About Us

Housed in an old Spanish mansion and featuring patio dining and a stylish barn available for private parties, the lively atmosphere of The House is matched by the creativity of its food. Co-Owners Pat and Dustin Christofolo, a dynamic mother and son team, designed a fresh, local menu for lunch and dinner - perfect for leisurely meals in the barrel-ceilinged dining room or drinks and small bites under the sprawling carob tree.

Phoenix’s best patio dining is located at The House at Secret Garden.  Surrounded by beautiful gardens, shady tall trees and a background nestled against Phoenix’s South Mountain, this spot is a romantic delight.  Our patio is properly shaded with large umbrellas and an abundance of flowering orchid trees.  Patio tables are bordered by a showcase of blooming pots of flowers and a small brook filled with fish and tropical water plants.  At night, when the weather begins to chill down, we light up the patio heaters and outdoor fireplace.  This is the city’s most popular gathering spot to dine under the stars. 

	"The House at Secret Garden has already become the kind of gem you'll want to keep in your back pocket for a cozy date night, dinner with out-of-town guests, or lunch with your mom. Trust me, you'll look savvy without trying too hard." -Michele Laudig, Phoenix New Times

Dustin Christofolo - Chef/Owner


Dustin is a graduate of The Italian Culinary Academy, Manhattan, New York, and the culinary program at La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana in Parma, Italy. He is a graduate of the Wine Immersion Program at the Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley, California. Dustin was also the front of house manager at Quiessence Restaurant and was a contributing factor in Quiessence being named one of the five best restaurants in Arizona by Zagat.

Dustin was most recently the chef at The Farm Kitchen, located at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix. While at The Farm Kitchen, Dustin was known for his frequent creation of noteworthy, local favorites such as Italian soups with rich stocks and his emphasis on seasonal fare and local ingredients.

Jan Francis H. Feliciano - Chef

Chef Jan Francis H. Feliciano is a recent graduate of The Italian Culinary Academy in Manhattan, New York. He learned authentic Italian cooking through completion of the culinary course at La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana in Parma, Italy. This institute is the world’s leading international education and training center for Italian cuisine. He served an externship at La Cantinetta in Bologna, Italy, and worked at A Voce Restaurant in New York City, New York. A Voce Restaurant was recently named as one of the 10 Best New Restaurants by Food and Wine Magazine.


Pat Christofolo - Owner

Pat Christofolo created Santa Barbara Catering Company in 1992. Santa Barbara Catering is one of the largest catering companies in the Phoenix metropolitan area, employing over 200 people and serving thousands of guests monthly. The company has created a platform for Pat to exercise her passion for new and interesting projects. The Farm at South Mountain captured her attention when she assisted friend and Farm owner Wayne Smith in his vision by becoming restaurateur at The Farm Kitchen and later opening Quiessence and Morning Glory Café. All three restaurants were successful under her leadership and continue to be successful to this day. Quiessence and Morning Glory are now operated by award winning Chef Greg LaPrad, while Pat continues operating the Farm Kitchen and creating beautiful events in the grove at The Farm at South Mountain. When Pat toured Secret Garden, she knew what she needed to do with this South Mountain gem. Pat considers herself fortunate to be involved with two of the most beautiful properties in South Mountain, not to mention Phoenix, and cannot wait to share it.


Artists - Judy Lebeau & Susan Back


Music - PB Studios