, asking diners to stay tuned.
Though details remain under wraps, food enthusiasts are already speculating about what Bianco has in store. His track record, from Pizzeria Bianco to Pane Bianco and Bar Bianco, suggests that whatever comes next will continue to shape Phoenix’s reputation as a culinary destination.
A Last Service and a New Beginning
Tratto’s final service at its Van Buren location will be Saturday, August 23. The restaurant plans to reopen at Town & Country by mid-September, with an exact date to be announced soon.
Bianco closed his announcement with gratitude for the community that has supported him through years of change:
“I deeply appreciate all the support and peace, love and understanding. I guess after all, the more things change the more they stay the same.”
Chris Bianco’s Lasting Influence in Phoenix
Chris Bianco is no stranger to change, challenge, or acclaim. His flagship, Pizzeria Bianco, is frequently hailed as one of the best pizzerias in the world, and his 2003 James Beard Award put Phoenix firmly on the national food map. Over the years, Bianco has expanded his footprint with Pane Bianco, Bar Bianco, and Tratto, all while remaining committed to Arizona agriculture and simple, honest cooking.
Bianco’s ability to balance ambition with authenticity has made him a Valley icon. Whether working out of a 1,000-square-foot trattoria or a sprawling market space, his philosophy is consistent: take care with your ingredients, your team, and your guests.
The Homecoming the Upper Middle Has Been Waiting For
For residents in Arcadia, Biltmore, and North Central Phoenix, the reopening of Tratto Town & Country Phoenix marks more than just a restaurant shift. It’s a homecoming that restores one of the Valley’s most beloved dining experiences to its rightful place.
Reservations are expected to be highly sought-after, but diners who secure a table can expect the same hospitality, heart, and handmade food that made Tratto a standout from the very beginning.
As Bianco himself said, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Tratto’s homecoming proves just that.
