If you’re looking for a spot that feels like a cozy Chicago neighborhood joint right here in the West Valley, Twisted Italian at 9940 W Happy Valley Pkwy #1080 is a total find. Tucked into the Lake Pleasant Towne Center in Peoria, it’s the kind of place where the owners actually treat you like family. For those of us living in the 85383 area, it’s become the go-to "hole-in-the-wall" for when you want real comfort food that isn't from a massive, soul-less chain.
What really distinguishes this place is the Chicago influence. They serve what many locals swear is the best Chicago Italian Beef in Arizona—slow-cooked Angus beef sliced thin and served on a toasted French roll with all the right peppers and a side of au jus. But they also live up to the "Twisted" part of their name by serving things you don't usually see in an Italian spot, like their house-made pierogis (the potato and cheese ones are incredible) and a "King Cut" Lasagna that is basically the size of a brick and made to order every single time.
The vibe here is laid-back and welcoming, whether you’re sitting at the full bar with a frosty Old Style beer or enjoying the dog-friendly outdoor patio with the family. It’s a great spot for a casual date night or a big Sunday dinner where you can split a thin-crust pizza (cut into squares, Chicago-style, of course). They also have plenty of gluten-free options and a solid kids' menu, so nobody feels left out. The staff is famously upbeat, and you can tell the kitchen actually takes pride in not using a microwave for their meals.
Logistics are easy since it’s located in a major plaza with plenty of storefront parking, so you don't have to stress about finding a spot even during the dinner rush. If you’re planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s a good idea to use their online waitlist before you leave the house because the dining room is on the smaller side and fills up fast. It’s a clean, friendly, and honest little restaurant that brings a massive amount of flavor to North Peoria.
Business Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Located in the Northwest Valley at the intersection of Lake Pleasant and Happy Valley rd, Twisted Italian offers creative and delicious dishes, great wine, and friendly service at reasonable prices. We have a offer a full bar, dine in or carry out, catering have a daily happy hour and lunch specials and are family friendly.
History:
Twisted Italian was initially opened in 2011. In June of 2015, ownership changed. Although the restaurant name and several menu options remained the same, a new establishment was created with new management and several additional menu items.
“More Than Great Italian”
While the menu has several great classic Italian dishes on it, it is not limited to the usual items found on most Italian Restaurant Menus. We also strive to bring our customers unique & delicious dishes typically not found in most Italian restaurants. Such items include a variety of house made pierogis, an Italian Relleno, and a European Sea Bass (Branzino), to name a few.
Chicago Influence
The owners are transplants from Chicago’s Western Suburbs. As a result, you will notice some Chicago influence in the menu and in the restaurant. The menu includes a classic Chicago Italian Beef as well as a combo Beef Sausage, also a classic Chicago thin crust pizza (of course cut in squares!). At the bar you can find a frosty can of Old Style Beer as well as a glass of wine.
The Specialties
While all our menu options truly are excellent, we feel a few stand out.
The Italian Beef – We believe this to be the best Chicago Italian Beef in Arizona and our customers have given us that feedback repeatedly. We start with a great cut of beef which makes a difference. We use Iowa Premium Angus Beef. We then marinade it with secret Twisted ingredients. It is then slow cooked and sliced ultra-thin. You will not find a leaner, more tender beef. It is served on a freshly cut toasted French Roll, loaded with your choice of peppers (sautéed sweet bell peppers, Hot or mild Giardiniera), melted Mozzarella & Provolone and a side of Au jus. Bring it over the top by ordering the Combo sandwich which adds a jumbo Chicago Sausage to the beef sandwich.
King Cut Lasagna – Every Lasagna we make is made to order. There is no pulling a portion out the pan that was made yesterday and microwaving it. In fact, you will not find a microwave in our restaurant. We offer a pork version (House Made Spicy Sausage Recipe), an angus beef version, a combo beef/sausage version, and a vegie version. If you are looking for something different, let us know. Upon request, we will be happy to accommodate if we can (ie light on the ricotta, some pepperoni, Alfredo Sauce….). Just let us know. All using nothing but the best possible ingredients.
And the size of the dish – absolutely fit for a king! The Biggest & the Best.
4.0
