Mora Italian - A Sexy midtown Italian Osteria

Mora Italian, by one of NYC’s most heralded chefs, Chef Scott Conant, has established itself as one of the most buzzworthy Italian spots in midtown Phoenix. One of the judges of Food Network’s “Chopped”, Conant’s reputation precedes him.

Mora, the Italian word for brunette, is sexy. With vermillion accents, red leather backed booth seating, high wood beamed ceilings, industrial chandeliers and murals of golden age Hollywood celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra, make it not just a feast for the eyes, but also your taste buds.

The seasonal menu is contemporary Italian fare, and on a recent visit we checked out the hearty menu for the winter season.

Cocktails:

The Smoke and Moras

Narran Mezcal combined with apple cinnamon shrub and maple syrup finished with a Sal De Gusano rim and Xocolatl bitters

The Bambu No. 5

A spicy punch cocktail served with Mora’s Spiced and Sparkling Bumbu rum punch and garnished with candied kumquats.

Not to be missed:

The signature Focaccia di Recoo baked with stracchino cheese and sea salt, as well as the bread basket (my favorite is the prosciutto bread) with an assortment of four artisan breads with bomba, whipped pesto butter, & parmesan-garlic spread.

And Chef’s signature Pasta al Pomodoro!

Entrees:

Panzanella

Arugula, kale, radicchio, pickled mushrooms, stracciatella, winter vegetables and a shallot vinaigrette in a generous portion made for two.

Harissa Spiced Salmon

Plated over vegetable ragu and garnished with preserved lemon labneh and cucumber-fennel salad

Crispy Baby Potatoes with fontina fonduta spooned on top and sprinkled with crispy garlic and chives.

Caramelized Pumpkin

Drizzled with pepita pesto and finished with crispy kale.