Corrections & Clarifications: A previous version of this article gave incorrect information about Via Della's cheese options. A vegan cheese option is not available.
The essential restaurants of 2024 is variety pack of brand new spots and longtime favorites; fine dining places you need to reserve months in advance and casual places to grab lunch. The cuisines run the gamut from French to Korean to Italian to Mexican.
And because "essential" means something different to everyone, this list is a collaboration between Arizona Republic reporters and editors who cover everything from movies to music to dining and nightlife. We asked them to share the restaurants that mean the most to them and the result is a dining to-do list that will last us all year.
Were there other worthy places that didn't find their way onto this year's list? You bet. That's why in the coming weeks we're going to add even more voices to the mix with a list of readers' essentials, chefs' essential restaurants and more. Join the conversation by emailing me at felicia.campbell@azcentral.com with the subject line: "My essential restaurant" and tell me about them.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading about our favorites and consider adding a few to your dining to-do list (click here for a printable checklist).
— Felicia Campbell, Food, dining and nightlife editor
The essential 100: How and why we chose our top restaurants
Check out all 100 essential metro Phoenix restaurants of 2024
Phoenix Restaurants: Camelback East
Beckett's Table
Beckett's Table is co-owned by two couples, chef Justin and his wife Michelle Beckett and sommeliers Katie and Scott Stephens. The restaurant offers comfort food with pizzazz and great service. One of the best dishes is grilled cheese served on a pillowy brioche bun, sprinkled with more cheese. You can order it with or without pancetta and it's served with a hearty cup of creamy tomato and roasted red pepper soup. It's the best grilled cheese sandwich you've ever tasted. For dessert, don't miss the award-winning pecan and fig pie a la mode.
Details:3717 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-954-1700,beckettstable.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Chicago Hamburger Company
It’s exactly what it sounds like, only better. Everything is good, but start with the traditional Chicago dog paired with a chocolate milkshake. Pro tip: Dip fries in a cup of chili. Fabulous.
Details: 3749 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-955-4137. chicagohambuger.com.
— Bill Goodykoontz
Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion
Amuse bouche presented on a sculpted hand, creamy foie gras, crispy gougere and perfectly cooked A-5 wagyu with bearnaise are just a few highlights from a recent eight-course tasting menu at Christopher's. Chef Christopher Gross' culinary playground is housed in a modern glass addition to the famous Wrigley Mansion, and the dining room offers views of Camelback Mountain and Downtown Phoenix that almost rival the food. Almost. It's little wonder that Gayot called the experience a "culinary ecstasy."
Details: 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix. 602-522-2344,wrigleymansion.com/christophers.
— Bahar Anooshahr
CRUjiente Tacos
This modern taqueria is the brainchild of chef Richard Hinojosa and oenophile and sommelier Jason Morris, who is the former co-founder of Quench Wines. CRUjiente offerschef-driven crunchy (crujiente) and street tacos and some of the best margaritas in the Valley. Both taco and beverage programs have been mentioned in Forbes, thanks to the inventive ways Hinojosa uses tortillas as blank canvases. Don't skip the Korean fried chicken tacos.
Details:3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-687-7777,crutacos.com.
—Bahar Anooshahr
Essence Bakery
Stepping into Essence feels like entering a Mediterranean café. Chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos manages to make dishes like quiche Lorraine and spanakopita feel light, despite a French-level use of butter, and her bread, pastries and cookies are the stuff of legend. If you only order one thing, make it a chocolate croissant.
Details: 3830 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-296-4958, essencebakery.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Glai Baan
Yeah, you might have to throw back a beer at the bar around the corner while you wait for a table, but this Thai restaurant is worth the fuss. It is cozy enough for date night and the place to take out-of-towners. Don't get me started on the perfect patio. Order plates to share (don't miss the crisp yum het tod and pad kee mao) and find your co*cktail of choice, whether it's the passionfruit-brandy Sunshowers or herbed fan fav Laab Sided.
Details: 2333 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix. 602-595-5881, glaibaanaz.com.
— Becky Bartkowski
Jewel's Cafe
I go to Jewel's Café because everything is gluten-free, but even my friends with no dietary restrictions are obsessed with the deliciously fluffy waffles and fried chicken. The best time to go is brunch, but whenever I'm in the area, I can't help but stop and grab something from the bakery.
Details: 4041 E. Thomas Road, Suite 101, Phoenix. 602-714-5243, jewelsbakeryandcafe.com.
— Endia Fontanez
Noble Eatery
Fresh bread and one special sandwich keep me coming back to Noble over and over. The semolina loaf needs no introduction, but have you tried the tuna sandwich? Tuna is mixed with potato, pinto beans, grains and parsley, drizzled with Cabernet vinegar and olive oil and topped with arugula. It’s light and bright and perfect served stuffed into house-made, wood-fired pide. You might not think the combination of fish with pinto beans is a natural fit, but Noble will make you a believer.
Details: 4525 N. 24th St., Phoenix. 602-688-2424.noblebread.com/eatery.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Renata's Hearth
Located inside the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, this Latin-inspired restaurant uses smoke as an ingredient in drinks like the jet-black Los Muertos co*cktail made with serrano-infused reposado, agave, lime and black lava salt, colored with activated charcoal and served with flourish from under a smoked cloche. The theme continues on the food menu with deceptively simple dishes like charred Spanish octopus a la Veracruz. Renata's churros are legendary and the only right way to finish your meal.
Details: 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 602-954-2507, renatashearth.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Tacos Chiwas
I trust the judgment of the Mayor of Flavortown. One bite of the barbacoa tacos and the gorditas at Tacos Chiwas — both sampled by Guy Fieri during his 2017 trip there for “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” — and I knew there was something special about this place. Readers agree: they recently named Tacos Chiwas’ carne asada and calabacitas tacos among metro Phoenix's best tacos.
Details: Multiple locations; I visit the original location at 1028 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-358-8830, tacoschiwas.com.
— Michael Salerno
The Gladly
Call it whatever name you wish — the Stetson Chopped Salad, the Original Chopped Salad, Arizona's "state salad" — the genuinely iconic Bernie Kantak dish is served here and reason enough to go. But the menu of new American classics has plenty more to brag about, from burgers and legit fries to brussels sprouts over grits and chocolate chip cookies, which yes, you do need in your life.
Details: 2201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-759-8132, thegladly.com.
— Becky Bartkowski
Restaurants in Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee
Supreme Shawarma
In a Chandler strip mall at the intersection of Ray and Rural roads, Ali Al Zubaidi makes some of the best I've eaten anywhere. And trust me, I've eaten my share of slivered meat from Dubai to Istanbul. At Supreme Shawarma, tender, crisp-edged shavings of chicken come swaddled in flatbread along with creamy garlic toum, pickles and a few French fries. No matter where you live, this shawarma is worth the journey to get here.
Details: 4929 W. Ray Road, Chandler. 480-940-2384, supremeshawarma.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Szechwan Garden
No frills. Just great, authentic Chinese food. The mapo tofu is outrageously good. Spicy chicken lo mein? Sure. If you’re feeling adventurous give homestyle pig intestine a try.
Details: 5055 W. Ray Road, Chandler. 480-718-5088.
— Bill Goodykoontz
Sakana Sushi and Grill
Sushi is my comfort food and this tiny neighborhood hideaway has been my go-to spot for at least 20 years. The salmon nigiri is silky and fresh and the Red Dragon roll is an over-the-top creation incorporating raw tuna, veggie and tempura. There are noodle bowls and other cooked dishes for folks who don’t feel like raw fish. Snag a seat at the sushi bar if you can and watch the chefs create beautiful platters.
Details: 5061 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix. Also: 6989 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, and 20250 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. sakanasushiandgrill.com.
— Jill Cassidy
Vero Chicago Pizza
Vero, which originally opened as Buddyz, is exactly what you want in a neighborhood pizza joint, with generously topped pies and servers who greet you by name. I like to grab a spot at the bar or community table and chat with my neighbors while waiting for my meal. The pan pizza is authentic, its thick crust crisped in a buttered pan for a steamy combination of crunchy bite and tender chew. The menu lists lots of creative combos, but a simple pepperoni pan pizza here stands up to anything I’ve had in Chicago.
Details: 1334 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix. Also in Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek (two locations). verochicagopizza.com.
— Jill Cassidy
Mingle and Graze
A cheese shop and restaurant in charming downtown Chandler, this is a place where the staff will remember you by name along with your favorite dishes. Owned by Mahfam Moeeni-Alacron and her husband, Cristobal, the couple showcase her Persian and his Chilean heritage in the food and hospitality. As a bonus, the eatery also features a wine shop called Spin the Bottle.
Details: 48 S. San Marcos Place, Suite A, Chandler, 480-726-2264, mingleandgraze.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Joe's Farm Grill
My dad is not a French fry person. But the garlic fries drizzled in olive oil and scattered with Pecorino Romano cheese at Joe’s Farm Grill changed that. Joe’s is a neighborhood spot in the heart of Agritopia in Gilbert that, at least to me, is the definitive spot for comfort food. The burgers, made from locally sourced ground chuck, are the stars here. If you’re brave like me, you'll go for the Flamin’ Southwest Burger topped with jalapenos and ghost pepper jack cheese.
Details: 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert. 480-563-4745, joesfarmgrill.com.
— Michael Salerno
Source
Claudio Urciuoli’s newest restaurant Source is all about simple, beautiful Mediterranean food made with the highest quality ingredients. The menu is simple, with fresh baked breads, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, like my favorite the coppa, which comes topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, baby artichokes, oregano and capicollo — a dry-aged Italian salumi made from pork neck and shoulder on a pizza crust that’s so thin and airy it’s somehow light and satisfying at the same time.
Details: 3150 E. Ray Road, Gilbert. eatatsource.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Downtown Phoenix Restaurants
Asadero Norte de Sonora
Asadero Norte de Sonora is a standby on 16th Street, known for dishes that come off their mesquite grill, from chicken to parillada mixed platters of carne asada, cabeza and barbacoa, all served with fresh tortillas and housemade salsa. It’s simple and it’s perfect.
Details:122 N. 16th St., Phoenix,602-253-4010asaderonortesonora.weebly.com/menu.html.
—Felicia Campbell
Bacanora
Bacanora burst onto the dining scene in 2021 and no one has shut up about it since. Myself included. The Republic gave it a five-star review. Chef Rene Andrade showcases Sonoran foods cooked exclusively over his mesquite grill. He elevates classics with what some may call technical skill honed over years, but what I call utter witchcraft. A cucumber salad has no business being as delicious and memorable as he makes it, with nutty sesame seeds, the heat of chiltepin peppers and a dash of salsa negro or soy, if he's in the mood to add it that night. Brunch, which is walk-in only, is just as memorable with dishes like oxtail chilaquiles and a fierce michelada.
Details:1301 NW Grand Ave., Unit 1, Phoenix.602-612-4018,bacanoraphx.com.
—Felicia Campbell
Bad Jimmy's
James Piazza, the owner ofBad Jimmy's food truck, opened a brick-and-mortar in the downtown Phoenix restaurant space that formerly housed Breadfruit and Rum Bar on Nov. 30. Some might say it’s too soon to call it an essential restaurant, but with the simple menu of perfectly cooked cheeseburgers made using local beef, solid fries and an excellent full bar, I say it’s exactly what downtown needed and has quickly become a go-to spot for seriously great food and drinks that won’t break the bank.
Details:108 E. Pierce St., Phoenix.@badjimmyson Instagram.
—Felicia Campbell
Barrio Cafe
You can’t talk about restaurants in Phoenix without talking about James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef 2023, chef Silvana Salcido Esparza who opened Barrio Cafe in 2002. She ushered in a new era of regional, modern Mexican cuisine, paving the way for places like Bacanora and Cocina Chiwas. Esparza is an icon not only for her guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds and cochinita pibil, but also forher social activism and dedication to the Phoenix community.
Details:2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-636-0240,barriocafe.com.
—Felicia Campbell
Churchill
This 9,000-square-foot courtyard surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops is a great place to try new concepts, many of which graduate to their own digs later. The pro move is to order a co*cktail or two from Brill Line and get a pie to share from Freak Brothers Pizza.
Details: 901 N. First St., Phoenix.thechurchillphx.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Gallo Blanco
Gallo margaritas forever — plus the elote, the cortado, the tacos and the chilaquiles. Well, and obviously the salsas. Doug Robson's downtown Mexican joint remains a standby.
Details: 928 E. Pierce St., Phoenix. 602-327-0880, galloblancocafe.com.
— Becky Bartkowski
Garden Bar
Housed in a 1940s bungalow tucked off a side street in downtown Phoenix, I can’t count the times I’ve started, ended or spent my entire evening at Garden Bar. The largely female mixology team is award-winning, and for good reason. The drinks are incredibly complex, totally delicious and incorporate many local ingredients, including honey that owner Kim Haasarud sources locally based on terroir. The food is just as thoughtful, with perhaps one of the largest and most generous charcuterie boards around and a bread board perfect for soaking up the second (or third) drink you’ll undoubtedly order.
Details: 822 N. Sixth Ave., Phoenix. 602-612-4438, gardenbarphx.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Hot Daisy
I fell in love with slice joints when I lived in New York City. In what other scenario can you enjoy a red slice, a white slice and a curveball in one meal? At Hot Daisy, the offerings range from classic pepperoni, which can be ordered firefighter style with hot peppers, to an elote slice — a surprise favorite for a purist like me. They're all good. Order more than you think you can eat, because there's nothing better than leftover pizza.
Details: 610 E. Roosevelt St., Ste 145, Phoenix. 602-840-3644, hotdaisypizza.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Il Bosco Pizza
Il Bosco Pizza sits just off Roosevelt Row in a cute little bungalow, flying decidedly under the radar and serving a reliably wonderful menu of simple Italian salads, a few appetizers and a serious lineup of where-did-that-come-from flavor-packed Neapolitan-style pizzas like the Za, which comes topped with red sauce, pepperoni, spicy sausage, hatch green chile, peppadew peppers, Calabrian Chile, mozzerrella and a drizzle of honey. Bonus points for the fact you can get in on most nights without much of a wait.
Details: 918 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. ilboscopizza.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
Opened by Elizabeth White in 1964, Mrs. White's is the longest-standing soul food restaurant in metro Phoenix. The original building hasn't changed much and the menu is simple, but people still come from far and wide for the signature fried chicken, smothered pork chops and homemade cornbread.
Details: 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-262-9256, facebook.com/mrswhites.goldenrulecafe.
— Felicia Campbell
Novel Ice Cream
This is my favorite place for ice cream and where I bring all my out-of-town guests, many of whom now require a visit to Novel every time they come to Phoenix. I'd skip a meal to save room for the Zoe Dough Melt, a glazed doughnut stuffed with honey lavender ice cream and rolled in cinnamon crunch cereal. It’s “chef’s kiss” perfection every time.
Details: 1028 Grand Ave., Cottage 6, Phoenix, 602-373-2235. Also at 40 N. Macdonald St., #2, Mesa. 602-784-4729, Instagram @novel_phx.
— Bahar Anooshahr
The Pemberton
This retail and food park built on the grounds of the historic Sarah H. Pemberton House near Roosevelt Row has become a kind of proving ground for emerging chefs and mixologists, like the co*cktail crew behind Khla and Liar's Club, who still serve creative drinks at Baby Boy, housed in an Airstream trailer. On any given night (except Mondays and Tuesdays), you can meander through pop-up art installations and peruse menus for vegan soul food, French wine or fish tacos.
Details: The Pemberton, 1121 N. Second St., Phoenix. pembertonphx.com.
—Felicia Campbell
Pizzeria Bianco
As a fan of Neapolitan style, wood-fired pizza, I was curious, and a little skeptical of the high praise and accolades surrounding Chris Bianco’s destination artisan pizza restaurant. I'm here to tell you that it’s absolutely worth the hype. Pizzeria Bianco boasts a number of unique specialties like the Rosa, topped with red onion, Parmesan, rosemary and Arizona pistachios; and the Biancoverde, which includes mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta and arugula. I went with a classic on my first visit, opting for the margherita with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. The quality of the ingredients set it apart dramatically from similar pizzas I've eaten in the past. Go here at least once to see what the fuss is about.
Details: 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix. 602-258-8300, pizzeriabianco.com.
— Michael Salerno
Rito’s Mexican Food
Family-owned Rito’s Mexican Food was voted best burrito in Phoenix by readers, and for good reason. While green chili burritos are their specialty, they also offer great chimichangas, tacos and tostadas at their four Valley locations.
Details: 907 N. 14th St., Phoenix. Other locations at ritosmexicanfood.com.
—Endia Fontanez
Sottise
The baby sister of Restaurant Progress in Melrose stands on her own, but with family resemblances where they count: exceptional service, a well-appointed wine list and dishes I can't help but reorder each visit. The French — but not stuffy-French — menu leans seafood heavy, but the horseradish-spiked beets and baked brie beckon. And if you're lucky, the somm just might (try to) teach you to sabre a bottle of bubbly.
Details: 1025 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-254-6378, sottisephx.com.
— Becky Bartkowski
Tratto
Chris Bianco is legendary for his pizza, made with local white Sonoran wheat, but his very best restaurant is this temple of pasta. The dishes are deceptively simple, but the use of incredibly fresh, seasonal ingredients in genius combinations like pasta topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, dried zucchini and hot chile or grilled peaches nestled under seared pork chops make eating at Tratto a culinary adventure. Everything is good. Better than you expect. Paired with superb service and a great bar program, this is the "special occasion" place I recommend without hesitation to anyone asking.
Details: 1505 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. 602-296-7761, trattophx.com/restaurant.
— Felicia Campbell
Via Della Slice Shop
Did I mention I love a slice shop? We’re pretty #blessed in Phoenix to have several good ones and Via Della is among the best. I’m pretty obsessed with the white pie topped with caramelized onions on a sesame seed crust and the spicy sausage pie topped with Schreiners sausage, Calabrian chilis, ricotta and hot honey. But I recently discovered the green pie that’s topped with pesto crema, jalapeño-pineapple marmalade (what?), a pistachio crumble and reggiano cheese. It’s an assault to the senses in the best way and I don’t know how I’ll ever visit again without ordering it.
Details: 222 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix. (602) 341-6327, viadellapizza.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Matt's Big Breakfast
Many good mornings in Phoenix start at Matt’s Big Breakfast. I know from personal experience that I have far more energy to get through the day whenever I start it off with a Hog and Chick platter, which I order with two scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage. Other than the food, the best thing about the place is the fact you can fulfill your breakfast cravings until closing time at 2 p.m., unlike many fast-food chains where breakfast ends the moment the clock strikes 10:30 a.m.
Details: Multiple locations, but I visit the original in downtown Phoenix, 825 N. First St., Phoenix. 602-254-1074, mattsbigbreakfast.com.
— Michael Salerno
Mesa restaurants
All Pierogi Kitchen
Nataliya Koshalko and her small crew of cooks from Eastern Europe make thousands of pierogi each day, stuffing them with fillings like cheese and chive, sauerkraut and potato or tart plum. Besides the namesake dumplings, the homey restaurant is also a great place to taste traditional Slavic specialties like smoked sausage and plov rice before buying a bag of frozen pierogi to take home.
Details:1245 W. Baseline Road, Mesa. 480-262-3349,allpierogi.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Best Hong Kong Dining
You know the red-lacquered Cantonese barbecue that hangs from hooks like macabre window dressings in Chinatown restaurants around the country — not to mention in storefronts from Hong Kong to Guangzhou? They may not be as prominently displayed, but the char siu pork and duck hanging beside the register at Best Hong Kong Dining tastes just as good. Chopped and served atop a platter of rice, this is the real deal.
Details: 1116 S. Dobson Road, #123, Mesa. 480-655-8262, besthongkongdining.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Espiritu
Once you’re within a block of Espiritu on Main Street in Mesa, you’ll smell the burning mesquite. Follow your nose and head inside the Mexican gothic co*cktail bar, grab a barstool and order a La Toxica — mezcal, pineapple amaro, Xila agave liqueur, spiced chai and egg whites. If you’re just there for a nibble, get the smoked white fish, which comes with slices of intensely garlicy sourdough bread and house-brined cauliflower, carrots and cucumber pickles. Sounds simple, tastes revolutionary. And that’s just the intro. Find out what the special is, whether grilled half chickens served with tortillas and smoky beans, or whatever else they’re cooking up on the grill and you won’t likely go wrong.
Details: 123 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-272-06925, espiritumesa.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Hope's Fry Bread
Diné chef Hope Peshlakai uses her grandmother's fry bread recipe at her restaurant in Mesa, where she tops the rounds with burgers, teriyaki chicken and house chili beans with lettuce and tomatoes. Her dessert frybreads include plain with powdered sugar, s'mores, plus Nutella and banana. Her menu is a delicious marriage of tradition and innovation.
Details: 144 S. Mesa Drive, Suite E, Mesa. hopesfrybread.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Mekong Plaza
Located inside a former Target in Mesa, Mekong Plaza serves as a hub for Asian businesses and culture, drawing visitors for the namesake supermarket as well as over a dozen restaurants serving Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Taiwanese cuisines. Highlights include delicious Chinese crepes from Master Jianbing, sizzling rice and meat plates from Sizzling House, boba from Tea Snow and banh mi sandwiches from Unphogettable.
Details: 66 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. 480-363-9009, mekongplaza.com.
— Endia Fontanez
Mekong Plaza restaurant guide: Every dining option in Arizona's largest Asian food court
Proof Bread
Owners Jon Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid expanded from a garage to a commercial bakery and now sell their breads at their own shop and farmers markets all over the Valley. They use whole grains and a natural starter to bake their popular loaves and pastries. The sleeper hit of the menu is their excellent sourdough English muffin.
Details: 125 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-270-8320, proofbread.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ
The H Mart food court in Mesa is a wonderland of Japanese katsu, Asian pastries and, of course, Korean food. The bibimbap at Sogongdong Tofu & BBQ is what dreams are made of. The massive cast iron platter ensures tons of crispy rice. The right way to eat bibimbap is to mix up the rice, veggies, bulgogi beef and sweet-spicy gochujan sauce on the sizzling platter before digging in, but it’s such a beautiful presentation, I usually end up leaving it intact and skewering and mixing up just enough for each perfect bite.
Details: Inside H Mart, 1919 W. Main St., Mesa.
— Felicia Campbell
Worth Takeaway
This downtown Mesa sandwich spot is one of the few restaurants where it's so hard for me to resist trying something new every time. Worth Takeaway is perfect for satisfying the chicken sandwich craving that comes up all too often for me, but the Cuban, French dip and Italian grinder are also on my must-order list. The struggle is real.
Details: 218 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-833-2180, worthtakeaway.com.
— Michael Salerno
Xing Fu Tang
Xing Fu Tang, a Taiwanese tea shop, serves some of the best boba in Arizona, including my personal favorite: strawberry boba milk tea. They also host cup sleeve events, which provide an opportunity for K-pop fans to gather and celebrate their favorite idols or other fandoms.
Details: 805 N. Dobson Road, Suite 106, Mesa. xingfutang.com.
— Endia Fontanez
Phoenix restaurants: Midtown
Phoenix Coqui
Phoenix Coqui offers a comforting taste of Puerto Rico in Phoenix. The tiny restaurant, owned by Alexis Carbajal and Juan Ayala, makes a mouthwatering pernil plate. I always mean to try other dishes, but I can’t resist the pulled pork served with rice with a side salad for only $13.95.
Details: 4041 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. 602-768-7894, phoenixcoqui.com.
— Endia Fontanez
Belly
The menu at this Melrose destination blends Vietnamese and Mexican cuisines, among others. But if you can only choose one thing, the seared king mushrooms are an all-timer. You'll find natty wine and uber-boozy co*cktails on the menu. Though the banh mi is no more, you can join us in hoping the jackfruit sando makes a comeback.
Details: 4971 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-296-4452, bellyphx.com. Multiple locations.
— Becky Bartkowski
Guanaquito Restaurant
Guanaquito Restaurant, a Salvadoran restaurant and pupusería, is the best place to eat pupusas in the Valley. My favorites are the revueltas — a combination of cheese, pork rinds and beans. But if you’re looking for something a bit simpler, you can never go wrong with the cheese and beans combo.
Details: 1438 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006. (602) 257-9053, restauranteelguanaquito.net.
— Nadia Cantu
Frank's New York Style Deli
It's the neighborhood deli real ones know, because Frank's keeps things classic and has for decades. These beast-mode sub sandwiches could easily stretch over several meals, but why deny yourself the pleasure of being beyond stuffed with the cold cuts and cheeses of your choice?
Details: 2301 W. Orange Drive, Phoenix. 602-242-8288. facebook.com/franksnystyle.
— Becky Bartkowski
Fry Bread House
Founded by Cecilia Miller of the Tohono O'odham Nation, this James Beard Classics award-winning restaurant in the Melrose neighborhood is the place to go for Native American fry bread. Order the ultimate taco — available with ground beef, red chili or green chili — if you have a craving for something savory, but don't miss the sweet fry bread, which you can get topped with honey, powdered sugar or both.
Details: 4545 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-351-2345, frybreadhouseaz.com.
— Michael Salerno
Original Hamburger Works
Just north of Encanto Park, this classic spot has been serving massive burgers cooked over mesquite wood since 1977. These are the smokiest burgers in town and the kitschy condiment wagon is just the icing on the cake. Great local drafts seal the deal, making this smoky haunt my family's go-to burger joint.
Details: 2801 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. 602-263-8693, greatburgeraz.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Reathrey Sekong
The first Cambodian restaurant in Phoenix, Lakhana In's family-run spot is still widely considered the best. It's the perfect place to try classic dishes like cha kreung, a stir fry built on a fragrant paste of lemongrass, makrut lime leaf, shallots, garlic, galangal and dried turmeric; an array of nom banh chok noodle dishes; and amok, a coconut fish curry that she steams and serves in a banana leaf.
Details: 1312 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-451-9792, facebook.com/Reathrey-Sekong-Cambodian-Cuisine-133199290086725.
— Felicia Campbell
Valentine
At Valentine, chef Donald Hawk and his team create many of the dishes with indigenous Sonoran ingredients. Mesquite and elote make appearances in pasta, and appetizers feature local tepary beans and huitlacoche butter. It's a beautiful homage to Arizona, right down to the name, which is a nod to Feb. 14, 1912, when Arizona officially became a state. The not-so-secret bar, located in an alley behind the restaurant, is aptly named 1912 and features a co*cktail menu almost as exciting as what's coming out of the kitchen up front.
Details: 4130 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-612-2961, valentinephx.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Phoenix restaurants: North Phoenix
Chompie’s
RIP the Tempe location. The locations still standing remain the type of deli with pages of menu items, almost all of which are delightful. But who are we kidding? You’re here for the bagels. (And they don’t disappoint.)
Details:3212 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. Additional locations atchompies.com.
— Bill Goodykoontz
EL Super Taco
The pile of mesquite wood in front of this tiny restaurant is the first sign that you're in a good place. The second is the smell of slow-simmered birria de res that hits you upon opening the door. Order the quesa birria combo, a perfect plate of three crispy, cheese-filled birria tacos and a hearty bowl of consommé along with access to the condiment bar, filled with essentials like shredded cabbage, cilantro, chopped onion, radishes and salsas that range from tingly to oh-my-goodness-give-me-the-cabbage levels of heat.
Details:14620 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. 602-585-2150,Search El Super Taco on Facebook.
— Felicia Campbell
Maya's Kitchen
I’m on a quest to find the best Indian food in Arizona, and so far, Maya's Kitchen is my favorite. I usually order chicken tikka masala with chili naan, but the dal makhani and chicken biryani are also great and have made it into my rotation. The warm chai offered free to guests dining-in is an especially nice touch.
Details: 2948 E. Bell Road #102, Phoenix. 602-867-4904, mayaskitchenaz.com.
— Dina Kaur
Paradise Valley Burger Company
Unpopular opinion, but I think regular burgers are lame. That said, I’m here for the unusual combination of a famous French dessert and an American delicacy that is the PVBC burger brûlée. It comes topped with a fried egg, bacon, onions, burnt sugar, Havarti and Thousand Island dressing. To keep with the theme, I skip the french fries and order French toast fries instead.
Details: 4001 E. Bell Road #102, Phoenix. And in Tempe. 602-535-4930, pvburgercompany.com.
— Tiffany Acosta
Los Reyes de la Torta
The original and still the best, this longtime, family-owned Mexican restaurant specializes in its namesake sandwiches. The signature Del Rey is piled high with ham, melted mozzarella, pork sirloin, breaded beef, a sausage-chorizo omelet, fresh tomatoes, caramelized onions and avocado that's slathered in a chipotle sauce and served on teleras bread made at the adjoining bakery. These are serious sandwiches, but don't sleep on the quesadillas, which can be ordered either flour (de harina) or corn (de maiz). They're a good foot long with a variety of filling options. The pro move is to order them "estilo Del Rey" topped with green salsa, cheese, onions, cilantro and sour cream.
Details: 9230 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-870-2967, losreyesaz.com.
— Felicia Campbell
ZK Grill
There are several great Persian restaurants in metro Phoenix, but if you want koobideh, this is the place to get it. When artfully molded onto a flat skewer and grilled over charcoal, the seemly simple combination of minced beef, shredded onion, salt and pepper becomes the stuff dreams are made of. Finished with a swipe of melted butter and sprinkle of tart sumac, the Iranian kebab is beefy and indulgent in the best way. Perfectly cooked basmati rice and a charred tomato complete the meal, billed as "Ground Beef Entree." A total steal for $11.99.
Details: 4757 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix. 602-354-3663, zkgrill.com. Also in Ahwatukee.
— Felicia Campbell
Seoul BBQ & Sushi
Set in a nondescript parking lot surrounded by office parks and overlooking the I-17 freeway, Seoul BBQ & Sushi doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue is excellent and abundant. Despite the huge menu of meat and appetizer options included in the AYCE dinner deal, my favorite is the spicy beef bulgogi, which is the only meat we order along with bowls of rice and an endless stream of pickled banchan.
Details: 11025 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix. 602- 441-0900, seoulphx.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Ava Bakery
Ashkan and Diana Taheri opened Ava Bakery and Restaurant in north Phoenix on Seventh Street and E. Union Hills Drive in November 2022 and since then I’ve been more times than I can count. I visit weekly to pick upfresh baked sangak and barberi breads and at least a few times a month for classic Iranian sandwiches like sausage bandari served on their fresh baked bread or for a breakfast of haleem, a sweet-savory porridge, tomato and egg omelet or the simple Persian breakfast of fresh bread, cheese and homemade carrot preserves.
Details:814 E. Union Hills Drive, C-6, Phoenix. 480-906-9757.
—Felicia Campbell
Scottsdale restaurants
Andreoli Italian Grocer
When you walk into this restaurant and deli, it's like stepping back in time. Family pictures share wall space with photos of celebrities who've visited over the years. Owner and chef Giovanni Scorzo is nearly always there, either in the kitchen or at a table in the dining room having an espresso with his sons. The menu isa list of salads, cured meats and cheeses for antipasti, sandwiches served on focaccia and pasta dishes scribbled on a whiteboard. The epitome of classics, these plates rarely veer far from traditional preparations with the likes of rigatoni with homemade sausage and peas, potato gnocchi with pesto and penne in a veal red sauce. The food is as cozy as the crowded dining room.
Details:8880 E. Vía Linda, Scottsdale. 480-614-1980,andreoli-grocer.com.
— Felicia Campbell
JL Patisserie
Let Jenna Leurquin be your go-to for French pastries. From macarons to croissants and baguettes, she delivers quality. My advice, try each of these at least once: baguette, Earl Grey macaron and almond croissant. For special occasions, she makes an elegant vanilla caramel that she pipes onto cakes to look like a flower and flecked with gold leaf. Magnifique.
Details: 7342 E. Shea Blvd., #108, Scottsdale. 480-859-4459, jlpatisserie.com. Also in Phoenix.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Call Her Martina
Call Her Martina opened in Old Town Scottsdale near the waterfront in 2022 and it continues to be my favorite stop when shopping in Fashion Square or biking the canal for anything involving their crispy charred ribeye, which tops everything from nachos to guacamole to tacos. The co*cktails are inventive and strong, which makes for a perfect pairing.
Details:7135E. Camelback Road, Suite 165, Scottsdale. 480-687-8592,callhermartina.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Course
Unpretentious fine dining defines Course restaurant. Chef Cory Oppold and his team remain approachable even as they create highly abstract, artistic presentations of familiar and nostalgic foods. Give the playful six-course brunch a try or bring a big appetite for the 10-course dinner.
Details:7366 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 106, Scottsdale. 480-687-0491, courserestaurantaz.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
DeFalco's Italian Grocery
The moment I first tasted the homemade sausage and marinara sauce in DeFalco’s sausage, peppers and onions sandwich, I felt like I'd finally found a place to satisfy my cravings for the Italian meals my family cooked. This deli has been a Valley staple since Italian immigrants John and Dora DeFalco opened it in 1972, and today they continue to serve Italian specialties from hot and cold sandwiches to pizzas and calzones, all based on family recipes passed down for a century. It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu.
Details: 2334 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-990-8660, defalcosdeli.com.
FnB
Chef Charleen Badman, James Beard award-winner for Best Chef Southwest 2019, ushered in the era of the vegetable-forward, hyper-seasonal fine dining in Arizona. She’s still at the helm, whether in the kitchen of the beloved Old Town restaurant or in a school garden teaching kids how to make vegetables they actually want to eat as part of The Blue Watermelon Project. FnB is a classic, and Badman is a local icon.
Details: 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Suite 31, Scottsdale. 480-284-4777, fnbrestaurant.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Hai Noon
The best thing about Hai Noon, a new restaurant and co*cktail bar opened by Sloane McFarland and Ian Rosales, the owner and chef of Welcome Diner, and James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo f*ckuda, are the playful bar snacks and incredible East-Meets-West drinks. Sidle up to the stylish counter and order the mixed nuts tossed in a sweet soy butter with ancho chile and order the Goma made with black sesame-infused tequila, sweet chile-laced agave and lime juice with a ground black sesame rim. It's a lightly sweet, tequila old fashioned gone off the rails in the best way possible.
Details: 7017 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale. hainoonaz.com and hiddengemaz.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Nelson's Meat and Fish
Nelson's is one of the Valley's best sources for quality fish and meat. And they serve a mean lobster roll. This is not a restaurant, so patrons must follow a market's schedule. For example, the lobster roll is only available on Wednesdays for lunch. But trust me, it's so satisfying that it's worth the wait. They also opened a new outpost in north Phoenix earlier this year where they serve their infamous lobster rolls on Thursdays.
Details: 2415 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. And in Scottsdale. 602-596-4069, meat.fish.
— Bahar Anooshahr
The Drunk Munk
I was walking down the street in Old Town Scottsdale when the Drunk Munk caught my eye. It’s kind of hard to miss with its red leather chairs and that illuminated Easter Island tiki head behind the bar. It looks like what it is – a Tiki bar and Polynesian Restaurant. The atmosphere and the happy hour prices (seven days a week!) make it a fun place to stop and spend a few hours enjoying the vibe with half-price appetizers like coconut shrimp and sushi rolls.
Details: 7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale. 480-699-8454, thedrunkmunk.com.
— Ed Masley
Persian Room
When my husband and I are feeling too lazy to cook, but crave excellent renditions of traditional Iranian foods, we go to the Persian Room for stews like herbaceous gormeh sabzi and gheimeh or labor-intensive appetizers like rich eggplant kashk bademjan. They make nearly the entire canon of polo, too — rice dishes studded with lentils and dates, sour cherries, candied carrots and pistachios, tangy barberries or simply tinged yellow with saffron and topped with butter. The grilled skewers of chicken jujeh, minced koobideh and tender steak sultani are expertly prepared as well. It's an incredibly homestyle spread, served in an over-the-top, gilded dining room.
Details: 17040 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-614-1414, persianroom.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
Located inside Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Weft & Warp is my go-to place for desserts and brunch sweets. The whimsy keeps me coming back just to experience the ever-changing dessert menu.
Details: 6114 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-214-4622, andazscottsdale.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
South Phoenix restaurants
JL Smokehouse
Whether your appetite is fit for a Whipper Snapper (two meats, one side) or a Slugger (six meats, four sides), pit master James Lewis’ BBQ restaurant near South Mountain is a must for smoked meat lovers. I go for everything from the tender pulled pork to the saucy ribs. And the Texas-style sausage is the best I've had in the Valley.
Details: 1712 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. 602-900-4296. Also, 10423 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix. 602-314-6301, jlsmokehouse.com.
— Michael Salerno
Little Miss BBQ
As a general rule, I don't wait in line for food. Let alone an hour and a half. Yet, there I was on a hot summer day, praying they wouldn't run out of brisket before I reached the front of the line. Some days, I miss out on the pastrami special, sometimes I'm too late for the meltingly tender Texas-style brisket, but whatever's left when I get to the order counter is good enough to make me forget about the wait.
Details: 4301 E. University Drive, Phoenix, 602-437-1177. Also at 8901 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-314-6922, littlemissbbq.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Los Dos Molinos
Great Mexican food that is really hot. In the best possible way. But to repeat: hot. How hot? The menu comes with this warning: “Food is spicy! You order it, you own it.” That hot. Everything is good and the margaritas are famous.
Details: 8646 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-243-9113. Find other Valley locations at losdosmolinosmesa.com.
— Bill Goodykoontz
The Farm at South Mountain
The Farm at South Mountain is as farm-to-table as you can get. The lush grounds are home to three restaurants. Morning Glory Café offers counter service breakfast dishes starring locally grown veggies and house-smoked salmon and brisket. The Kitchen, another counter service option, serves salads and sandwiches. Both venues are as much about picnicking at an idyllic farm as they are about the food. Then there's Quiessence, which is almost entirely about the food with its hyper-local tasting menu served under the stars.
Details: The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-276-0601, qatthefarm.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Tempe restaurants
Cocina Chiwas
Tacos Chiwas co-owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin opened Cocina Chiwas in Feb. 2023 and it feels like the culmination of all their collaborations and restaurant projects to date. The space is modern and airy, the service is friendly and the food coming off the mesquite grill Hernandez built himself is as surprising as it is familiar. The parrillada, which comes with grilled skirt steak, al pastor, a sweet-spicy papas con chorizo, rice, beans and corn tortillas might be the perfect meal. With one of the outstanding co*cktails made largely with agave and local spirits, it’s a perfect night out.
Details:2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. cocinachiwasaz.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Golden Restaurant & Bakery
This Lebanese bakery has a sprawling menu, but the specialty is fresh baked rounds of man'oushe, which you should definitely order topped with za'atar herbs and cheese. They also make one of the finest falafel sandwiches in town. The jumbo wrap comes stuffed not only with fried falafel, but also fried eggplant, cauliflower, fries, boiled eggs, tomatoes, pickles and tahini sauce. Be sure to get an extra side of garlicky toum to drizzle on between bites.
Details: 1849 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe. 480-656-4405, goldenrestaurantbakery.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Mandi House
If you've never had Yemeni comfort food, you're missing out on massive platters of spiced (but not spicy) rice topped with grilled or roasted chicken or lamb served with little cups of herbed yogurt and tomatoey Gulf Arab salsa. In addition to the namesake mandi, also try the Afro-Arabian specialty sambusa. The small, triangular fried pastries are filled with ground meat, cheese or vegetables, depending on the day. The no-frills dining room draws crowds of students from ASU looking for homecooked flavors. One bite and you'll understand what keeps them coming back.
Details: 1639 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. 480-659-4751, mandi-house-llc.business.site.
— Felicia Campbell
Postino Wine Cafe
What’s not to like about a place that serves 12 different types of bruschetta? Postino is a metro Phoenix institution with seven locations, each one an ideal hangout for sipping on a glass of wine while enjoying a bruschetta board. I recommend the burrata, bacon and arugula along with the chef’s charcuterie, which features an assortment of meats, cheeses and breads.
Details: 8749 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 602-325-2211. Find other locations in metro Phoenix at postinowinecafe.com.
— Michael Salerno
The Chuckbox
The Chuckbox is a Tempe staple that has served generations of ASU students since the 70’s. Not much has changed since opening – not the rustic design of the building, nor the award-winning hamburgers and chicken sandwiches on the menu – and that’s just the way the Tempe community likes it.
Details: 202 E. University Dr., Tempe. 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com.
— Endia Fontanez
Venezia's
Shame on Walter White for plenty of reasons, including throwing a perfectly good Venezia's pie on a roof. The New York-style spot has perfected take-home 'za. Go for a simple cheese pizza and, if you're inclined to dip, know that the ranch is worth buying by the bottle.
Details: 27 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. 480-858-1660. venezias.com. Multiple locations.
— Becky Bartkowski
Phoenix restaurants: Uptown
The Windsor
Do I give the Windsor bonus points because I like that one entire wall is covered in cassette tapes, including several I owned in high school? Yes, of course I do. But those are bonus points. I’d go there anyway because I like the atmosphere on the backyard-style patio and they make a good burger. The country vegetable chop is also worth a try if you’re more in the mood for a salad. And if you’re looking for an appetizer, try the Roulettes, as their seasonal peppers are named because some are fairly mild while others… well, you get the picture.
Details: 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-279-1111, windsoraz.com.
— Ed Masley
Persepshen
Persepshen is a husband and wife-owned restaurant where Jason Dwight is the chef, who butchers nose to tail, cooks in a wood-fired oven and cures meat in-house, and Katherine, who bakes bread and desserts. Local, organic and sustainable are what the couple believes in and executes to perfection at their stellar restaurant.
Details: 4700 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-935-2932, persepshenarizona.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Mora Italian
Food Network star Scott Conant puts his own twist on classic Italian food in uptown Phoenix. The pasta-heavy menu includes the dish that made him famous: the signature pasta al pomodoro made with spaghetti in a sweet-savory, basil-flecked tomato sauce.
Details: 5651 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-795-9943, moraitalian.com.
— Tiffany Acosta
Pane Bianco
Chris Bianco opened this sandwich shop in 2005, offering fresh focaccia sandwiches. It won't take you long to find a favorite sandwich from the small but mighty menu, though don't overlook the fantastic lineup of pizzas, salads and desserts, either.
Details: 4404 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-234-2100, pizzeriabianco.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
The Rokerij
In a beautiful stone house with dim lights and a fireplace, excellent service, great food and a cozy if occasionally crowded downstairs bar, The Rokerij is a standby for a nice romantic evening. The name is Dutch for smokehouse and they offer a great selection of steaks, from the New Mexican sirloin topped with peppercorn whiskey lime sauce to the Rokerij steak, a bacon-wrapped filet with king crab and jalapeno hollandaise. Other dishes I’ve enjoyed include the New Mexican enchiladas and the carne adovada.
Details: 6335 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-287-8900, richardsonsnm.com.
—Ed Masley
Chula Seafood
I love to take people who scoff at the idea of great seafood in the desert — silly considering we're only a four-hour drive to the sea — to Chula Uptown for lunch. Fresh-caught fish, much of it from Chula's very own fishing boats in San Diego, are stuffed into creative sandwiches, grilled and tossed over salads or sold raw for those who prefer to cook at home. I can rarely resist taking home a pound of palm-size prawns from Puerto Peñasco to grill, and I have yet to resist ordering the fish burrito. Layered with grilled fish, French fries, guacamole and a tangy Baja sauce, it is more than the sum of its parts.
Details:100 E. Camelback Road, Suite 172, Phoenix.602-354-3599,chulaseafood.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Lux Cafe
This eclectic coffee shop is a classic hangout for creatives and hipsters who meet over coffee and pastries or a glass of wine and let the ideas flow. More than just a cool scene, this shop roasts its own excellent coffee in-house.
Details: 4402 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-327-1396. Also 16220 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-553-0307, luxcoffee.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
West Valley restaurants: Avondale
Hot Dogs La Yakisita
Sonoran Hot Dogs are a staple in Arizona. And, sure, you can get a classic Sonoran dog anywhere around the Valley, but at La Yakisita, they put their own twist on them to create something even better, like the chorizo-dogo and the chile-dogo, which are exactly what they sound like.
Details: 11498 W. Buckeye Road, Avondale. 602-500-6634, hot-dogs-la-yaquesita.business.site.
— Tiffany Acosta
Tortas Manatial
Tortas Manantial is my ultimate haven when I’m craving Mexican tortas. From the savory fillings like pierna pulled pork and chicharron to the perfectly toasted bread, it never disapoints.
Details: 10665 W. Indian School Road, Suite A, Avondale. Multiple Valley locations. 623-322-3377, tortasmanantial.com.
— Tiffany Acosta
West Valley restaurants: Glendale
Ta'Carbon
If you love mesquite-grilled carne asada, flour tortillas and charcoal refried beans, Ta'Carbon is the place. With two locations in the Valley, the taqueria is a staple for northern Mexican tacos and burritos. When you’re loading up at the salsa bar, don’t miss the charred tatemada salsa and guacamole sauce.
Details: 5834 W. Camelback Road, Glendale. 623-463-8134, tacarbon.com.
— Nadia Cantu
Picazzo's
Whether you're gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, have a severe food allergy or just want to try great pasta and pizza, Picazzo's is your place. Almost everything on the menu is gluten-free, except for the pizzas, which can be made with or without gluten. From the restaurant's first location in Sedona, Picazzo's has grown to six locations across Arizona, and become a household name for Arizonans with dietary restrictions. The Glendale location is my go-to.
Details: 8280 W. Union Hills Drive, Glendale. 623-466-0228 Multiple locations. picazzos.com.
—Endia Fontanez
Birrieria Obregon
If you want to try authentic Sonoran flavors, look no further than Birrieria Obregon, where seafood, bichis and of course birria are the stars. For me, the best dishes are the tacos de cabeza, caguamanta soup made with rayand the chicharrón accompanied by a special bichi, also known as consomé, broth of caguamanta.
Details: 2500 N 35th Ave, Phoenix. Other locations in the Valley. birrieriaobregon.info.
— Nadia Cantu
West Valley restaurants: Peoria
Peoria Artisan Brewery
In a part of town where chain restaurants reign supreme, Peoria Artisan Brewery is a bastion of culinary light. In addition to a fantastic lineup of beers brewed on-site, including some very good sours, the menu takes classic pub grub to the next level with a seriously great burger and excellent pit barbecue on the weekends. The namesake PAB Burger comes topped with bacon jam, aioli and muenster cheese on a brioche bun. It's marvelous.
Details: 10144 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., #1130, Peoria. 623-572-2816, peoriaartisanbrewing.com.
— Felicia Campbell
Fabio on Fire Panini
Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelateria is a West Valley gem where chef Fabio Ceschetti uses 72-hour fermented dough for sandwiches layered with the likes of burrata, pesto and prosciutto finished with a drizzle of good olive oil. I’d be there weekly if I lived closer.
Details: 24775 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Suite 101, Peoria. fabioonfire.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
The Sicilian Butcher
A night out for a delicious Italian meal shouldn’t have to break the bank. Thank goodness for The Sicilian Butcher’s tapas menu – available during happy hour, which is offered all day at the bar and high-top tables. I like to order a plate of traditional bruschetta and a bowl of Tomaso’s meatballs with their excellent picchio pacchiu sauce (a blend of tomatoes, garlic, basil, butter and olive oil) for $8 each. And don’t skip dessert at the neighboring Sicilian Baker, where you can get cannolis with your choice of 12 different fillings.
Details: Multiple locations. 9790 W. Northern Ave, #1100, Peoria. 623-4-775-5140, thesicilianbutcher.com.
— Michael Salerno
Campbell's
Longtime West Valley residents know what a staple the old-school building at the corner of 91st Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road is. The former gas station and country store adorned with hitching posts for guests who arrived on horseback is now a family-style breakfast and lunch restaurant serving the north Peoria community. Though the building's main purpose has changed, the classic exterior and the family owners have not. And that's a good thing.
Details: 9098 W. Pinnacle Peak Road. 623-825-9500, jdcampbells.com.
— Endia Fontanez
West Valley restaurants: Tolleson
Cali Tacos
The West Valley is the place to go for tacos and Cali Tacos serves up the classics like carne asada, al pastor, carnitas and their popular birria tacos. They are my reliable, go-to taco spot.
Details: 9820 W. Lower Buckeye Road # 103, Tolleson. Other Valley locations. 623-594-3002, calitacosrestaurant.com.
— Tiffany Acosta
Mariscos 7 Mares
Mariscos 7 Mares stands out as my quintessential destination for indulging in a diverse array of Mexican seafood dishes, from fish tacos to seafood empanadas. I go for the ceviche and their signature seafood co*cktails, which I feel capture the rich coastal flavors of Mexico.
Details: 10740 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Tolleson. 623-936-6005, facebook.com/seafood7mares.
— Tiffany Acosta
Reach the food, dining and nightlife editor at felicia.campbell@azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best restaurants in Phoenix 2024: 100 essential places to eat
