Sassi

05/24/2008 Posted by happyhour100

Loved this restaurant. Warm inviting, great food and wine. Very different, not the ordinary Italian restaurant, not much in the way of red sauce (gravy to Italian's) no cheesy sauces, very clean and tasty. Healthy too I'll bet. Read some of the other reviews, but totally disagree upon my experience. I have been to places leaving unhappy, but always gave them a second chance,and usually found it to be better. I have had friends who were married there and loved it, and said the staff went way over and above. My recommendation is that you will not be disappointed in Sassi. They made our night seem very special. Thank you

Pros: cannot say enough good things

Cons: none

05/12/2008 Posted by djangop

Growing up in San Francisco I love Italian food- and after moving to Phoenix I was disappointed to learn no one could recommend a good Italian restaurant. With my birthday approaching I inquired about Sassi-it was described as a beautiful restaurant with authentic Italian food -I thought great! I made my reservation on line providing a special note that this was a birthday. We also called to confirm the reservation and to request a front patio table. We arrived early and the hostess informed us that a table on the patio would not be available for at least 30 minutes- we responded no problem this would give us the opportunity to have a drink in the bar. Service in the bar was great and after 30 minutes the hostess arrived to seat us. She lead us to a table that was in the corner of the side patio, disappointed I voiced that I had requested the main patio.Holding up our dupe she tells us only a patio table was requested. Taken back I asked how long it would be for the main patio? Her response "I can't predict how long people will take to leave". Upset I asked to return to the bar to wait a little longer. She soon returned to offer a choice between 2 tables on the main patio one behind 4 intoxicated men or one that could seat 6-8 people. We opted for the large table- uncomfortable and embarrassed we thought the meal would certainly make up for it.Unfortunately the food and service ended up being horrible. Our appetizer consisted of overcooked shrimp on a bed of oily cabbage. Second course arrived we had no silverware and the octopus was dry and bland. My main course- pasta was crunchy. We saw our server three times. The manager never touched the table and on our way out I stopped to tell him about our experience. His response "thank you for the feedback we will take your comments into consideration". I left thinking these people could care less and now I agree with many Phoenix residents that a decent high-end Italian restaurant does not exist here.

Pros: restaurant is beautiful

Cons: poor service, bad food, and terribly managed

10/19/2007 Posted by wedding07

The setting at Sassi is beautiful and I was very happy with the level of customer service while planning. Even the ceremony was beautiful and what I wanted. However, a month or so after I recieved a call from my linen company that was reccomended by the wedding planner letting me know that the linens were never returned...this was a task that the wedding planner took on without me asking explaining that is was a common part of their services. However, somehow they were never returned and I was not contacted by Sassi to let me know. Insted I was called by the company and told I owed well over $1000- to replace. When I called Sassi the very sweet wedding planner (or she was until I paid the bill) and her manager avoided my calls and then told me they were not responsible. No apology, no explannation, and no well maybe we can work with you (possibly pay for part) Nothing....the level of customer service was unbelievable. I do not reccommend having an event her although all seem good up front. Please remember if anything goes wrong they will no longer demonstarte customer service...especially after you pay your bill. Plan at Sassi with extreme caution!

Pros: Great atmosphere

Cons: Terrible customer service for Weddings.....

09/16/2006 Posted by chesney95

When you arrive, you are immediately drawn in by the sheer elegance of Sassi, The grounds are breathtaking. From the entery to the front doors everything is absolutely beautiful. This is where it stops. We were with a group of 22 people and based on the size of Sassi, I would think they would be used to this however, the service was sub-standard. The appetizers were brought out well before anyone sat down then they realized they forgot one of the dishes so, after about 35 minutes, the last of the appetizers came out. The salad and pasta which were served were nothing special. I could have thrown something equivelent together in about 5 minutes at home. Dinner arrived in stages, by the time my end of the room was getting our food, the other end of the room was finished, we sat for 15 minutes waiting for our dinner to arrive after the last section of another table within our group had received their dinner. When dinner did arrive, the steaks (we had an option of chicken or Beef) were well done, we were not even asked how we would like them cooked. Based on the way dinner was served, the other side of the room, received and finished deserts well before we even placed our order for desert. Overall, I would not return to Sassi unless someone else is paying. I would not voluntarily spend my own hard earned money at this place, I would rather drive down the block to Mastros were I feel like I am treated well, served well and where I the money I spend goes towards a well prepared meal.

Pros: Atmosphere, Scenery, Sunsets

Cons: Service, Food Quality.

08/25/2006 Posted by ladybug4

Our son/daughter-in-law chose Sassi for their wedding, reception, and dinner nearly a year ago. There were 100 guests and they traveled from both coasts and points in between. The food and wines were outstanding. Some of the guests even asked for the recipes. The cake was a masterpiece. Although Peter was the event planner, every single member of the Sassi staff including Peter, treated us all with the utmost courtesy and consideration. We even had a last-minute wedding veil emergency and a staff member quickly stepped in and remedied it. Sassi remains one of our favorite places - their outstanding staff continues to maintain their professional and efficient reputation. Their attention to detail is unmatched.

Pros: Ambience, Service, Cuisine

04/05/2006 Posted by baker97

The restaurant is beautiful, very romantic, has amazing service, excellent food, beautiful views, and is by far my favorite valley getaway! I was actually considering having a wedding here until I read the review with the poor service/ dining experience, which was dissapointing. Either way, go with the family or a date and enjoy. I was very impressed!

Pros: cuisine, service, ambiance

11/15/2005 Posted by awocoto

Do NOT have your wedding reception or group gathering here! My experience at Sassi was awful. Our group had almost 100 people. Sassi is beautiful, however, the overall experience was devastating. The lead waitperson for the wedding argued with guests on several occasions and management acted in an arrogant and condescending manner. The prices charged per person were some of the highest quoted by any establishment in the Valley but the quality of the meals and beverages served were mediocre, at best, and certainly were not on par with the dishes normally served at the restaurant. When considering a location to hold a large event, especially if it is a wedding or reception, dont risk the success of your event on having it at Sassi. Spend you money wisely at another establishment that will not be more concerned about their bottom line than the pleasure of you and your guests.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Management , Waitstaff , Value

08/09/2005 Posted by speeddevil

We arrived at 6:30 and were quickly greeted. Arriving early, we decided to wait for our other couple in the magnificent bar area. They have an extensive wine list; which was not overly priced as one reviewer mentioned. After being seated, our party decided to order family style, and split a few entrees, and the food was amazing: very flavorful, well presented, and HOT. After dinner, we all split the delicious Tartufo dessert. Which was simply smooth dark chocolate ice cream covered in a dark chocolate shell. (The ladies finished it in 5 minutes!) Lastly, I don't think any seat in the house is bad, and most have fireplaces. We sat at a round table in the Library? room that had some very comfy leather chairs. All in all, we fell in love with the place, and the friends we brought are now considering having their wedding reception there.

Pros: Atmosphere, Price, Food

Cons: Zero!

04/29/2005 Posted by winenfoodsnob

I was engaged here and the atmosphere was just perfectly romantic - the patio is spectacular. We enjoyed a beautiful wine, but the supposed sommelier that evening stated that he did not drink wine - very interesting... The appetizers and pasta were authentic and wonderful. I will never order an entree again. Between the 4 entrees we tried, only one was anywhere close to well prepared.

Pros: atmosphere, pasta, patio

Cons: wine markup huge, main courses

09/17/2004 Posted by klwilliams01

When first entering Sassi, I had mistaken it for a very charming Tuscan style home. I was completely floored by the beautiful surroundings Sassi has put into its restaurant. The menu is very wide and is very accomadating to different tastes. There are about four different menus including cocktail, appetizers, 1st-2nd and 3rd course, and of course a great wine selection as well! There are different rooms and wonderfully positioned patio that overlooks the Valley. Sassi is at the base of Pinnacle Peak and has an absolute silohouette at dusk. The candles on the table twinkle with the city lights outside and makes a wonderful dinner a great night for romance. Sassi's service challenges every restaurant and I believe Sassi to be the most romantic restaurant in the Valley!

Pros: INEXPENSIVE, Outstanding Food, Top Service

Cons: , NONE, NONE