From burgers to bar food, pasta to pizza, here are 50 of the most delectable dishes in town. Careful – these meals might force you to lick the plate in public.

Compiling the 50 best meals in town might sound like a plum assignment, but I soon found I may have bitten off more than I could chew. How does someone who adores food so much pare down the choices? I solicited suggestions from foodie friends. I ate out daily for many weeks to refresh my memory and try places I hadn’t been. Sure, it sounds like a cakewalk, but you try it sometime. I had to force down forkfuls of food that I couldn’t fathom anyone would eat twice, let alone recommend. Not to mention, my jeans now hold more cottage cheese than a cheap salad bar. When I was done, it all boiled down to one factor: stuff I love. If I had to eat any one of these dishes weekly for the rest of my life, I’d say, “plate it up.” I realize I’m opening myself up to the Great Phoenix Food Debate of 2009. My favorites aren’t necessarily yours. It would probably be more accurate to say, “50 of the best dishes in the Valley.” And I couldn’t include some of the best restaurants in town, because the chefs use seasonal ingredients and change their menus often – even daily (hello, Binkley’s and Quiessence!). Finally, a few restaurants on our original list shut down during the writing process, so please double-check that the following places are still in business before heading out. Prices also may vary by the time this get to you.

Photography by David Moore Farm to Sea to Table, Digestif

From burgers to bar food, pasta to pizza, here are 50 of the most delectable dishes in town. Careful – these meals might force you to lick the plate in public.

BEST APPETIZERS

Farm to Sea to Table
Digestif
7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
480-425-WINE
digestifscottsdale.com

This dish changes with the seasons, but you’ll get something like this: A creamy base of puréed sunchokes, mellow oyster mushrooms, tender fava beans and salty, paper-thin slices of Pecorino cheese. A shot glass of tea and truffle oil topped with tiny sliced scallions might come on the side – you can pour it on top or drink it straight, it’s so good. $12

mantwo
Kabab Palace
710 W. Elliot Road, Tempe
480-775-6288
kababpalace.biz

A ravioli-like shell is filled with onion and beef, served on yogurt and topped with carrots, yellow split peas and beef sauce. The savory sauce with the mild yogurt and veggies combine to form a complex yet accessible blend of flavors. $5.95


BEST BARBEQUE

Beef Ribs
Stacy’s Smokehouse
1650 E. Indian School Road,
Phoenix
602-230-6724

Owner Stacy Phipps starts with super-smoky, ultra-meaty, fall-off-the-bone, so-good-they-almost-hurt ribs, and tops them with a delectable sweet-spicy sauce made of catsup, sugar, vinegar and spices. If you’re driving along Indian School Road (at 16th Street) with the windows down, your car will nearly veer into the parking lot on its own due to the aroma. Cash only; expect waits. $7.50 (half-slab)

Beef Ribs, Stacy’s Smokehouse

Pulled Pork Plate
Joe’s Real BBQ
301 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert
480-503-3805
joesrealbbq.com

Whether on a plate or a bun, the pecan-smoked pulled pork here is a crowd-pleaser. It’s lean yet juicy and full of flavor even before sauce touches it. Give up on the gristly, gamey stuff elsewhere and do as the locals do: Eat at Joe’s. $8.99 (with side)