Hero Italian Restaurant Phoenix Opens Oct. 30

Hero Italian Restaurant Phoenix is set to open in downtown Phoenix this October with a colorful, Mario inspired look. Skyler Reeves of Vivili Hospitality Group is behind the project, the Arizona Republic reported. It is his first restaurant in the Valley.

Hero Italian Restaurant Phoenix Brings a New Concept to Roosevelt Row

Hero Restaurant Phoenix sits near Roosevelt Row. It is Reeves' fifth original concept. His Prescott portfolio includes The Barley Hound, Rosa's Pizzeria, Taco Don's and La Planchada.

The restaurant is on the ground floor of the Rainbow Road apartment complex. Reeves said the space and vibe felt like a perfect fit. He had long wanted to open in the young and energetic neighborhood. He said there is always room for more Italian there.

Mario Inspired Italian Restaurant Phoenix Design

The apartment complex is styled after the Mario video games, especially Mario Kart. The name Hero nods to the game's protagonist. The restaurant takes a subtler path. There are no toadstools or obvious tributes to game characters.

The theme is woven in through a red and blue palette. Light fixtures feel both retro and futuristic. Reeves expects Hero to suit birthdays and special occasions. It should also work for casual diners. The sound system keeps music lively while guests can still hear each other.

Hero Phoenix Menu Adds a Japanese Twist

Chef Yuji Iwasa leads the kitchen. As a Japanese chef, he gives many Italian dishes a Japanese twist. Reeves called the homemade pasta one of the stars of the show.

Menu highlights include tuna crudo with yuzu koshou, pistachio and Maldon salt. Black spaghetti vongole comes with clams and white wine garlic XO butter. Guests can also order New York sirloin with salsa verde.

The Hero Italian Restaurant chicken parmigiana takes cues from Japanese chicken katsu. It is served with vodka sauce and melted mozzarella. Dessert includes a matcha tea ra misu with white chocolate, mascarpone cream and passion fruit.

Drinks and the Itameshi Idea at Hero Italian Phoenix

The drinks list includes wine, beer and specialty cocktails. The signature Dunhill smoke uses Japanese whisky, amaro Montenegro, amaro Lucano and Jerry Thomas bitters.

Iwasa and Reeves dislike the word fusion. Iwasa compares the menu to itameshi, the Italian style restaurants popular in Japan. He notes that both cuisines value umami and noodles. The Japanese twist also ties back to Mario, an Italian character from a Japanese video game.

Visit Hero Italian Restaurant Downtown Phoenix

Hero soft opens on Oct. 30 at 1030 N. First St., Phoenix. Find more details on the official Hero website. For more restaurant openings, read this related HCP story on Eastopia in Glasgow.