Started by the son of Lawrence "of Oregano" Gibbilini, a Chicago native whose family began baking and delivering pizzas door to door during the Depression, Oregano's Pizza Bistro represents more than great Windy City-style pies. Lawrence Sr.'s secret dream of owning his own restaurant – realized by his son after he discovered a hidden accumulation of mismatching flatware upon his father's death – lives on in this quaint string of restaurants throughout Arizona. In a fun and family-friendly atmosphere, Frank Sinatra croons, 1950s memorabilia adorns the walls, and servers greet regulars by name. Locals are willing to wait hours for a seat at one of the small collection of tables. Everything is delicious, from an extensive list of appetizers to huge salads and sandwiches to big bowls of pasta. Oregano's is best known, though, for its stuffed deep- dish and thin-crust pizzas. Chose from the selection of time-tested classics, such as the Cajun Chicken Pesto and Lawrence's Original (a spinach, mushroom and garlic number). Or invent your own combination from the more than 40 standard and unusual toppings. Although pizza joints aren't typically known for desserts, Oregano's serves a much-lauded baked pizza cookie featuring a perfectly gooey center and an accompanying side of vanilla bean ice cream. This treat alone – available in chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut or peanut butter chocolate chip – is worth a visit. Beer and wine available. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Voted Best Dessert, Best Italian and Best Pizza, among many other winning categories, in the 2008 The Arizona Republic readers poll. Voted Best Patio Dining in the 2008 New Times readers poll.