COUP DES TARTES
4626 N. 16th St., Phoenix,
602-212-1082, nicetartes.com
This is the Valley’s best-known and longest-running BYOB, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The menu is French fusion: In addition to chevre and pate, you’ll find filet mignon tacos and linguini with organic tomatoes. The atmosphere – a 1930s farmhouse with wood floors and candlelight – is as much a draw as the food. That special Bordeaux or Napa cabernet you’ve been saving is a match for the filet mignon. Or, try an Australian shiraz with the Moroccan-style, grass-fed Australian lamb. Corkage fee: $8.

CYCLO VIETNAMESE CUISINE
1919 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler,
480-963-4490, cycloaz.com
Justina Duong turns out aromatic fare such as pork short ribs with tamarind glaze and basil; green papaya salad with shrimp, peanuts and mint; five kinds of pho; and eight noodle dishes. Slightly sweet or fruity white wines complement spicy or complex foods, so bring a Washington state reisling or a bold California chardonnay. No corkage fee.

DOOBY'S GRILL CAFE
2909 S. Dobson Road, Mesa,
480-756-0469, doobysgrillcafe.com
This friendly, family-run Middle Eastern eatery has an exotic vibe, with low tables, floor cushions and belly dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. Food includes all the mainstays: hummus, falafel, baba ghannouj, shawarma, gyros and lamb kebab. Try a light-bodied pinot noir or fruity merlot. Both are nice with lamb and won’t overwhelm other dishes. No corkage fee.

RISTORANTE GUISEPPE
13610 N. Scottsdale Road,
Scottsdale, 480-991-4792
Bustling and boisterous, this is a great place to take the whole family or a group of friends. All the Italian favorites are here, from linguini with clam sauce to eggplant Parmigiana, but don’t miss specialties such as stuffed peppers or pork forestiera. As for vino, you can’t go wrong with an Italian sangiovese. No corkage fee.