Okay, so it’s Friday. The last day of the work week and, for many, the beginning of the weekend. By now you’ve finalized your Friday night plans and picked out what you will wear, but wait, back up a step…what about lunch? After all, shouldn’t you reward yourself for a week well done. How ’bout a little Italian?
At the suggestion of a colleague, I grabbed some take-out at Oregano’s North Scottsdale location, at Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road. I know Oregano’s isn’t exactly new to Valley, but it was new to me. A quick ten-minute commute from our office, we were greeted by several smiling faces–both by staff and clientele. After oogling over the menu (and their very creative titles), we came to our decisions. I was torn between a crisp, hearty salad and a warm, baked sandwich, but I decided to take the healthy route and order the salad. Of the 10 tempting salads, we choose two: Oregano’s Favorite and The Big Beefstro Salad.
Oregano’s Favorite salad is colorful medley of romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, spiced feta cheese, roasted red peppers, red onions, pine nuts and raisins tossed with a tasty honey vinaigrette dressing. For the beefy salad, the menu states: “grab a fork and belly up” to the Big Beefstro Salad. I thought the writer was just being creative. Nope, it’s true. With a half pound of tasty shaved rib eye, jalapenos, a secret white cheese, tomatoes, spinach, romaine lettuce and sautéed crispy sweet onions, my taste buds were jazzed up. It’s all served with a sweet serrano dressing, giving the salad the right amount of kick. It’s kinda low fat and great for you high-protein nuts. On another note, the salads come in two sizes: moo and junior. Go all out and get the moo; it make for great seconds.
As we sat and waited for our entrées, we noticed the restaurant’s charming atmosphere, artistic murals and patriot–for Italy, anyway–colors (red, white and green). Guests may choose to dine alfresco at Oregano’s outdoor patio and bar or indoors, either in the main dining room and bar or across the patio, in its smaller, more intimate seating area. With a décor decked out in nostalgic oldies like an antique gas pump and classic tin signs, it’s definitely worth a family-friendly night out.
From start to finish we were in and out in no time flat–now that’s impeccable service especially for lunchtime. With several Valley locations in Old Town Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa and Gilbert, there is bound to be one in your neck of the woods. I must admit this was my first visit but certainly not my last. www.oreganos.com. –Christine Whitton, assistant editor
Oregano’s
Oregano’s is an classic AZ restaurant. I love the Oregano’s Favorite salad but those waffle fries above are looking awfully tempting..
Definitely try their pizzas, sooo good.
oregano’s is sooooo goooood!! everytime my mom comes into town, oregano’s is on the agenda, no question about it…. and then we eat leftovers all week. YUM!
Never been, believe it or not. Gotta go…
OMG! The Beefstro Salad is my fav!!!! And their dessert is out of this world! Oregano’s makes me happy!
As some may already know, I used to work at Oregano’s while I was in college in Tucson and had a horrible experience. However, the food is without a doubt amazing. Carb-loading and unhealthy? Yes, but so worth it! Please try the Pablo Picasso Salad!!!
I love Oreganos. And in fact, it’s about time for me to get some lunch…
I have been here twice in the last week and went to Camelback location and carry out from Shea Blvd. This place is my favorite by far in the valley. I am from chicago and that is the best of course by far. Chicago pizza rules but love the red sauce here and pasta is so freaking good. I got an extra order for next week!
Make sure when you go you try a Pazookie!……BEST dessert you will EVER have!
Great place! Always a good time. Like the garlic cheesebread, too. Try the pan pizza. Killer!
I think Oreganos is great but I keep forgetting to go there! Someday when I’m being very very bad I should make a special trip just for that bazooka something – pan of hot cookie and ice cream. mmmmmmmmmmmmm so simple, so sinful.
I’ve actually never been to Oregano’s either and I’ve lived in the Valley for 10 years!!! Maybe I’ll grab some take-out this week- yum!!
i ordered a salad from here and it took me three days to finsih it- they are HUGE. bang for your buck for sure.
I found this on your site and can not stop eating the bowl of pasta with Chicken yesterday i was near the Camelback location and ordered it to go and drove all teh way to North Scootsdale. The bowl of pasta with chicken is so darn good. Had it 2 weeks in a row. Anyone knows the owners they need to move further North of Bell road in Dc Ranch area or Desert Ridge. This is hands down not only the best pizza in Phoenix but best pasta. The only draw back is when you order by phomne they say it takes like 30-40 minutes that seems a little bit long.