Our Story
Christo’s Ristorante
Welcome to Christo’s Ristorante, a beloved Italian fine dining restaurant in Uptown Phoenix with a history that goes back more than three decades. Founded in 1987 by Christo Panagiotakopoulos, our family-owned and operated restaurant was the result of this man’s dream and his passion for food. In 2017, Christo gave Michael Zistatsis, his business partner from Alexi’s Grill, the opportunity to take ownership of Christo’s Ristorante, and continue the legacy of warm family-style service. Nearly 35 years after its doors first opened, we have established ourselves as one of Phoenix’s best restaurants and a favorite of both everyday guests and food critics alike.
Honored by the New York Times as one of the best places to eat in Phoenix and named one of America’s best trattoria’s by USA Today, Christo’s Ristorante has a longstanding legacy of excellence. Timeless, welcoming, and upscale yet relaxed, our restaurant completely captures the authentic Italian spirit.
A Distinguished Phoenix Restaurant Where Food and Family Count
You’ll feel wonderfully at home from the moment you step through our front door, whether you are here for a business lunch, an intimate date, or a special celebration with family or friends. Every one of our guests is greeted as if they are a cherished family member – because, at Christo’s, we consider every single person a part of our extended family.
More than 30 years after our founding, the legacy of Christo’s Ristorante is carried on by our dedicated staff and treasured guests alike. Here, you can experience an exquisite dining experience that you simply won’t find at any other restaurant in the Valley. No detail has been forgotten, and no corner has been cut; at Christo’s, we are always striving to exceed your every expectation.
Our seafood dishes are perhaps our most popular menu items, consistently wowing our guests with their incredible freshness and flavor. Other favorites include our classic pasta and signature specialties, all of which are flawlessly complemented by our selection of fine Italian wines, beers, cocktails, and aperitifs.
The secret to our delightfully delicious food is two-fold: first, we never compromise on the quality of our ingredients. Second, every dish is made with the very best in both freshness and flavor, featuring expertly sourced, premium ingredients. Bread, dressings, soups, and more are all made fresh every day because that is simply the only way to truly enjoy a real Italian dining experience.
Committed to Our Community
As passionate as we are about fantastic food and fine dining, there’s no match for our love for giving back. For decades, Christo’s Ristorante has been blessed in more ways than we can count. However, we believe that our success means nothing unless we take every opportunity to serve the community, focusing on those that need our help the most.
Through ongoing fundraising efforts throughout Phoenix and the surrounding neighborhoods, Christo’s Ristorante is lucky to be able to contribute to a wide variety of local organizations, charities, and causes. Additionally, alongside the Alexi’s Grill family, we host a twice-yearly campaign to feed hundreds of families in need, partnering with St. Vincent de Paul to provide hope and healing through a meal prepared with love.
As we continue to stand as a pillar of the Phoenix community, we believe that it is our duty to pass on as many of our blessings as possible.
Experience the Best in Phoenix Fine Dining at Christo’s Ristorante
Whether you have something special to celebrate, or simply want to indulge in the best authentic Italian food in Arizona, we hope to see you soon at Christo’s Ristorante. Reserve your table online or visit our restaurant in Uptown Phoenix today.