A Roman Escape: Caffè Pinguini Serves Up Italy in Playa del Rey and Scottsdale, AZ

• A Roman Escape: Caffè Pinguini is known for their signature dish, the wood-fired pizzas that are cooked in a traditional Italian pizza oven.
•  The restaurant offers homemade pasta made from scratch daily, using only the freshest ingredients.
• Caffè Pinguini offers a unique Roman-inspired dining experience with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that transports diners to the streets of Italy.

For nearly three decades, Caffè Pinguini has been a cherished part of the Playa del Rey community, offering traditional Italian cuisine that transports diners straight to Rome.

Owner Tony Cotrufo reflects on the restaurant's journey, emphasizing the deep connections formed with patrons who have become like family.

“It’s a place for a relaxing, beautiful lunch,” Cotrufo shares.

“During the lunch time, it is beautiful because there’s the sun, the patio is amazing and very relaxed. 

It feels like you are not in LA, but you are somewhere on vacation.

This is a corner of Italy.

You come here, and then you just go to Italy.”

Cotrufo's journey began in 1992 when he left a cold Rome for the warmth of California.

What was intended as a brief visit turned into a lifelong passion.

By 1997, at the age of 27, he co-founded Caffè Pinguini, eventually becoming the sole proprietor in 2020, running the establishment alongside his wife, Mary.

“I was very scared because I didn’t know nothing,” Cotrufo admits.

“You learn by working, and that’s what I did.”

Playa del Rey's laid-back atmosphere has been integral to the restaurant's success.

The community's loyalty and appreciation for authentic Italian dining have made Caffè Pinguini a local favorite.

In 2025, it was honored as the “Best Restaurant” and “Most Romantic Restaurant” in the Best of the Westside awards.

The menu boasts traditional Roman-inspired dishes, with in-house, freshly made pasta.

A standout is the homemade gnocchi, available every Thursday, paired with a variety of sauces.

The linguine mare, featuring clams, shrimp, mussels, and calamari in a choice of red tomato or white wine sauce, is another highlight.

Complementing the pasta offerings are hand-tossed pizzas, including the signature Pinguini pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, red and yellow bell peppers, onions, and basil.

Antipasti and homemade bread round out the menu.

The drink selection focuses on curated Italian and French wines, alongside non-alcoholic Italian beverages like Danesi coffee.

Desserts such as homemade tiramisu, pistachio cheesecake, gelati, and peach sorbet provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

Caffè Pinguini operates for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and serves dinner starting at 5 p.m. daily.

The restaurant is renowned for its daily specials, sometimes offering up to 12 different options at once.

The name “Caffè Pinguini,” translating to “Penguin Cafe,” was chosen for its universal appeal.

“It’s a good karma,” Cotrufo explains.

“It’s a cute name.

I love penguins, and that’s how we became Caffè Pinguini.”

Emphasizing the Italian dining experience, the restaurant offers a candlelit ambiance suitable for both families and romantic evenings.

“Families always are welcome at Caffè Pinguini,” Cotrufo notes.

“It’s relaxing.

Usually, when we open up, we have a family coming in for lunch.

Then, around 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., it’s people coming for a date, to celebrate their birthday or celebrate their marriage.

You can do everything here at Caffè Pinguini.”

As of March 2026, Caffè Pinguini has expanded its authentic Italian dining experience to Scottsdale, Arizona.

The new location aims to bring the same Roman-inspired cuisine and warm atmosphere to the Scottsdale community, offering a taste of Italy in the heart of the desert.

With its commitment to quality and authenticity, Caffè Pinguini is poised to become a standout among Scottsdale Italian restaurants, providing residents and visitors alike with an exceptional dining experience.

Whether you're seeking Italian food in Scottsdale or searching for the best restaurant in Scottsdale, Caffè Pinguini invites you to savor the flavors of Rome without leaving town.

Q: What type of cuisine does Caffè Pinguini specialize in?

A: - Caffè Pinguini specializes in Italian cuisine.

Q: What locations can you find Caffè Pinguini in?

A: - Caffè Pinguini has locations in Playa del Rey and Scottsdale, AZ.

Q: What makes Caffè Pinguini stand out from other Italian restaurants?

A: - Caffè Pinguini stands out for its authentic Italian dishes and cozy atmosphere that transports diners to Italy.