Stefano Fabbri, the owner of Pomo Pizzeria, Rosso Italian and Luna Gelateria, will venture away from the cuisine of Italy at his newest restaurant, Salta, an Argentine-inspired steakhouse opening in Phoenix this fall.
"Pomo is my roots, my Italian roots. But after many years being in Arizona, I want to evolve," Fabbri said in an exclusive interview with The Republic.
The heart of Salta is an Argentinian-style woodfired grill, which Fabbri said was custom made in Spain. The grill and oven will act as the centerpiece of the restaurant, allowing guests to watch and smell as their meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked with fire.
"If you know how to use the grill, then you should taste the fire on your dishes," Fabbri said.
What to expect at Salta
The menu will heavily revolve
around fire-grilled meat and seafood dishes with Argentine-influence; though Fabbri said not to expect fully authentic Argentinian cuisine, as he is Italian. Menu highlights at Salta will include empanadas, tableside Milanesa Napolitana, wood-fired provoleta and potato dishes. The restaurant will also feature a central bar with cocktails and grill-focused small plates.
"The culture, both Italian and Argentinian, we have a lot in common," Fabbri said. "It's not about just the food. In Italy, the table was part of the social life. Argentina's culture is very similar."
Fabbri hopes that Salta will attract a young and lively crowd in downtown Phoenix.
"I don't want you to remember Salta just because you have a great steak, I want you to remember Salta because you have a great night," Fabbri said. "Amazing food of course, but also great service, nice music, nice ambiance."
How to visit Salta in Phoenix
Salta will be located right next to Pomo Pizzeria in downtown Phoenix, with a shared entryway, valet and hostess stand. Fabbri said he wants guests to feel welcome to grab a drink from the bar at Pomo before a full dinner at Salta, or vice versa. "They can enjoy a greater Latino-Italian experience downtown."
Salta is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
Details: 705 N. First St., Phoenix. pomogroup.com.
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Prolific Italian restaurant owner opening fiery steakhouse in Phoenix
