About
Where do you go for wood-fired pizza that Guy Fieri showcased on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives? The answer: Fat Olives!
This Italian restaurant was started in 2011 by restaurateur John Conley. As a well-known figure in the Flagstaff food scene, Conley already possessed a strong reputation. His goal with Fat Olives was to bring Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) standards to Arizona.
The Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples, Italy, governs the designation and has set the bar high. First, Fat Olives had to import a hand-built wood-burning oven from Italy that reaches blistering temperatures exceeding 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, the dough had to be hand-kneaded or prepared with specific low-speed mixers, and the ingredients had to meet rigorous quality standards.
All this to say, Fat Olives has secured this VPN certification and continues to maintain these high standards while expanding its menu with other Italian cuisine.
Its location in Downtown Flagstaff makes Fat Olives the perfect go-to after a day hiking at Coconino National Forest or snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl.
When your Arizona vacation needs top-notch Neapolitan pizza or Italian classics, make a beeline for Fat Olives.
Vibe
With it sitting along the Historic Route 66, you know you're in for a fantastic dining experience. The building resembles an Italian restaurant, with a terracotta tiled roof, stone archways, and off-white stucco walls. These features also blend with Flagstaff's Southwestern look.
Inside, rustic charm and industrial chic showcase the massive, imported wood-fired oven. The exposed ductwork, wood paneling, and flooring create a warm, homey feeling, perfect for romantic dinners or family meals.
The atmosphere strikes a careful balance between energetic and intimate. There is no sense of pretension here. Instead, the mood is hospitable and authentic, just like its food.
The main dining room features a mix of booths and standard tables, while a few high-back chairs near the kitchen let you enjoy watching the pizza-making process firsthand. The bar offers a more laid-back atmosphere, while the outdoor patio lets guests dine al fresco in the cool mountain air.
The ambiance provides the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or exploring the Grand Canyon.
Fat Olives: Menu & Drinks
The wood-fired pizzas are the stars of the show, specifically the authentic Margherita. This pie exemplifies the VPN standards Fat Olives rigorously upholds, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the crispy crust and the sweetness of the tomatoes to take center stage. It is a masterclass in balance.
Fans of Triple D will want to savor the foods Guy Fieri sampled, like the Kenai and the Belgio Dolce Pizzas. Both are white-based, with the latter being the 3rd place winner at the 2014 International Pizza Expo.
Another standout item is the Lasagna, which isn't a typical heavy pasta dish but a carefully crafted comfort food. It involves layers of pasta sheets, a rich Bolognese sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. The portion size is generous, providing excellent value and often resulting in leftovers.
The drink menu is equally impressive and complements the food offerings. The Prickly Pear Margarita is a regional favorite that the bar executes with precision. It combines high-quality tequila with the sweet, vibrant syrup of the prickly pear cactus. The result is a drink that is visually striking with its bright pink hue and refreshing on the palate. It balances the tartness of lime with the natural sweetness of the cactus fruit.
For wine enthusiasts, the Super Tuscan is a robust choice that pairs exceptionally well with red sauce dishes and meats. The wine list features a curated selection of Italian varietals. This particular red wine offers notes of dark fruit and spice. It has enough body to stand up to the rich cheese and char of the pizza crust without overpowering the meal.
A visit to Fat Olives ensures your Flagstaff getaway includes a world-class meal that honors Italian tradition while embracing Arizona hospitality.
Local Tips
- Happy Hour is from 2:00-5:00 PM
- Weekend reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Order online and take your pizza back to enjoy in your rental!
- The lunch menu offers cost-saving and delicious options.
