Longtime Phoenix staple is still thriving under new ownership while making award-winning Italian

When Patrick Larson took over Caffe Boa in June of 2021, the decision was not simply motivated by making a living - it was about legacy. His daughter was born just one month later, and with her arrival came a renewed sense of purpose: to build something lasting, meaningful, and rooted in family.

Patrick, alongside his wife Jenni and longtime friend and business partner Danny Aceto, didn’t want to reinvent the wheel - they wanted to honor its past while infusing it with their own story. Together, they’ve shaped Caffe Boa into a modern neighborhood gem: a family-owned, scratch-made kitchen that blends deep culinary care with a commitment to community.

The interior of Caffe Boa fosters intimate conversations with friends and family.Photo byCaffe Boa - Ahwatukee

Patrick's journey started like many in the industry, washing dishes at age 15. After a detour into high-end sales at GoDaddy, he traded in the stability of a 9-to-5 for the rollercoaster of restaurant ownership. And while he still finds himself doing dishes from time to time, these days he’s also curating a kitchen that’s winning local praise. In March, Caffe Boa earned the title of “Best Restaurant of Ahwatukee” - an honor that’s both humbling and fuel for the team’s constant pursuit of excellence.

At the core of Caffe Boa is a belief that food made from scratch just tastes better. That ethos runs through every dish on the menu. From handmade pastas to carefully composed entrees, the restaurant is a place where details matter and shortcuts don’t exist. Among the standout pasta dishes is the Voodoo Penne, featuring blackened chicken breast, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions, and a Cajun cream sauce that delivers a spicy kick. For a taste of classic comfort, the Lasagna layers three meats in a hearty Bolognese sauce. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, reflecting Caffe Boa's commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience.

Classic lasagnaPhoto byCaffe Boa - Ahwatukee

But for the Caffe Boa team, success isn’t just measured in plates served or tables filled. It’s also about impact. In September, they hosted a fundraiser for a five-year-old girl from Gilbert fighting childhood cancer. In March, they rallied the community for a homeless charity initiative. As the restaurant continues to grow, so does its commitment to giving back. One future goal includes building a garden on their beautiful patio—a natural extension of the restaurant’s deep connection to fresh ingredients and local roots.

Linguini AdriaticoPhoto byCaffe Boa - Ahwatukee

Finding reliable staff and navigating rising costs are ongoing challenges, but Patrick and his team remain focused on the big picture: serving great food with integrity, building something that matters, and showing up for the people who make it all possible. “Every day is different,” Patrick says. “What motivates me is the constant opportunity to build something—to improve, to grow, and to be the best we can be.”

For longtime locals and first-time visitors alike, Caffe Boa offers more than a meal. It’s a place where legacy is being written in real time—one dish, one fundraiser, one family dinner at a time.

A beautiful patio allows patrons to enjoy dining al fresco.Photo byCaffe Boa - Ahwatukee

Operating Hours and Location

Caffe Boa - Ahwatukee is open Monday thru Thursday 11AM - 8:30PM, Friday 11AM - 9PM, and Saturday 4PM - 9PM. Located at 5063 East Elliot Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85044.

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