Best Slider Monkfish Slider at Hana Japanese
Use your teeth to slide this delicacy off the lemon slice for an eye-popping display of flavor. It starts with a disc of steamed and chilled ankimo (monkfish liver) splashed with sesame oil. The creamy ankimo, sometimes called “the foie gras of the sea,” is topped with a fried quail egg, scallion, daikon, strips of nori (toasted seaweed) and a touch of spice from Sriracha. Utterly delicious. $12.95 for two. 5524 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-973-1238,
hanajapaneseeatery.com
Best Locavore RestaurantQuiessence
Quiessence’s essence is its location on a working farm – it doesn’t get more locavor-icious than looking out the window to see where your dinner was grown. Chef Greg LaPrad’s daily changing menu is a love sonnet to what’s local and in season, showcasing fruits and vegetables from the Valley’s best farmers, presented with minimal fuss to highlight the fresh flavors. Local pork figures prominently in the rustic charcuterie LaPrad so skillfully crafts. Even the wine list skews to Arizona grapes. 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602-276-0601,
quiessencerestaurant.com
Best Modern Gastronomy Binkley’s
There’s more to Kevin Binkley than culinary mad science – he’s just as likely to boggle your senses with whimsical plate designs – but in some form or fashion, dusts, foams, balms and spherical flavor dots made out of everything from apples to zucchini end up wowing diners nightly. Pairing modern gastronomy techniques with classic dishes is Binkley’s forte, resulting in mind-blowing dishes such as luxurious sea urchin risotto garnished with wasabi foam. 6920 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-437-1072,
binkleysrestaurant.com
Best Unfathomably Good Seafood Experience ShinBay
Although pristine nigiri represents a small section of the menu, this 2012 James Beard Best New Restaurant semifinalist is emphatically not a sushi restaurant. It is an elegant sanctuary of exquisite Japanese cuisine almost exclusively focused on fruits of the sea. Chef Shinji Kurita is obsessive about quality, often limiting the number of guests to well below the 30-seat capacity, so reservations are a must, as is a good chunk of change. The by-reservation-only chef’s tasting menu starts at $100. 7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-664-0180,
shinbay.com
Best Date-Night Restaurant Crudo
You’ve scored the perfect date; now you need the perfect place. Secluded location? Check. Flattering lighting, cozy seating and background music that’s truly in the background? Check. Interesting bubbly? Check. Gracious, unobtrusive service? Double check. So many factors point to Crudo as the quintessential date spot, but topping the list is the reasonably priced, spectacular modern American cuisine with passionate Italian sensibilities. 3603 E. ?Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-358-8666,
crudoaz.com
Best Iced Coffee Astor House
The three-foot contraption behind the counter is eye-catching, and the dark liquid it produces ($3) is utterly smooth and delicious. The Japanese cold-drip process starts with ice water dripping into a ceramic filter loaded with ROC2 coffee from Roastery of Cave Creek. With only 45 to 60 drops per minute, it takes nearly 8 hours to make a gallon of chilled coffee. Check out Astor’s new sister restaurant, Vovomeena, for a flight of cold brews from five Japanese cold drip systems. 2243 N. 12th St., Phoenix, 602-687-9775,
astorinphx.com
Best Italian Beef Chicago’s Taylor Street
You’ll stumble upon quality Italian beef on practically any Chicago street corner, but sussing out the soul-satisfying sandwich in Phoenix proves a chore. Look no further than this Tempe storefront. Garlic- and oregano-seasoned beef is slow roasted, shaved thin and generously stuffed into a soft roll ($5). Order it “hot” with spicy peppers or “sweet” with sautéed green peppers and “dipped” in cooking broth. 914 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, 480-967-8257,
chicagostaylorstreet.com
Best Arancini North Fattoria Italiana
Arancini is a way to use up leftover risotto in Sicilian households, but for Chef Chris Curtiss, arancini is a first-run event. Crispy arborio rice is blended with grana padano cheese, formed into balls and stuffed with scamorza cheese. Rolled in breadcrumbs and fried, these cheesy orbs hold court on a bed of fennel-, oregano- and garlic-flavored tomato sauce, garnished with grated pecorino ($9). 4925 N. 40th St., Phoenix, 602-324-5600,
foxrc.com
Best Cocktails Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
Old school, new school, even beer-based – no cocktail tradition is left unturned at this CityScape upstart, which features about two dozen libations presented in a leather-bound manual. You’ll find 11 classics, plus intriguing concoctions that showcase small batch liquors, like the Golden Gate Ecstasy, made with Rittenhouse whiskey, Fernet Branca, Cynar liqueur and celery bitters. Cheers! 2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-258-0231,
bluehoundkitchen.com
Best Bar Food Citizen Public House
Chef Bernie Kantak’s clever bar snacks (hello, bacon fat heirloom popcorn) are worthy accompaniments to rock star Richie Moe’s cocktails, including a handful of barrel-aged beauties, but when you belly up to the beckoning bar, the entire menu is at your disposal, from pork belly pastrami to expertly seared scallops to Amaro-splashed meatloaf. And CPH is serious about pairing its food with cocktails or craft beer. 7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-398-4208,
citizenpublichouse.com
Best Native Arizona CocktailTequila Sunrise at the Arizona Biltmore
Concocted by employee Gene Sulit in the 1930s or 1940s, the Biltmore’s signature drink corrals the best parts of Arizona weather into one refreshing cocktail. It’s as cool and sweet as a Creamsicle on a hot summer day, and has a beautiful color gradation that mimics the hues of our famed sunrises. The modern Tequila Sunrise veers a bit from the original – there’s a tropical blend and an OJ-spiked version, in addition to the classic black currant recipe – but that just means two more ways to find bliss in a glass before dawn. 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-955-6600,
arizonabiltmore.com
Best Crêpes Crêpe Bar
After leading the Valley’s food truck revolution and garnering national attention, Jeff Kraus parked his Truckin’ Good Food truck to focus on a brick-and-mortar storefront, Crêpe Bar. The expanded menu of savory and sweet crêpes includes a breakfast “burrito” crêpe and the original favorite, Papa K, with local ham and mushroom ragoût. 7520 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, 480-247-8012,
crepe-bar.com
Best Marriage of Sausage and Bread LAMP Wood Oven Pizzeria Mignulata
Man cannot live on bread alone – but bread and sausage is a different story, especially if it’s LAMP’s mignulata. Matt Pilato makes this Sicilian specialty by rolling cauliflower florets, onions, pecorino and local DeFalco’s Italian sausage into his flavorful pizza dough. The loaf gets an egg wash and is slow-baked until golden brown. Sliced thick and served warm, it’s the staff of (the good) life. 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, 480-292-8773,
lamppizza.com
Best Apple PancakeOak’s Diner & Flapjacks
Hash browns? Scrambled eggs? Bacon? The titanic apple pancake at Oak’s disdains to share its plate with any of the above. Indeed, there’s no room for anything other than the sprawling, gloriously aromatic masterpiece served at this bustling breakfast joint in the heart of Cave Creek. But one mouthful of this crunchy, chewy, cinnamon-and-apple-packed wonder will convince you that it needs no supporting cast: Even syrup would be gratuitous. 6219 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-488-5704
Best Biscuits & Gravy Windsor
When a kitchen gets both the biscuit and the gravy?right (a feat apparently tougher than it seems), you ?can hear angels sing. Hum along while you slide a fork through the buttermilk cheddar biscuit smothered in peppery, herbed gravy, topped with over-easy eggs and served with flavor-bursting Schreiner’s Italian sausage. The gravy is so heavenly because onions are sautéed in bacon and sausage fat, and the milk is steeped with fistfuls of herbs ($9.75). 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-1111,
windsoraz.com
Best Mac `n' Cheese Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
A hamburger joint serves up three varieties of crazy-good mac and cheese? Who knew? The “Staple” is a blend of American, pepper jack and provolone, tossed with bell-shaped campanelle pasta that grabs and holds onto the creamy cheese, huddled beneath a blanket of buttery, toasted bread crumbs. “Buddha’s delight” builds on the basic with gruyère, broccoli and juicy grilled chicken, while the “hot and smoky” ups the ante with bacon and jalapeños. 20831 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-513-2747,
cbsquaredusa.com
Best Grilled Cheese Wedge & Bottle
The handful of gourmet melted cheese sandwiches this cheese and charcuterie boutique/gourmet market griddles are not your mother’s grilled cheese. Consider the No. 1, a tangy, sweet melt of Asiago, salty prosciutto, fig jam and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on marbled rye, or the No. 4, a twist on caprese with red onion confit on focaccia. Even the “just grilled cheese” is no slouch with Barber’s English farmhouse cheddar and Gouda on sourdough. 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-704-1255,
wedgebottle.com
Best Place to Quote CaddyshackThe Caddyshack Grill, Rolling Hills Golf Course
“I want a hamburger… no, a cheeseburger. I want a hot dog, I want a milkshake, I want…” The waitresses at this pleasant diner at Rolling Hills may stare at you blankly as you quote Spalding from the 1980 low-comedy classic, but they won’t reply, as Ted Knight did, “You’ll get nothing and like it!” You’ll definitely want something from the tasty, unpretentious menu to enjoy along with the fine view of the (hopefully) gopher-free golf course. 1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-829-9169
Best Place to Feel Like You're Back EastVilla Deli
The cheery, if politically incorrect, mug of Cleveland’s Chief Wahoo grins down at you from the wall as you order one of Villa Deli’s Italian loaves, or a few of the “smiley rolls,” or some Genoa salami or imported provolone, or maybe the knockout eggplant parmesan. At the other tables, you’ll see your fellow snowbirds and Rust Belt refugees, seeking a taste of home without the blizzards. You’ll find it here. 15610 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix, 602-938-8074
Best Indian BuffetIndia Grill
Dining at an ethnic buffet invites the same pro-con bargaining as eating Third World street food: variety and adventure vs. occasional gastronomic distress. India Grill, on the other hand, is a standby for high quality and tummy-friendly northern Indian dishes such as saag paneer, goat curry and chicken in a rich butter sauce you can mop up with complimentary naan. Unlike most Indian eateries, this Tempe fave offers both a lunch buffet and an $11.99 dinner buffet, where you can score tandoori chicken delivered to your table. 325 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, 480-813-4443,
indiagrillaz.com
Best PastriesPanini Bakery & Cafe
Don’t be fooled by the Italian word “panini” – this Bosnian-owned cafe dishes distinctly Eastern European fare like deliciously dense baklava; ledene kocke, a syrupy sponge cake; and oblande, a Serbian no-bake wafer dessert with chilled fillings of chocolate and hazelnut. Börek (fried phyllo dough sprinkled with sesame seeds and stuffed with cheese, meat or veggies) almost makes a meal, and keks torta, a “biscuit cake” made with coffee, vanilla sugar, and dark chocolate combines your cuppa Joe and pastry in one sweet fell swoop. 1255 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, 602-943-4276
Best TapasSoChu House
We love Spanish tapas as much as the next Madrileño, but Johnny Chu’s hugely flavorful small-plate creations are enough to convert us to the Asian persuasion. If you miss Chu’s firecracker-flavorful bites at now-closed Sens, visit this midtown reincarnation. For the full experience, order a smattering of selections like spicy chicken lollipops, flash-fried Asian five-spice quail, and I-can’t-believe-it’s-soy-flavorful sochu tofu with duel dipping sauces. Wash them down with a Lust Martini. 2801 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-340-9777,
sensake.com
Best Vegan DessertsNami
Non-vegans aren’t likely to lament the lack of egg and milk in Nami’s “tSoynami” soft-serve treats – the organic, soy-based concoctions are crazy-delicious. Myriad mix-in options include the P.B. ‘n’ Chocolate and Vegan Ts’mores. Nami also caters to vegan coffee needs with cow-free creamers like hazelnut and coconut milk, and gluten-free chocolate donuts, oatmeal cream pies and lavender chai cookies. Nary a pat of butter between them. 2014 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-258-6264,
tsoynami.com
Best Freaky Food Monsterland Bar & Grill
Owner Kevin Wynn’s horror-flick-inspired haunted house concept has found new life as a restaurant and nightspot. Costumed servers dish up pun-forward staples like Green Slime Soup, and Stake and Spinach Salad. On weekend nights, trance DJs and live bands whip children of the night into a fiendish frenzy. 18 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-461-3300,
monsterland.com
Best Whiskey SelectionSeamus McCaffrey’s
Whether you’re talking Irish whiskey or Scotch whisky, Seamus is your man. This pub boasts Arizona’s largest selection of Scotch, and a menu that tantalizingly describes the flavor profiles of the 50-plus whiskies. We like the Glenmorangie 12-year aged in port barrels for a chocolate-cherry finish. 18 W. Monroe St., Phoenix, 602-253-6081,
seamusmccaffreys.com
Best PatiosHouse at Secret Garden
As charming as the interior of this old Spanish mansion is, it’s hard to beat the spacious flagstone patio, nestled between a rustic barn and the blooming, manicured grounds. Umbrellas shade at lunch, and a fireplace adds ambiance at night. The kitchen keeps palates amused with American comfort food, like shrimp and grits and handmade pappardelle with wild boar sausage. 2501 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, 602-243-8539,
houseatsecretgarden.comWindsor
Thanks to plaid chairs and wooden tables, these 30-something outdoor seats seem like a comfortable extension of the contemporary dining room. Visually striking with a mix of brick, concrete blocks and weathered wood, the hip patio is dotted with desert plants, protected from the elements by a slat roof draped with string lights and buffered from the parking lot by a wooden half-wall. 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-279-1111,
windsoraz.comCibo
Walk up the sidewalk of this historic Downtown bungalow and it feels as if you’ve arrived at a lawn party thrown in your honor. Surrounded by shade trees, bushes and hedges awash in twinkling lights, the patio is enchanted – a picture-perfect spot to share pizzas made with local produce and primo imported Italian products. On weekends, live music adds more magic. 603 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix, 602-441-2697,
cibophoenix.com
Best Gluten-Free SpotsGluten-Free Creations
Some gluten-free loaves are so dense and heavy they could double as a bowling ball. Not so at this bread-winner, which churns out miraculously light loaves, bagels, donuts, desserts, cakes, pizza crusts, and more. Looking for gluten-free bread crumbs for Thanksgiving stuffing? Want a wheat-free wedding? They’ve got your back. 7607 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, 480-990-2253,
glutenfreecreations.comPicazzo’s
Celiac sufferers, suffer no more. Pasta and pizza are back on the menu. Nearly every item on Picazzo’s extensive menu has a gluten-free alternative, thanks to quinoa-based pasta and rice flour pizza crust. Even appetizers like baked chicken wings and dessert like an Italian olive oil cake are gluten-free. Multiple locations,
picazzos.comLuci’s Healthy
Marketplace
This neighborhood coffee shop, restaurant and grocery store has catered to Valley health junkies for years. Their menu includes gluten-free breads and sandwich wraps, plus gluten-free versions of dishes like “Funky Monkey” French toast, lox and bagel, waffles and flapjacks. 1590 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, 602-773-1339,
lucishealthymarketplace.com
Best Breakfast/BrunchWest ValleyAmuse Bouche
Bring champagne for mimosas to this adorable BYOB and start with New Orleans-style beignets. From there, wrap your lips around eggs Benedict draped in luscious hollandaise or slide a fork into the lightest, most crisp Belgian waffle you’ll ever taste. Weekends only. 17058 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, 623-322-8881,
amusebouche.bizEast ValleyDim Sum at
Phoenix Palace
Weekends buzz with energy as families and friends gather to pass bamboo baskets and platters filled with steamed dumplings, snowy pork buns and garlicky Chinese broccoli, but this delectable dim sum is available every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2075 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, 480-855-4047,
phoenixpalacerestaurant.comScottsdaleCafé Monarch
The prix fixe ($20, cash only) Sunday brunch at this quirky culinary Shangri-La features dazzling plates of red chile pork with polenta, cardamom-scented French toast, or almond strata with Italian sausage.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 6934 E. First Ave., Scottsdale, 480-970-7682,
facebook.com/pages/CAFE-MONARCH/305334640321PhoenixGallo Blanco
Doug Robson’s redefined, fresh Mexican menu tempts with saucy chilaquiles verdes, belly-filling huevos rancheros, and rich, sweet cajeta crepas. Along with the killer Bloody Marys, these vibrant breakfast items are served all day. 401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix, 602-327-0880,
galloblancocafe.com
Best PizzaScottsdaleLAMP Wood Oven Pizzeria
A fire-engine-red wood oven cranks out perfect pies – a little charred, a little chewy and bursting with flavor. Served red or white, LAMP’S 17 Neapolitan pizzas range from purist mozz/tomato/basil to in-your-face briny olive/caper/anchovy. $9-$16. 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, 480-292-8773,
lamppizza.comEast ValleyClassic Italian Pizza
Talk about a “divine ratio”: the balance between the house-made sauce, mozzarella and toppings is always heavenly on the thin-crisp pizzas that slide out of the wood-burning oven in this cozy strip-mall storefront. $10.95-$17.95. 1030 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe, 480-345-8681,
classicitalianpizza.comPhoenixPizzeria Bianco
Still the gold standard after all these years (and countless accolades), Chris Bianco’s mecca of pie beckons pilgrims with by-now-familiar favorites like Sonny Boy, Rosa and Wiseguy. Try lunch or off-peak times to minimize the wait. $13-$16. 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix, 602-258-8300,
pizzeriabianco.comWest ValleyPizza A Metro
Pizza by the meter sounds like a gimmick, but the reams of wood-fired pizza that Metro rolls out like so much carpeting are truly ideal for crowd-based eating. Fortunately, the personal size is just as tasty thanks to rich tomato sauce and top-notch toppings. $7.95-$30.95. 2336 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, 602-262-9999,
pizzametrousa.com
Best BurgersWest ValleyVogue Bistro
Black Angus grind cooked to order, gorgonzola crumbles, applewood-smoked bacon, sweet onion chutney, and mixed greens including peppery arugula stacked high on a toasted brioche bun ($10) make the signature stunner more than the sum of its parts. 15411 W. Waddell Rd., Surprise, 623-544-9109,
voguebistro.comCave CreekTonto Bar & Grill
Sink your teeth into eight ounces of local, organic grass-fed beef on a house-made, toasted potato onion bun with pepper Jack or cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles, plus flash-fried crisp onion slivers for $12.50. 5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek, 480-488-0698,
tontobarandgrill.comScottsdaleKelly’s at Southbridge
It’s called the “four cut” burger ($14) for a reason: sirloin, short rib, chuck and brisket go into the grind. The toppings are even more memorable: onion jam, Comté cheese, red pepper relish and mushroom “mousse.” 7117 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-393-3205,
kellysatsouthbridge.comPhoenixNoca
A pecorino-stuffed patty, “melted” onions, red wine mayo, and spicy pickles on griddled rye – so naughty, so delicious, it should be a regulated substance. And it is, because this patty melt ($18) is only available Tuesday evenings. 3118 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-956-6622,
restaurantnoca.comEast ValleySanTan Brewery
How brilliant is this? Grind double-smoked bacon with the beef for a supercharged bacon-y beef flavor. The smokehouse pork belly burger ($11) also comes with smoky gouda and onions simmered in sweet, tangy barbecue sauce. 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480-917-8700,
santanbrewing.com
Best MexicanScottsdale The Mission
Gorgeous colonial Mexican decor, stylish cocktails and Matt Carter’s sophisticated Latin cuisine will make a believer out of anyone. Start with a rich duck empanada, move on to tamarind-glazed short ribs and finish with luscious pumpkin bread pudding. 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, 480-636-5005,
themissionaz.comEast ValleyLos Dos Molinos
Fiery New Mexican chiles light up the enchiladas, burros and tacos, whether doused with red, green or “Christmas” style (a splash of both). About the only thing that doesn’t have a heat kick is the sturdy house margarita. 260 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa, 480-969-7475,
losdosmolinosmesa.comPhoenixBarrio Café
Fresh tableside guacamole sprinkled with jeweled pomegranate seeds set the tone at this artsy, 10-year-old gem. Silvana Salcido Esparza’s southern Mexican cuisine delivers with rich moles, succulent cochinita pibil and rich, pomegranate-flecked chiles en Nogada. 2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-636-0240,
barriocafe.comWest ValleyTacos Atoyac
The no-frills decor is deceptive, because the tiny kitchen behind the order counter cranks out outrageously delicious Oaxacan street food at rock-bottom prices, including potato and chorizo fried molotes for $1.50 each. 1830 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, 602-864-2746
Best SandwichesWest ValleyNew York Flavor
Not just for NY transplants, this mom and pop deli dishes out specialty sandwiches like seasoned steak with chimichurri spread on jalapeño cheddar focaccia, but the classic Reuben on marbled rye steals the show. 15170 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, 623-266-2520,
newyorkflavor.comScottsdaleBaratin
From cold fried chicken with fennel to lamb with feta, Charleen Badman concocts a monster of a daily sandwich paired with an equally memorable side, showing her deft hand at creating a full-on taste experience. 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-284-4777,
fnbrestaurant.comEast ValleyLee’s Sandwiches
Modest amounts of full-flavored fatty meats, pickled vegetables and fresh jalapeño slices grace fresh baked baguettes at ridiculously low prices in this bright, bare-bones storefront. Just remember to bring cash – plastic isn’t accepted. 1901 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, 480-855-1778,
leesandwiches.comPhoenixNocawich
Playful names aside (Doogie Howser, the Gwyneth), these are serious sandwiches packed with primo ingredients, especially the daily “insider,” which might be duck confit or lobster or a poached egg atop pork belly. Enough said. 3118 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-956-6622,
restaurantnoca.com
Best ThaiScottsdaleSoi 4
Sophisticated decor defines this tony spot, and the flavors build on the theme. Bold appetizers almost outshine entrées, like explosive miang kum: prawns, toasted coconut and citrus drizzled with sweet caramel sauce, wrapped in chilled mustard leaves. 8787 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-778-1999,
soifour.comEast ValleyLatitude 8
Artful presentations of familiar favorites – pad kee mao (drunken noodles), Thai fried rice, panang curry – with trademark flavors dominate the menu in this modern, stylish storefront. Coupled with efficient, gracious service, what’s not to like? 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, 480-722-0560,
latitude-eight.comPhoenixKrua Thai
The tiny krua, or “kitchen,” cranks out more than 75 fresh, home-style soups, salads, and noodle and rice dishes at this unassuming 12-seat storefront. Warning: “Thai-hot” is insanely fiery, and even “medium” means business. 1601 E. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 602-971-4988,
kruathaicuisine.comWest ValleySiam Thai
Should the server steer you toward savory-sweet pad Thai or fragrant, pineapple fried rice, don’t roll your eyes. This cozy spot with intricate wood accents makes these standard dishes as well as anyone in town – perhaps better. 5008 W. Northern Ave., Glendale, 623-931-2102,
siamthaicusine.com
Best SushiScottsdale Roka Akor
Sushi constitutes but a small portion of the menu at this swanky robatayaki (Japanese restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled items), but what an exquisite portion it is. Try flame-seared sesame salmon nigiri and the hamachi serrano chile roll. 7299 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-306-8800,
rokaakor.comEast Valley Shimogamo
Diners in the know ask for the better tasting, chunky, pickled wasabi to accompany the traditional, reasonably priced sushi. Finish a round of fresh, well-cut nigiri or sashimi with the dessert-like kanpyo roll (sweet pickled squash). 2051 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, 480-899-7191,
shimogamoaz.comPhoenix Hana Japanese Eatery
Fresh fish from Japan and Hawaii handled with respect by the Hashimoto family translates into clean, traditional sushi without any shtick. Warm hospitality (it feels like you’re dining in their home) is a gracious bonus. 5524 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-973-1238,
hanajapaneseeatery.comWest Valley Yen Sushi and Sake
Fresh, baked or tempura rolls are king at this cozy, low-lit joint. Purists can get fresh nigiri and sashimi, but sushi newcomers will love the energy roll (deep fried eel) and the spicy tataki (seared tuna) roll. 17037 N. 43rd Place, Phoenix, 602-978-9022
Best Ladies Who LunchWest ValleyAmuse Bouche
Romantic and charming at night, this adorable BYOB lights up lunch with ethereal quiche, just-dressed greens with goat cheese or potato-crusted salmon, and an ever-changing selection of French-inspired desserts like crème brûlée and clafoutis. 17058 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, 623-322-8881,
amusebouche.bizCarefreeThe English Rose Tea Room
Dine on dainty sandwiches and elegant soups, and linger over a pot of tea in this feminine meeting spot where British ex-pat Jo Gemmill sets a proper table with fine china, scones, Devonshire cream and strawberry jam. 201 Easy St., Carefree, 480-488-4812,
carefreetea.comScottsdaleArcadia Farms
Shabby-chic decor and a signature strawberry chicken salad attract women like butterflies, but the bountiful salads, creative sandwiches and handful of filling entrées guarantee any guy willing to enter will be just as satisfied. 7014 E. First Ave., Scottsdale, 480-941-5665,
arcadiafarmscafe.comEast ValleyPomegranate Café
Garden fresh salads and sandwiches, nourishing bowls of soup and smoothie elixirs rule the menu at this cheery Ahwatukee café run by a mother-daughter chef duo. You’d never guess the menu’s vegan, including lip-smacking pastries. 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-706-7472,
pomegranatecafe.comPhoenixPalette
After a morning at the Phoenix Art Museum, the umbrella-shaded patio overlooking the sculpture garden is a fine perch from which to indulge in seasonal soups, farm-fresh salads, sandwiches, and the scrumptious but less than ladylike-sounding red velvet ding-dong. 1625 N. Central Ave. (Phoenix Art Museum), Phoenix, 602-257-2191,
phxart.org/palette