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Downtown Phoenix | Greater Phoenix | Scottsdale | Tempe and Nearby
Just as the Valley of the Sun has attracted visitors from around the world, it has also been attracting a record number of worldly residents. Fortunately for everyone, many of those people are skilled chefs and/or restaurateurs who have opted to share their gifts with the public.
Phoenix and its surroundings have metamorphosed into a melting pot for every type of cuisine imaginable: northern to Tuscan Italian; mom-and-pop to Mexico City Mexican; low-key Cuban to high-end French- and Greek-inspired Southwestern; Japanese- to Spanish-style tapas; and kosher to American classics with subtle ethnic twists.
Eateries like La Grande Orange grocery are revolutionizing Phoenix’s “fast-food” concept with gourmet takeout. Four-star cuisine, some concocted by celebrity chefs, also awaits all over the Valley, from Kai in Chandler to Scottsdale’s Bourbon Steak, along with Binkley’s and Cafe Blink in nearby Carefree. Dotted with massive strip malls, Phoenix’s outskirts are becoming a haven of corporate eateries, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of divine, independent dining for all tastes and all trends in between.
Many of the best restaurants in the Valley are in resorts, camouflaged behind courtyard walls, or tucked away in shopping malls. Newer, upscale eateries are clustered along the Camelback Corridor—a veritable restaurant row, running west to east from Phoenix to Scottsdale—and in Scottsdale itself. Great Mexican food can be found throughout the Valley, but the most authentic spots are in North Central and South Phoenix.
Restaurants change hours, locations, chefs, prices, and menus frequently, so it’s best to call ahead to confirm. Show up without a reservation during tourist season (October through mid-May), and you may have to head for a fast-food drive-through window to avoid a two-hour wait for a table.
Downtown Phoenix
The Arrogant Butcher.
$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | The attention-grabbing name is intentional, as is the in-your-face decor and cuisine of this Downtown not-quite-bar, not-quite-restaurant. It’s noisy, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll sit next to couples on their first date, bachelorette parties, families having a reunion, and concertgoers who are prepping their vocal cords for an upcoming show. Make a meal out of the charcuterie platters and to-die-for pretzel fondue. If you’re craving home-cookin’, order the chicken stroganoff, and then call your mom. | Average main: $20 | 2 E. Jefferson St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/324–8502 | www.foxrc.com/restaurants/the-arrogant-butcher | No credit cards | Closed Sun. | Reservations essential.
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails.
$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | The menu at this quirky restaurant features concoctions worthy of Willy Wonka’s palate, from gourmet tater tots to fire-hot ancho-chile caramel corn. Located inside the Hotel Palomar Phoenix, it’s a great place for cocktails or appetizers before a show and, if you have the time, a fantastic meal. Brunch is one of the best in the Downtown area; get a reservation if you plan on dining during the weekend. | Average main: $22 | Hotel Palomar Phoenix, 2 E. Jefferson St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/258–0231 | www.bluehoundkitchen.com | No credit cards.
FEZ.
$$ | ECLECTIC | With its sleek interior, central location, diverse clientele, and affordable lunch, happy hour, dinner, Sunday brunch, and late-night menus, FEZ covers everything. “American fare with a Moroccan flair” means bold choices like the half-pound grilled angus FEZ Burger, kisras (flat-bread pizza), and the signature crispy rosemary pomegranate chicken; it all lands safely on the taste buds. Drinks include specialty martinis and margaritas and a formidable wine list. | Average main: $14 | 105 W. Portland St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/287–8700 | www.fezoncentral.com.
Gourmet House of Hong Kong.
$$ | CHINESE | Traditional Chinatown specialties like chow fun (thick rice noodles) are excellent at this simple, diner-style place; try the assorted-meat version, with chicken, shrimp, pork, and squid. Dishes with black-bean sauce are among the menu’s best. Sweet-and-sour frogs’ legs, Peking duck, and spicy beef satay are house specialties. | Average main: $15 | 1438 E. McDowell Rd. | Phoenix | 602/253–4859 | www.gourmethouseofhongkong.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Matt’s Big Breakfast.
$ | AMERICAN | Fresh, filling, and simply fantastic, the food at this itty-bitty, retro hip diner is a great way to start any day, especially when you have time to walk or sleep it off afterward. Ingredients like hearty bacon strips, jams, and whole-grain breads come from local sources, and each one is of the highest quality. Try a cheesy omelet with a side of crispy hash browns or indulge in a Belgian waffle, but let it be known that Matt’s fat pancakes are legendary. Lunch options include sandwiches and chili or breakfast (again). Be prepared to wait, or call ahead for takeout. | Average main: $7 | 825 N. 1st St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/254–1074 | www.mattsbigbreakfast.com | No dinner | Reservations not accepted.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café.
$$ | SOUTHERN | This plain yellow building has been the best place in town for true Southern cooking for more than 50 years. The humble lunch counter and few surrounding tables are the setting in which to enjoy rich entrées, including fried chicken, catfish, and oxtail. The portions are hearty and might convince your sweet tooth to order some sweet tea or Kool Aid to make the meal complete. Get here early: the restaurant closes at 7 pm. | Average main: $13 | 808 E. Jefferson St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/262–9256 | No credit cards | Reservations not accepted.
Nobuo at Teeter House.
$$ | JAPANESE | The creations chef Nobuo Fukuda arranges on your plate might look too beautiful to eat, but it’s okay—feel free to devour them. These Japanese fusion dishes (this is no sushi joint) are alive with color and texture, all served in a quaint house built in 1899. The menu of smaller, shareable portions changes frequently, but standout items include the pork belly wrapped in banana leaf and miso foie gras. | Average main: $20 | 622 E. Adams St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/254–0600 | www.nobufukuda.com | No lunch Mon. | Reservations essential | No credit cards.
Pizzeria Bianco.
$$ | PIZZA | Brooklyn native Chris Bianco became famous for his pizza made with passion in this small establishment on Heritage Square. His wood-fired thin-crust creations incorporate the finest and freshest ingredients, including house-made mozzarella cheese. The brick oven was imported from Italy. Bar Bianco next door is a good place to relax with a beverage while you wait for your table. Bianco opened a second location in Phoenix that has less of a wait, but also less ambience. | Average main: $16 | 623 E. Adams St., Downtown Phoenix | 602/258–8300 | www.pizzeriabianco.com | Closed Sun. | Reservations not accepted.
Greater Phoenix
Camelback Corridor
Set at the southern base of Camelback Mountain, the Camelback Corridor, as it’s come to be known, is home to some of the best independent dining establishments in Phoenix. From gastropubs to see-and-be-seen delights, some of the best noshing can be found within these few square miles.
Beckett’s Table.
$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | With a menu full of comfort food far better than any mom could make, Beckett’s Table combines elegance with tradition. The menu changes frequently, but long-standing favorites include chicken ‘n’ dumplings made with saffron and kale, and tender short ribs with a red wine reduction. No matter what you eat, make sure to order the bacon cheddar biscuits, and don’t be shy about scraping the crumbs out of the basket. | Average main: $23 | 3737 E. Indian School Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/954–1700 | www.beckettstable.com | No credit cards | Closed Mon. No lunch | Reservations essential.
Fodor’s Choice | Chelsea’s Kitchen.
$$ | AMERICAN | With its hip, Pacific Northwest–chic interior and a patio that feels more like a secret garden, Chelsea’s Kitchen can easily make you forget you’re dining in the desert. This casually sophisticated establishment insists on the freshest ingredients (especially fish), used with equally fresh and flavorful ideas that complement the restaurant’s cool but comfortable style. Specials are good and change frequently, but regulars love the shrimp ceviche, burgers, and rotisserie chicken. | Average main: $20 | 5040 N. 40th St., Camelback Corridor | 602/957–2555 | www.chelseaskitchenaz.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Christopher’s.
$$$ | FRENCH | The creation of one of the Valley’s premier chefs, Christopher Gross, the menu ranges from good-value wood-fired pizzas, outstanding burgers, and creative bar nosh to pricier French inspirations. Gross is famous for his smoked truffle-infused filet mignon and roasted red bell pepper soup. If you’re on a budget, get here before 6 and enjoy a burger for just a few bucks. | Average main: $23 | Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Rd., #102, Camelback Corridor | 602/522–2344 | www.christophersaz.com | Happy hour daily 3–6.
Delux.
$$ | AMERICAN | Everything exudes “cool” in this hipster burger joint. Delux serves delicious salads, sushi, and burgers made with all-natural Harris Ranch beef—try the Delux Burger, with Maytag blue and Gruyère cheeses and caramelized onions. If you can’t decide what kind of brew to wash it all down with, no worries: order a flight of beers from their extensive bar. Open daily until 2 am, this is a great place to grab a late-night bite. Leave room for something cool and creamy at the Gelato Spot across the parking lot. | Average main: $13 | 3146 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/522–2288 | www.deluxburger.com | Reservations not accepted.
Greekfest.
$$ | GREEK | This informal but elegant restaurant serves what is indisputably the best Greek food in Phoenix. Search the menu’s two pages of appetizers for taramosalata (caviar blended with lemon and olive oil) and saganaki (cheese flamed with brandy and extinguished with a squirt of lemon). The moussaka (lamb casserole) is wonderful, and don’t forget dessert (try galaktoboureko, warm custard pie baked in phyllo). If all you seek is a sweet treat and some genuine Greek coffee, visit the adjoining Cafestia European dessert and coffeehouse. | Average main: $18 | 1940 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/265–2990 | www.thegreekfest.com | Closed Sun.
Fodor’s Choice | J&G Steakhouse.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | This is more than a steakhouse; it’s an experience. The menu changes seasonally, but if you’re lucky enough to be here when the sweet-corn ravioli is available, stop, order, and savor. The filet mignon is prepared to perfection, but you can spice it up with one of a half-dozen tableside sauces. If you just want a drink—or start your meal a little early—the bar has a fabulous view of the Valley. The wine list, which is more of a wine book, is one of the most extensive in town. | Average main: $42 | The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 480/214–8000 | www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com | No credit cards | No lunch.
Fodor’s Choice | La Grande Orange.
$ | AMERICAN | This San Francisco–inspired store and eatery sells artisanal nosh and novelty items, along with a formidable selection of wines. Valley residents flock to LGO, as they call it, to see and be seen, and to feast on mouthwatering sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and decadent breads and desserts. The small tables inside fill up quickly at breakfast and lunch, but there’s also seating on the patio. Try the Commuter Sandwich on a homemade English muffin, the open-faced Croque Madame, or the delicious French pancakes with a sweet Spanish latte. | Average main: $10 | 4410 N. 40th St., Camelback Corridor | 602/840–7777 | www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com | Reservations not accepted.
Fodor’s Choice | T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms.
$$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | One of the finest restaurants in the Valley, T. Cook’s oozes romance, from the floor-to-ceiling windows with dramatic views of Camelback Mountain to its 1930s-style Spanish-colonial architecture and decor. The menu is a foodie’s delight, featuring Mediterranean-inspired creations ranging from venison tartare and duck confit salad to antelope or Colorado lamb, all prepared with precision. The charcuterie plate is one of the best in town. | Average main: $37 | Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/808–0766 | www.royalpalmshotel.com | Reservations essential.
Tomaso’s.
$$$ | ITALIAN | In a town where restaurants come and go almost overnight, Tomaso’s has been a favorite since 1977, and for good reason. Chef Tomaso Maggiore learned to cook at the family’s restaurant in Palermo, Sicily, and honed his skills at the Culinary Institute of Rome. The result is authentic Italian cuisine that’s consistently well prepared and delicious. The lamb chop and filet duo is outstanding. Other notables include risotto and osso buco. Enjoy more casual fare next door at Tommy V’s. | Average main: $27 | 3225 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/956–0836 | www.tomasos.com | No lunch weekends.
Vincent on Camelback.
$$$$ | ECLECTIC | Chef Vincent Guerithault is best known for creating French food with a Southwestern touch. The menu changes daily, and it’s all delicious. You can make a meal of his famous appetizers, such as corn ravioli with white-truffle oil or macadamia-crusted scallops with basil beurre blanc. The dessert menu overflows with intoxicating soufflés. The multiroom interior is intimate and elegant, but the service can be gruff. The attached bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Saturday market held in the parking lot during cooler months is a favorite among locals. | Average main: $35 | 3930 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/224–0225 | www.vincentsoncamelback.com | No dinner Sun. | Reservations essential.
North Central Phoenix
North Central Phoenix offers an eclectic mix of authentic Mexican restaurants, fine French and Italian fare, and plenty of foodie-friendly places to drink wine and sample bruschetta.
Barrio Cafe.
$$ | MEXICAN | Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has taken Mexican cuisine to a new level. Expect guacamole made to order at your table and modern Mexican specialties such as cochinita pibil, 12-hour slow-roasted pork with red achiote and sour orange, and chiles en nogada, a delicious traditional dish from central Mexico featuring a spicy poblano pepper stuffed with fruit, chicken, and raisins. The flavor-packed food consistently draws packs of people, but you can drink in the intimate atmosphere—and a specialty margarita or agua fresca (fruit water)—at the bar while you wait for a table. | Average main: $20 | 2814 N. 16th St., North Central Phoenix | 602/636–0240 | www.barriocafe.com | Closed Mon. | Reservations not accepted.
Carolina’s Mexican Food.
$ | MEXICAN | This small, nondescript restaurant in north Phoenix makes the most delicious, thin-as-air flour tortillas imaginable. In-the-know locals have been lining up at Carolina’s for years to partake of the homey, inexpensive Mexican food, so it makes sense that she expanded from the original downtown location to let a little more of the Valley in on the action. The tacos, tamales, burritos, flautas, and enchiladas are served on paper plates. You can buy tortillas to take away, but good luck getting home with a full bag. There is also a branch in South Phoenix at 1202 East Mohave Street (the original location) and another in Peoria. | Average main: $4 | 2126 E. Cactus Rd. | Phoenix | 602/275–8231 | www.carolinasmexicanfood.com | Closed Sun.
Christo’s Ristorante.
$$ | ITALIAN | Don’t judge this book by its cover. Cozy and unassuming in a Phoenix strip mall, Christo’s keeps its tables filled with loyal customers who enjoy fine Italian cuisine. Attentive servers ensure that your water glass never empties, and folks rave about the fresh seafood dishes, the roasted rack of lamb, the veal, and the delicious pasta dishes. Start with the tasty, pan-fried calamari. Dinner’s main courses come with soup and salad. Before or after dinner, enjoy a cocktail in the piano bar or spend your evening snacking to the music from the bar menu. | Average main: $17 | 6327 N. 7th St., North Central Phoenix | 602/264–1784 | www.christos1.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Fodor’s Choice | Durant’s.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Durant’s has endured in the same location since 1950 with the same menu and waiters who’ve been on staff almost as long, making it one of Phoenix’s legendary eating establishments. Supreme steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, including lobster tail and oysters Rockefeller, dominate here; when the restaurant once tried to update its menu, regulars protested so furiously the idea was shelved. Durant’s is not à la carte, like many Valley steakhouses, which means their entrée prices include soup or salad and a side dish. Those in the know enter through the kitchen door and frequent the Rat Pack–style bar for jumbo martinis fit for ol’ Blue Eyes himself. | Average main: $39 | 2611 N. Central Ave., at Virginia, North Central Phoenix | 602/264–5967 | www.durantsaz.com | No lunch weekends.
Fry Bread House.
$ | SOUTHWESTERN | Indian fry bread, a specialty of Native American culture, is a delicious treat—pillows of deep-fried dough topped with sweet or savory toppings and folded in half. Choose from culture-crossing combinations like savory shredded chili beef with cheese, beans, green chiles, veggies, and sour cream, or try the sweeter synthesis of honey and sugar or chocolate with butter. | Average main: $7 | 1003 E. Indian School Rd., North Central Phoenix | 602/351–2345 | Closed Sun.
Honey Bear’s BBQ.
$ | SOUTHERN | Honey Bear’s motto—”You don’t need no teeth to eat our meat”—may fall short on grammar, but this place isn’t packed with folks looking to improve their language skills. In 1986, childhood friends Mark Smith and Gary Clark expanded from a catering business to their first wildly successful Honey Bear’s restaurant. This is Tennessee-style barbecue, which means smoky baby back ribs basted in a tangy sauce. The sausage-enhanced “cowbro” beans and scallion-studded potato salad are great sides, and, teeth or no teeth, finishing off with a no-frills but tasty piece of sweet-potato pie will put a smile on your face. | Average main: $12 | 2824 N. Central Ave., North Central Phoenix | 602/702–3060 | www.honeybearsbbq.com | Reservations not accepted.
Fodor’s Choice | Pane Bianco.
$$ | ITALIAN | Chef-owner Chris Bianco spends his afternoons creating to-die-for sandwiches and his evenings serving his trademark pizza and pasta dishes. Order at the counter and pick up your brown-bagged meal, or stay for dinner and enjoy a meatball hero, lasagna, or one of Bianco’s fabulous pizzas—the Wiseguy (onion, mozzarella, fennel, and sausage) is a favorite. | Average main: $14 | 4404 N. Central Ave., North Central Phoenix | 602/234–2100 | www.pizzeriabianco.com | No dinner Sun.
Fodor’s Choice | Pepe’s Taco Villa.
$ | MEXICAN | The neighborhood’s not fancy, and neither is this restaurant, but in a town with a lot of gringo-ized south-of-the-border fare, this is the real friendly, real deal. Tacos rancheros—spicy, shredded pork pungently lathered with adobo paste—are a dream, as are the green-corn tamales and Monterrey tacos filled with imported machacado (air-dried beef). The chiles rellenos may be the best in the state. All are perfect with a margarita from the full bar. Don’t leave without trying the sensational mole, a rich sauce fashioned from chiles and chocolate. | Average main: $9 | 2108 W. Camelback Rd., North Central Phoenix | 602/242–0379 | www.pepestacovilla.com | No dinner Sun.
Phoenix City Grille.
$$$ | AMERICAN | If you’ve never tasted a green chile properly prepared, head to Phoenix City Grille. From burgers to pasta, all of the quintessentially American fare served here is infused with a hint of the Southwest. For dinner, the pot roast can’t be beat. If brunch is more your thing, try the griddled corn cakes with bacon—the green chiles give them just a bit of kick. | Average main: $22 | 5816 N. 16th St., North Central Phoenix | 602/266–3001 | www.phoenixcitygrille.com | No credit cards.
Fodor’s Choice | Richardson’s Cuisine of New Mexico.
$$$ | SOUTHWESTERN | Richardson’s lures back locals with heat-filled dishes that test the limits of your palate—but not in a threatening way. This is fine New Mexican cuisine, which means everything (including heat and quality) is ratcheted up about three notches. The beef-tenderloin chile relleno is the star of the menu, which incorporates New Mexican hatch chiles in just about every dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, order a platter or a combination. You won’t be disappointed. | Average main: $28 | 6335 N. 16th St., North Central Phoenix | 602/287–8900 | richardsonsnm.com | No credit cards | Reservations essential.
Via Delosantos.
$$ | MEXICAN | The family-owned restaurant looks a little rough around the edges outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts—an accommodating staff, an enormous and authentic Mexican menu, and one of the best-tasting and best-priced house margaritas in town. Entrées are ample and include more than just tired combinations of beef, beans, and cheese. Try the fajitas calabacitas with a yellow- and green-squash succotash, or the delicious chicken delosantos, a cheesy chicken breast and tortilla concoction.You’ll wait on weekends, either at the bar or outside, but the experience will be worth it. | Average main: $13 | 9120 N. Central Ave., North Phoenix | 602/997–6239 | www.viadelosantos.net.
Paradise Valley
One of the smallest communities in the Valley of the Sun, Paradise Valley is known to locals as one of the premier places to live. For visitors, it’s equally luxurious. Many of the area’s finest resorts and restaurants are located here.
BLT Steak Scottsdale.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Chef Laurent Tourondel’s mini-empire includes this stylish dining room at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. A knowledgeable waitstaff offer suggestions for pairing sizzling steaks with sauces (including red wine and mustard), picking sides (including stuffed mushroom caps and poached green beans), and deciding on a potato dish (a favorite: Parmesan gnocchi). Everything goes well with Gruyère popovers, which are likely to disappear from your plate within seconds (they’ll bring you more if you ask). Choose from inspired desserts with deceptively modest names such as bittersweet chocolate tart. | Average main: $49 | JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley | 480/905–7979 | www.bltscottsdale.com | No lunch.
elements.
$$$$ | ECLECTIC | Perched on the side of Camelback Mountain at the Sanctuary resort, this stylish modern restaurant offers breathtaking desert-sunset and city-light views. They’re the perfect complement to the culinary delights that fuse hearty American traditions and Asian flavors. Order such Asian-infused appetizers as the oysters Rockefeller with Chinese sausage, kimchi bacon and brussels sprout hash, and rock shrimp pot stickers. Seasonal specials and entrées are excellent; among the best is the bacon-wrapped filet with trumpet mushrooms and a balsamic chile glaze. | Average main: $37 | Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, 5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley | 480/948–2100 | www.elementsrestaurant.com | Reservations essential.
Lon’s at the Hermosa.
$$$$ | AMERICAN | In an adobe hacienda hand-built by cowboy artist Lon Megargee, this romantic spot has sweeping vistas of Camelback Mountain and the perfect patio for after-dinner drinks under the stars. Megargee’s art and cowboy memorabilia decorate the dining room. The menu changes seasonally and includes appetizers like salt-seared ahi tuna and foie gras. Wood-grilled Kobe New York strip steak and more exotic dishes like roasted duck breast with duck confit and gnocchi are main-course options. Phoenicians love the weekend brunch. | Average main: $36 | Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Dr., Paradise Valley | 602/955–7878 | www.hermosainn.com/lons.
South Phoenix
Just a few minutes from downtown Phoenix, South Phoenix includes one of the most heralded Mexican restaurants in Los Dos Molinos.
Los Dos Molinos.
$$ | MEXICAN | This fun restaurant is a must-do dining experience if you want true New Mexican–style food. New Mexico chiles form the backbone and fiery breath of the dishes, and the green-chile enchilada and beef taco are potentially lethal. The red salsa and enchiladas with egg on top are excellent, as is the popular shrimp Veracruz with red chile sauce. Don’t even bother asking for your dish to be prepared mild; there’s no such thing at “Los Dos,” and that’s part of the fun. There are other locations across the Valley, but this, set in a hacienda that belonged to silent-era movie star Tom Mix, is considered the original. | Average main: $13 | 8646 S. Central Ave., South Phoenix | 602/243–9113 | www.losdosmolinosphoenix.com | Closed Sun. and Mon.
Best Chain Restaurants in Phoenix
Here are the most popular reliable chain restaurants, particularly for large groups (and large portions):
Arriba Mexican Grill. This extremely colorful Mexican restaurant has six locations in the area. Upon being seated, you’ll receive a basket of chips with salsa and bean dip, arguably the best in the Valley. The tourist- and kid-friendly menu features a photo of every item, so no need to worry about understanding the difference between a flauta or an enchilada. Try the sizzling fajitas and, if you’re in for a dare, the spicy White Sands chicken. When in doubt, order a combination of items listed on the back of the menu. | www.arribamexicangrill.com.
Buca di Beppo. This Italian chain prides itself on large portions. The family-style menu is filled with traditional favorites such as lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, and chicken parmesan. Smaller groups can ask to sit in the chef’s booth in the kitchen. Before ordering, ask your server for guidance on how much your table needs. Without fail, you’ll over-order. | www.bucadibeppo.com.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. This national chain is famous for exceptional service, quality steaks, and its great wine list. Its four Valley locations are beloved by businessfolks and romantic couples alike. The housemade burrata is sized for sharing, but you won’t want to, unless you’re opting for the 16-ounce dry-aged prime ribeye. | www.flemingssteakhouse.com.
Nello’s. Leave it to two brothers from Chicago to come up with the motto “In Crust We Trust.” Nello’s excels in both thin-crust and deep-dish pies. Try traditional varieties heaped with homemade sausage and mushrooms, or go vegetarian with the spinach pie. Pasta entrées are very good, too, and the family-style salads are inventive and fresh. | www.nellosscottsdale.com.
Oregano’s. Huge portions are an understatement at this casual Chicago-themed eatery. Come hungry and feast on tasty baked sandwiches, pizza (deep-dish, thin-crust, or stuffed), and pasta dishes. The young, friendly staff and kitschy 1950s decor create a fun and comfortable, family-friendly vibe at all nine locations. | www.oreganos.com.
Zoë’s Kitchen. Cool, clean, fast, inexpensive, and nutritious, this national chain is great for a light but filling Greek-inspired meal. Each location is uniform in its bright cafeteria-like setting, where you order and then sit. Try the Greek chicken pita, Greek salad, and coleslaw with feta cheese. | www.zoeskitchen.com.
Scottsdale
Chez Vous.
$ | BISTRO | An authentic French crêperie tucked into a Scottsdale shopping center, Chez Vous transports just enough Paris to make diners say “merci” instead of “thank you” throughout the meal. Owners Richard and Isabelle Horvath make and serve the food, and their accents are undeniably legit. Crêpes, clearly, are the specialty—the savory crêpe with roast chicken, apples, and Brie is the most popular—but daily specials like quiche Lorraine are just as delightful. Desserts are a must, whether in the form of a crêpe or a specialty tarte. | Average main: $10 | 8787 N. Scottsdale Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/433–2575 | www.chezvous-az.com | No credit cards | Closed Mon. | Reservations not accepted.
Rancho Pinot.
$$$ | ECLECTIC | The attention to quality here makes this one of the town’s most lauded dining spots. The minimalist cowboy decor and almost secret-handshake location are forgotten upon the first bite of food and replaced with taste-bud heaven. The inventive menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a crack at the flatiron steak with pancetta and chimichurri sauce, the handmade pasta with fennel and chicken meatballs, or chicken with toasted polenta. Organic and locally grown and raised ingredients are used whenever possible, which is just another reason why you’ll want to return. | Average main: $24 | 6208 N. Scottsdale Rd., northwest of Trader Joe’s in Lincoln Village Shops | Scottsdale | 480/367–8030 | www.ranchopinot.com | Closed Sun. and 1st 2 wks of July. No lunch.
North Scottsdale
Away from the bustle of Old Town and the city center, North Scottsdale is a haven for hikers and adventure seekers as well as those who value luxury. It’s home to some of the area’s finest restaurants and, unsurprisingly, the priciest real estate around.
Fodor’s Choice | Bourbon Steak.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | This upscale steak restaurant run by top-rated chef Michael Mina lives up to the royal reputation of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Its severe but stunning stone-and-glass entrance lets people know they are in for something serious—seriously good. Its modern elegance is as sumptuous to the eyes as the food is to the palate. Select from American-grade or Japanese Kobe beef, but be prepared for steep prices. Even the fries are luxurious here. If you’re on a budget, head to the adjacent burger bar—you won’t be disappointed. | Average main: $59 | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Dr., North Scottsdale | 480/585–4848 | www.scottsdaleprincess.com/dining/bourbon-steak | No lunch | Reservations essential.
Deseo.
$$$ | LATIN AMERICAN | Tucked away in the Westin Kierland Resort, this gem, designed and inspired by Douglas Rodriguez, the founder of Nuevo Latino cuisine, serves the best ceviche in town. Start with the muddle bar, where you can sip an assortment of creative mojitos that go beyond a hint of mint. The menu changes seasonally, and if fish isn’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Kobe beef flatbread or the skirt steak. | Average main: $28 | Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., North Scottsdale | 480/624–1202 | www.kierlandresort.com | No credit cards | No lunch.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.
$$$$ | SEAFOOD | Specializing in fresh seafood done right (try the Hong Kong–style Chilean sea bass or the citrus-sautéed scallops), grilled meats, and fine wines, Eddie V’s is great for fine dining. With its inviting bar and lounge area and succulent appetizers like kung pao–style calamari and a variety of fresh oysters, it’s also enormously popular (and slightly more affordable) as a happy-hour spot. | Average main: $34 | Scottsdale Quarter, 15323 N. Scottsdale Rd., North Scottsdale | 480/730–4800 | www.eddiev.com | No lunch.
Havana Café.
$$$ | CUBAN | Tapas are marvelous at this cozy Cuban-style cantina. While sampling authentic Cuban creations like shrimp pancakes, ham and chicken croquettes, Cuban tamales, and paella heaped with a whole Maine lobster, diners can shed the stresses of an arid metropolis. New Puerto Rican menu items include stuffed green plantains and plantains with pork cracklings. There’s something special for vegetarians, too: cho cho, a fresh chayote squash stuffed with loads of veggies and topped with a Jamaican curry sauce, and rice with pigeon peas. | Average main: $23 | 6245 E. Bell Rd., North Scottsdale | 480/991–1496 | www.havanacafe-az.com | No lunch Sun.
Old Town
One of the most pedestrian-friendly areas of the Valley, Old Town Scottsdale is great for travelers. Stroll by (or through) art galleries and souvenir shops, saddle up to a bar, or feast on some of the area’s most beloved cuisine.
Citizen Public House.
$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | With its hip Scottsdale address, central see-and-be-seen bar, and—most important—its menu of modern twists on traditional favorites, this place is the epitome of “cool.” While the entrées are finger-licking good—most notably the buttermilk chicken with corn–butter bean succotash—you can enjoy one of the best meals of your life by simply ordering a series of appetizers to share. Don’t-miss items include the pork belly spätzle and the mac ‘n’ cheese with gorgonzola and emmental. If you’re looking for a taste of Phoenix culinary history, order the “original” chopped salad and have your server explain all the elements as it’s tossed tableside. | Average main: $23 | 711 E. 5th Ave., Old Town | 480/398–4208 | www.citizenpublichouse.com | No credit cards | No lunch | Reservations essential.
Don & Charlie’s.
$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Attention, sports fans! This hangout is a favorite with major-leaguers in town for spring training, college football Bowl games, or the Super Bowl. A venerable chophouse, D&C specializes in “American comforts” with prime-grade steak and sports memorabilia—the walls are covered with pictures, autographs, and uniforms. The spacious and Cheers-like interior; friendly staff; and New York sirloin, prime rib, and double-thick lamb chops are a hit. Sides include au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. | Average main: $30 | 7501 E. Camelback Rd., Old Town | 480/990–0900 | www.donandcharlies.com | No lunch.
Malee’s Thai Bistro.
$$ | THAI | This cozy but fashionable eatery in the heart of Scottsdale’s Main Street Arts District serves sophisticated, Thai-inspired fare. Try the crispy pla: flash-fried whitefish fillets with fresh cilantro and sweet jalapeño garlic sauce. The vegetarian Arizona heatwave red curry is a must, along with made-to-order curries with tofu, chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. You specify the spiciness—from mild to flaming—but even “mild” dishes have a bite. | Average main: $15 | 7131 E. Main St., Old Town | 480/947–6042 | www.maleesthaibistro.com.
The Mission.
$$$ | SOUTHWESTERN | The food will take your taste buds to new levels at this dark and sophisticated space adjacent to a historic Catholic mission. Sit at the elegant bar or fireside on the patio, and enjoy an avocado margarita with supreme starters or sides like guacamole made tableside; Mission fries with lemon, chile, and cumin; or grits with chipotle and honey. House favorites include the pecan-and-mesquite-grilled pork shoulder and the homemade chorizo porchetta. The weekend brunch menu alone could keep this place afloat. | Average main: $24 | 3815 N. Brown Ave., Old Town | 480/636–5005 | www.themissionaz.com | Reservations essential.
Olive & Ivy.
$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Tucked into the south side of the high-traffic, high-priced Scottsdale waterfront complex, Olive & Ivy is a pleasant surprise. By day the light comes from the wall of windows that look out onto the ample patio with cozy couches and fire pits. By night the giant space becomes intimate with dim, designer lighting. A full dinner menu, featuring a mix of fish and meat creations with Italian and Mediterranean twists like veal and spinach ravioli, is available, but the delicious variety of appetizers, like bacon-wrapped dates, beet salad with goat-cheese and pistachio, and flatbreads make for a good meal. Wash them down with something from their ample wine list or one of their unique signature cocktails. | Average main: $21 | 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 195, Old Town | 480/751–2200 | oliveandivyrestaurant.com | Reservations essential.
Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor.
$ | This iconic Scottsdale destination transports you back in time to a 1950s malt shop, complete with great burgers and lots of yummy ice-cream confections. | Average main: $8 | 4005 N. Scottsdale Rd., Old Town | 480/946–0051 | www.sugarbowlscottsdale.com | No credit cards.
Sushi Roku.
$$$$ | SUSHI | It’s hard to decide which is more entertaining at this hub of Scottsdale nightlife: sitting at the sushi bar and watching works of edible art get prepared, or relaxing in a booth and watching relationships bloom among the young and beautiful dining crowd. This is see-and-be-seen dining, but it’s also one of the best places to enjoy sushi. The katana roll, spicy tuna with shrimp tempura topped by tuna and yellowtail, is among the most popular items. The filet-wrapped asparagus is a delight. As the only restaurant inside the W Scottsdale, this is also where hotel guests enjoy breakfast and dinner. | Average main: $31 | W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Rd., Old Town | 480/970–2121 | www.wscottsdale.com/sushi-roku-scottsdale-restaurant | No credit cards.
Tempe and Nearby
Chandler
One of the suburbs of the East Valley, Chandler is home to the annual Ostrich Festival and several fine restaurants.
Fodor’s Choice | Kai.
$$$$ | SOUTHWESTERN | Innovative Southwestern cuisine at the prestigious Kai (“seed” in the Pima language) uses indigenous ingredients from local tribal farms. The seasonal menu reflects the restaurant’s natural setting on the Gila River Indian Community. Standout appetizers include a duo of Hudson Valley duck and citrus-and-chile-glazed sea trout. Entrées like loin of pecan-crusted Colorado lamb and the Cheyenne River buffalo tenderloin are excellent. Try to dine at sunset; the restaurant has huge windows that showcase gorgeous mountain and desert views. | Average main: $49 | Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. | Chandler | 602/225–0100 | www.wildhorsepassresort.com/kai | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch | Reservations essential.
Tempe
Home to Arizona State University, Tempe is synonymous with college energy. Mill Avenue is a hub of clubs, movie theaters, and restaurants.
Curry Corner.
$ | INDIAN | In the shadow of Arizona State University, Curry Corner serves some of the best Indian food in town. The naan is plentiful at this mom-and-pop eatery, and the chicken tikka masala is the house specialty. Don’t worry if the spice gets to you—there are pitchers of water nearby to cool your palate. | Average main: $9 | 1212 E. Apache Blvd. | Tempe | 480/894–1276 | No credit cards.
Haji Baba.
$ | MIDDLE EASTERN | This casual treasure is a hole-in-the-wall Middle Eastern favorite that gets consistent rave reviews. The reasonably priced menu includes hummus, lebni (fresh cheese made from yogurt), fabulous falafel gyros, shawarma, and kebab plates, all served by a friendly and efficient staff. The adjoining store stocks an ample selection of imported Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, and European foods, including delicious cured olives, fava beans, grape leaves, chocolate-covered halvah bars, rose water, and countless other hard-to-find specialties. | Average main: $9 | 1513 E. Apache Blvd. | Tempe | 480/894–1905 | No dinner Sun. | Reservations not accepted.
Fodor’s Choice | House of Tricks.
$$$$ | ECLECTIC | There’s nothing up the sleeves of Robert and Robin Trick, who work magic on the ever-changing eclectic menu that emphasizes the freshest ingredients in entrées like grilled Scottish salmon with smoked-corn succotash. One of the Valley’s most unusual dining venues, the restaurant encompasses a completely charming 1920s home and a separate brick-and-adobe-style house originally built in 1903, adjoined by an intimate wooden deck and outdoor patio shaded by a canopy of grapevines and trees. | Average main: $31 | 114 E. 7th St. | Tempe | 480/968–1114 | www.houseoftricks.com | Closed Sun.