Chino Bandido

They may be small and they may be cheap, but some of the Valley’s best mom-and-pop restaurants have hit the big time.

Phoenix is full of fine-dining restaurants, but the city’s cozy dives are gaining national attention for their quality grub as well. On the Food Network’s popular series Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri – with his voracious appetite, infectious personality and trademark bleached blond hair – samples signature dishes at greasy spoons across the United States.

Over the show’s four seasons, Fieri has pulled up a chair at 12 Arizona eateries. Don’t miss out on these faves that Fieri found in Phoenix:

Chino Bandido
On the episode “A World of Flavors,” Chino Bandido proves skeptics of Asian-Mexican fusion wrong. The menu boasts Asian favorites, like rice bowls, jade red chicken (their version of sweet and sour) and egg foo yung, as well as traditional Mexican burritos and quesadillas. Fieri featured the restaurant’s recipe for Pollo Diablo – a deep-fried chicken with garlic, onions and red hot peppers – in his cookbook.
Info: 15414 N. 19th Ave., Ste. K, 602-375-3639, chinobandido.com   

Giuseppe’s

Giuseppe’s on 28th
In the “Homestyle” episode, this restaurant showed off its fresh pasta – made daily – and twists on old favorites like Italian mac and cheese, a Bolognese ragu made with six different meats and shrimp ravioli.
Info: 2824 E. Indian School Road, 602-381-1237, www.giuseppeson28th.com

Los Taquitos
On the “All Over the Map” episode, Fieri stopped by Los Taquitos to try their renowned soft tacos, tortas and chile rellenos. Everything from the salsas to the marinades to the rice is prepared following decades-old family recipes.
Info: 4747 E. Elliot Road, Ste. 17, 480-753-4370, ltgrill.com

Matt’s Big Breakfast
On the episode “Big Breakfast,” Fieri’s mouth watered at the sight of Matt’s signature Chop and Chick (two eggs and a skillet-seared Iowa pork rib chop) and a homemade, Belgian-style waffle with sweet cream butter and real maple syrup. Matt’s also serves classic lunchtime favorites like egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches.
Info: 801 N. First St., 602-254-1074, mattsbigbreakfast.com

Roberto’s Mexican Food

Over Easy
When Over Easy was featured on the “Comfort Cookin’” episode, the breakfast joint showcased its home-style dishes, such as chicken-fried steak and brioche French toast. Kids can also enjoy a morning treat: chocolate chip, M&M or Reese’s pancakes. Over Easy also serves up healthier options, like house-made granola and protein bars.
Info: 4031 N. 40th St., 602-468-3447, eatatovereasy.com

Roberto’s Mexican Food
Featured on the episode “Like Mama Made,” Roberto’s is located inside the Shell gas station on the southeast corner of Seventh Avenue and Union Hills Road. But don’t let its locale deceive you. People flock here for authentic marinated pork tacos, traditional menudo and homemade rice, beans, salsa and pico de gallo.
Info: 675 W. Union Hills Road, 602-439-7279, robertosaz.com


When the Food Network staff ventured beyond Phoenix for the hit show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, they also found:

Glendale
Haus Murphy’s: Traditional German food, such as sauerbraten, a roast marinated for four to five days and homemade schnitzel and spaetzle. Info: 5739 W. Glendale Ave., 623-939-2480, hausmurphys.com

La Piazza Al Forno: After being featured on the show, the baked spaghetti pie, which was once only a special, became so popular that it’s now offered regularly. Info: 5803 W. Glendale Ave., 623-847-3301, lapiazzaalforno.com

Thee Pitts Again: Classic BBQ with a sweet twist. Aside from ribs, pulled pork and chicken, Thee Pitt’s Again has an extensive dessert menu, complete with a deep-fried Twinkie. Info:  5558 W. Bell Road, 602-996-7488, theepittsagain.com
   
Gilbert
Joe’s Farm Grill: Ingredients fresh from the owner’s farm go into classic dishes here, like burgers, shakes, and a barbecue chicken pizza made on a grill. Info: 3000 E. Ray Road, 480-563-4745, joesfarmgrill.com

Flagstaff
Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery: Flat-iron steak with a chimichurri sauce and made-to-order beef stew attract people from all over Arizona to this Flagstaff favorite. Info: 1500 E. Cedar Ave., 928-779-2187, brandysrestaurant.com

Salsa Brava: Maui tacos with pineapple and chicken-stuffed sopapillas make this Mexican joint the talk of the town. Guacamole gets prepared tableside. Info: 2220 E. Route 66, 928-779-5293, salsabravaflagstaff.com