Surprise, Arizona's culinary scene is set to welcome a new gem with the opening of the second Osteria Mia. This authentic Italian restaurant, renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and Italian specialties, is the brainchild of Mario Rana, a local resident deeply rooted in the Surprise community.
Mario's journey into the restaurant business is steeped in family tradition. His grandfather's move from Italy to New York to open restaurants laid the foundation, with several eateries spanning Manhattan and Brooklyn. The legacy continued when Mario's parents relocated to Arizona in the late '90s, opening multiple restaurants that Mario and his wife helped establish.
The birth of Mario's daughter Mia marked a turning point, inspiring the creation of Osteria Mia. The name "Osteria," commonly used in Italy for small, family-owned restaurants serving pasta and wine, was a natural choice. Mia's name was added, making it a true family affair. As Mario puts it, "Mia will be the first to tell you that it's her restaurant."
Osteria Mia's menu celebrates Italian culinary traditions, with each dish crafted with love and authenticity. The most popular dish is the Lupara, a regional specialty from Puglia, Mario's grandfather's hometown. This dish features house-made wine-infused rigatoni, a cream-based tomato sauce, Calabrian chilis, fennel sausage, and cremini mushrooms.
The drink menu is equally impressive, with the Bubblinos—a Prosecco-based wine spritzer with fresh fruit puree and soda water—leading as the most popular cocktail. An ever-changing wine list filled with Italian varietals, along with a full bar offering craft beer and cocktails, ensures a diverse selection for all tastes.
Mario's passion shines through in his love for making pizza. Osteria Mia's wood-fired pizzas, dubbed Neo-Neapolitan style, are a testament to his dedication to quality and tradition. Unlike classic Neapolitan pizza, Osteria Mia's pizzas are crispier, thanks to the use of higher-gluten Italian flour and beer instead of water in the dough. Topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and house-made mozzarella, it's a dish that Mario takes particular pride in.
The new Osteria Mia in Surprise is set to be a larger, more expansive version of the original Phoenix location. Mario is excited to bring the same high-quality, house-made pastas, pizzas, salads, and more to this new space. The expansion doesn't stop there—the Surprise location will also feature a gelateria with a separate entrance for customers to enjoy gelato and Italian ice. Additionally, a small market area will sell house-made pasta and sauces, allowing customers to take a piece of Osteria Mia home with them.
As a proud resident of Surprise, Mario is deeply connected to the community and thrilled to offer something unique to his fellow residents. He understands the desire for independent dining options in an area often dominated by chain restaurants. The new Osteria Mia is his way of giving back to the community that he and his family call home.
When not at the restaurant, Mario cherishes time with his family. He and his wife love to travel, hike, bowl, and even tackle escape rooms together. They're also fans of snowboarding, attending concerts, and enjoying Arizona's sunny weather by the pool. Perhaps one of the most heartwarming activities is making pasta with Mia every Sunday—a tradition that speaks to the heart of what Osteria Mia is all about: family, tradition, and love.
While the focus is currently on the successful opening of the new Osteria Mia, Mario has no plans to stop there. With a love for the West Valley and a desire to offer more independent dining options, Mario envisions a future where his concepts continue to thrive. A steakhouse might be on the horizon, but for now, he's dedicated to making Osteria Mia in Surprise the go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine.
As Mario and his family prepare to welcome guests to the new Osteria Mia, it's clear that this isn't just about opening a restaurant. It's about bringing a piece of Italy to Surprise, sharing a passion for good food, and creating a place where everyone feels like part of the family. With its blend of authentic cuisine, family traditions, and community spirit, Osteria Mia is poised to become a beloved fixture in Surprise's dining landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a taste of Italy in the heart of Arizona.
Named after our daughter Mia, Osteria Mia reflects our family’s Italian roots and traditions.
Making our Neo-Neapolitan pizza, with its beer-infused dough and crispy crust, is my absolute favorite dish.