Our city center is also our ground zero for culinary craft.
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
Iconic Arizona Restaurant – IAR
Best New Restaurant – BNR
$=under $10 $$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25 $$$$=$26 and over
Artizen at The Camby Hotel
american
2401 E. Camelback Rd.
602-522-6655, thecamby.com
The kitchen’s expertise with grilled meats is illustrated by its succulent flat iron steak and outstanding chicken tinga quesadilla. Fun Saturday booze tea party, too. A top resort eatery. $$-$$$
Avanti IAR
Italian/Continental
2728 E. Thomas Rd.
602-956-0900, avanti-az.com
This classic Italian stalwart – which was avanti in the early ’70s – retains a loyal following that loves the house-made pastas, pappardelle with oxtail sauce and jumbo shrimp stuffed with king crab in lobster-vodka sauce. $$-$$$
Bacanora BNR
Mexican
1301 N.W. Grand Ave., Phoenix
602-612-4018
Rene Andrade, formerly of Ghost Ranch, does for Sonoran cuisine what Chris Bianco did for Venetian-style pizza at this classic, flatiron-shaped dining space on Grand Avenue, stripping away culinary pretense and revealing breathtaking essence. His pollo asado is the Valley’s best chicken. $$
Beckett’s Table
american
3717 E. Indian School Rd.
602-954-1700, beckettstable.com
Chef Justin Beckett draws raves with his seasonal American cooking and classic comfort food. Don’t miss the signature fork-tender ribs, pork osso buco confit, cast-iron petite chicken and sweet pea agnolotti made with local goat cheese. Every Sunday, the restaurant offers half-off select bottles of Arizona wine. Dinner Tu-Su. $$
Binkley’s
AMERICAN
2320 E. Osborn Rd.
602-388-4874, binkleysrestaurant.com
Offering just one seating a night, perennial James Beard Award nominee Kevin Binkley takes diners on a multi-course magic carpet ride that ranks with the country’s finest dining experiences. It’s adult Disneyland. $$$$
Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails
AMERICAN
2 E. Jefferson St. (Hotel Palomar)
602-258-0231, bluehoundkitchen.com
In this glassy, Guinness-tinted gastrolounge, find Southern-inflected comfort food and a novella of inspired combinations of rarefied liqueurs. $$-$$$$
The Breadfruit
jamaican
108 E. Pierce St.
602-267-1266, thebreadfruit.com
Laid-back but buzzing when busy, this Downtown rum-themed gastropub specializes in island comfort food, like escovitch fish and pan-seared tilapia served with spicy Jamaican escovitch sauce, coleslaw and roasted pineapple. $-$$
Buck &Rider
SEAFOOD
4225 E. Camelback Rd.
602-346-0110, buckandrider.com
From La Grande Orange founder Bob Lynn comes this upscale seafood joint. Crab and fish dominate the menu with options including blue crabcakes and shrimp-studded pasta. Not revolutionary, but it doesn’t flounder. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch on weekends. $$-$$$
Cafe Chenar
Uzbek
1601 E. Bell Rd.
602-354-4505
Small but stylish, this strip mall café specializes in the eclectic cuisine of the Bukharian Jews, whose singular Central Asian fusion cuisine includes plov (an excellent spin on pilaf) or markovcha, a tangle of spicy, garlicky carrot strings, strewn with green onion and cilantro borrowed from Korea. $-$$
Café Tranquilo
Mexican
401 W. Clarendon Ave.
602-469-1730, goclarendon.com
Upscale cantina combines shareable Mexican-inspired plates with modern digs in the Clarendon boutique hotel. Silky, pineapple-studded guacamole and grilled corn dip are eye-opening starters. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $-$$
Casa Corazon
Mexican
2637 N. 16th St.
602-334-1917, casacorazonrestaurant.com
With its vaulted ceilings, pretty tiled floors and frescos, this barrio restaurant delights the eyes and the tongue. Everything drinkable – from margaritas to aguas frescas – is first-rate, as are the ceviche, guacamole, tacos al vapor, cochinita pibil and steak Mexicano. $-$$
Century Grand
new American
3626 E. Indian School Rd.
602-739-1388, centurygrandphx.com
Set in a Prohibition-inspired Pullman railcar where guests can sip craft cocktails while a wintry landscape whizzes by, this high-concept culinary playground is good fun for tipplers. $$-$$$
Chantico BNR
Modern Mexican
1051 E. Camelback Rd.
602-699-3015, chanticophx.com
The huge menu wanders from affordable Tex-Mex to pricy fusion fare, but when it’s good (e.g. crispy duck leg with mole negro) it’s very good, indeed. Destined to be one of the Valley’s great hangouts. $$-$$$
Chelsea’s Kitchen
American
5040 N. 40th St.
602-957-2555, chelseaskitchenaz.com
With a lovely patio overlooking the Arizona Canal, Chelsea’s is a hip yet casual neighborhood restaurant, with stylish renditions of ceviche, fried chicken and duck tacos. The storied brunch features bottomless mimosas. Lunch and dinner daily. $$-$$$
Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion BNR
French-American
2501 E. Telawa Trail
602-522-2344, wrigleymansion.com
Revered Valley chef Christopher Gross takes it to the next level at his newest and best restaurant, perched on a hill next to the Wrigley Mansion. The décor, views, multi-course French-inspired menu ($250 per person) and service are all spectacular, so cough up that $500-plus and fasten your seatbelt. $$$$
Cocina Madrigal
Mexican
4044 S. 16th St.
602-243-9000, cocinamadrigal.com
Chef Leo Madrigal toiled in the kitchens of Z’Tejas for 20 years, honing the fine art of gringo-pleasing Mex-fusion cuisine. The queso fundido/guacamole/salsa trio starter is great – particularly the guac, satisfyingly chunky and revved up with roasted serrano (probably the hottest thing on the menu). $$
3 Spots for Late-Night Eats
Ravenous after a night of revelry? Pull up a chair.
1 Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (pictured)
From owner/mixologist Ross Simon come wildly creative drinks and a tidy but exquisite food menu in Downtown’s coolest vintage digs. Must try: kimchi fried rice with the pork belly add-on. Kitchen open until 1 a.m. $$
1 W. Jefferson St., 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com
2 Charlie’s Tacos
This mobile taco kitchen has a permanent setup outside Charlie’s, a popular gay bar on the edge of the Melrose District. That’s how it gets its affectionately cheeky nickname: Gay Tacos. Open until 4 a.m. (!) on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 a.m. on Thursdays and Sundays. $
705 W. Camelback Rd., 480-911-6333
3 Pomeroy’s
Go for the jukebox, pool tables and fun dive-bar vibe, stay for the legendary patty melt – formed and seasoned to order, deglazed with a “good God”-size splash of wine, and served on griddled rye, until midnight or later, depending on the whims of the bar staff. $
5555 N. Seventh St., 602-264-5411
3 Can’t-Miss Cocktail Bars
Perish the thought of a rum and Coke at these leading Phoenix pureyors of drinkable art.
1 Highball Cocktail bar
Dimly lit and replete with chandeliers, leather couches, brick walls and a beautiful wooden bar, Highball whisks patrons away to a Prohibition-era speakeasy with a modern slant. Must-try: the earthy Shogun Powder, a twist on the Peruvian pisco sour made with matcha. $-$$
1514 N. Seventh Ave., 602-675-4244, highballphx.com
2 Little rituals
Somewhat ironically located in a Courtyard by Marriott, this Downtown cocktail palace from mixology maestros Ross Simon (Bitter & Twisted) and Aaron DeFeo offers a surprise at every turn, from the Careless Whisper (a session cocktail regaled with fresh fruit) to their snarky version of a Boilermaker, with a beer can rigged to your glass like a drive-in speaker. $-$$
132 S. Central Ave., 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com
3 undertow
Though no longer in its original underground digs, this transportive tiki bar puts you in the the hull of a pirate ship – or at least the kitschy 1960s version of one – with creative decor, custom A/V and such swashbuckling delights as the rummy Pirate’s Remorse, made with guava and Galliano. $-$$
3260 E. Indian School Rd., undertowphx.com
Durant’s IAR
American
2611 N. Central Ave.
602-264-5967, durantsaz.com
This Midtown institution has been serving beef and booze for the past 50 years. Phoenix’s movers and shakers come for Florida stone crabs and classic martinis – and a time warp. $$-$$$
El Chullo
peruvian
2605 N. Seventh St.
602-225-2925, elchulloperu.com
Chef Omar Velarde takes pride in his Peruvian heritage. Tangy lomo saltado, papas a la huancaína and Peruvian fish and chips go down as easy as the educational tidbits provided with each meal. Hands down, El Chullo boasts the Valley’s best Peruvian food. $$
Farish House
French-American
816 N. Third St.
602-281-6659, farishhouse.com
Looking for a quiet, romantic restaurant before hitting a Downtown show? Here’s your sweet spot, a refurbished 120-year-old house, brimming with antiques, that avoids being precious. Check out the excellent wine list and plan to nibble on cheeses, charcuterie and, for a splurge, cassoulet. $$
Federal Pizza
pizza
5210 N. Central Ave.
602-795-2520, federalpizzaphx.com
The food is fabulous, the drinks are better, and we dig the vibe of the circa 1969 building designed by architect Alfred Beadle. Pizzas like the Casanova – prosciutto, dates, ricotta, arugula, Pecorino and balsamic vinaigrette – hit the spot without draining the wallet. $$
FLINT by Baltaire
American
2425 E. Camelback Rd.
602-812-4818, flintbybaltaire.com
Finally, a worthy successor has landed in the Biltmore-area culinary space once occupied by Houston’s. This gorgeous L.A. import is all about wood and smoke – turning out wood-grilled or oven-roasted proteins, all given a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean accent. Get the spicy short rib hummus for a true foodgasm. $$
Flower Child
American
5013 N. 44th St.
602-429-6222, iamaflowerchild.com
Sam Fox’s healthful fast-casual eatery is perfect for veg-heads, who will lap up savory organic tofu and mushroom pho or nutty quinoa. Three other Valley locations. $-$$
Gertrude’s
NEW AMERICAN
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
480-719-8600, gertrudesrestaurant.net
Enjoy natural cuisine that takes full advantage of the surroundings at this Desert Botanical Garden eatery. Ripe cactus fruit appears in the decadent brioche French toast. Great lunch options, too. $$
The Gladly
New american
2201 E. Camelback Rd.
602-759-8132, thegladly.com
The inspired pub fare, crazy-good revivalist cocktails and stylish period digs encourage lingering. Go for the gusto with the Wagyu burger and Brussels sprouts. $$-$$$$
Glai Baan
Thai street food
2333 E. Osborn Rd.
Phoenix, 602-595-5881
Pornsupak “Cat” Bunnag offers a small menu of small plates meant to be shared, like out-of-this-world crispy chicken wings with garlic chips, and unusual daily specials like mackerel fried rice. The Valley’s best Thai restaurant. $$
Hana Japanese Eatery
Japanese/Sushi
5524 N. Seventh Ave.
602-973-1238, hanajapaneseeatery.com
Family-owned and family-friendly, Hana is one of the Valley’s top three sushi joints. Look for ankimo (monkfish liver) and other rare treats. News flash: It’s no longer BYOB. $-$$$
The Henry
american
4455 E. Camelback Rd.
480-429-8020, foxrc.com/restaurants/the-henry
Trendy Camelback-area dining from Sam Fox. Stop by for kale and apple salad, Prairie Breeze cheddar popovers and crazy-good French toast. Fun brunch cocktails, too. $-$$
Hillstone
american
2650 E. Camelback Rd.
602-957-9700, hillstone.com
A stone’s throw from the former Houston’s at the Esplanade, with many of the same mouthwatering menu items. Don’t miss the Osaka-style pressed sushi, Chicago-style spinach dip and the fried chicken sandwich. $$
Kaizen BNR
Japanese/sushi
515 E. Grant St.
602-432-0752, kaizenphx.com
Chef Gustavo Muñoz brings a Latin vibe to this hip fusion sushi spot in the warehouse district, where you can expect to find ceviche, scallop aguachile and tiradito alongside florid sushi rolls made with striking ingredients (shiso pesto, for example) and Japanese standards gone fancy. A great spot near the Downtown sports stadiums. $$
La Grande Orange Grocery
American
4410 N. 40th St.
602-840-7777, lagrandeorange-grocery.com
This upscale market and deli serves a few simple but elegant breakfast selections, awesome green chile burgers and fanciful desserts baked in-house. $-$$
the Larder + the Delta
Southern
200 W. Portland Ave.
480-409-8520, thelarderandthedelta.com
At his expanded, improved reboot, chef-owner Stephen Jones creates his own elegant version of Southern Cuisine, featuring iconic dishes such as hoe cakes and low country perlou. $$-$$$
La Santísima
MEXICAN
1919 N. 16th St.
602-254-6330, lasantisimagourmet.com
This Midtown taco shop does two things better than anyone: fried, Guadalajara-style masa quesadillas, and a salsa bar that needs to be tasted to be believed, including a fresca (strawberry) salsa that you’ll love. $
Phoenix Ramen Quartet
Need some Japanese comfort? These four CenPho eateries serve some of the Valley’s most laudable ramens.
1 Ramen Kagawa
Excellent house-made gyoza and creamy, lavishly adorned takoyaki (octopus balls) supplement two outstanding ramen styles: tonkotsu (aromatic and pork-broth-based) and paitan (creamy and chicken-broth-based), both also offered in spicy miso versions. $
111 W. Monroe St., 602-675-0833, ramenkagawa.com
2 Clever Koi
The Valley’s home-grown Asian fusion hot spot unveiled four new ramen dishes at its locations in Phoenix and Gilbert, including updated versions of its pork and lemon chicken ramen and two brand new bowls – spicy kimchi and vegan shoyu. Added bonus: elite cocktail program. $-$$
Two Valley locations, thecleverkoi.com
3 hana Japanese eatery
Chef Kazuto Kishino sticks with old-school, traditional ramen at Hana, which means subtly nuanced pork broth and squiggly, springy noodles topped with slices of tender, marinated pork, bamboo shoots, seaweed and fish cakes.$-$$
5524 N. Seventh Ave., 602-973-1238, hanajapaneseeatery.com
4 cherryblossom cafe
The grande dame of Valley noodle joints includes surprising and delightful dashes of Italian cuisine, but the ramen and yokisoba dishes are the standouts. A take-your-mom kind of place. $
914 E. Camelback Rd., cherryblossom-az.com
LON’s at the Hermosa Inn IAR
American
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd.
602-955-7878, hermosainn.com
Thanks to its territorial décor and fabulous patios – plus dependably exquisite Southwestern cuisine – LON’s is a romantic favorite. Get the legendary salt-rock-seared ahi tuna and the Cowboy Candy Bar. $$$
Los Dos Molinos IAR
Mexican
8684 S. Central Ave.
602-243-9113
Some like it hot. But for those who like it hellish, there’s Los Dos, a beloved New Mexico-style restaurant located in cowboy star Tom Mix’s old house. Try the house-special carne adovada: braised pork ribs in a molten red chile sauce. Other locations: Chandler (480-706-1066), Phoenix (602-528-3535), Mesa (480-969-7475). $$
Lux Central – PM Coffe Shop Rec
4400 N. Central Ave.
602-696-9976, luxcoffee.com
With an expanded space and kitchen, this longtime coffee hot spot serves up dishes like divine Dutch baby pancakes and mac and cheese. Truly good cocktail menu, to boot. $-$$
Mariscos Playa Hermosa
Mexican Seafood
1605 E. Garfield St.
602-462-1563, mariscosplayahermosa.com
It’s the Valley’s best Mexican seafood joint. Try anything with shrimp, including botana de camarón and camarónes fantasia, or the Veracruzian classic huanchinango: red snapper smothered in papaya sauce. $-$$$
Matt’s Big Breakfast
American
825 N. First St.
602-254-1074, mattsbigbreakfast.com
The famed breakfast haunt is as clean and cheerful as Mom’s kitchen – with better food. Four Valley locations, including Sky Harbor Airport. One is set to open in Glendale soon. $
Mora Italian
modern italian
5651 N. Seventh St.
602-795-9943, moraitalian.com
Celebrity chef Scott Conant and local pizzaiolo Stefano Fabbri put the “it” in Italian at this buzzy Seventh Street corridor spot, blending familiar dishes with modern-classic fusion pleasers like mushrooms boscaiola, an earthy pairing of mushroom sauce and ultra-creamy polenta. Awesome, rejuvenated cocktail program, too. $$$
Noble Eatery
sandwiches/Bakery
2201 E. McDowell Rd.
602-688-2424, nobleeatery.com
PHOENIX’s 2015 Best New Restaurant showcases organic legumes, artisanal meats and local produce in rotating daily sandwiches with seasonal ingredients and milky mozzarella. $
Ocotillo
global/american
3243 N. Third St.
602-687-9080, ocotillophx.com
Well-executed global eats in a contemporary, neighborhood dining compound that includes a beer garden, coffee bar, outdoor lounge and cocktail bar. Careful attention is paid to seasonal starters such as ricotta with sun-dried strawberries. $$
Otro Café
MEXICAN
6035 N. Seventh St.
602-266-0831, otrocafe.com
Standouts at Chef Doug Robson’s Central Mexican-inspired eatery include silky serrano ham with avocado and green olives, and a refreshing mint-kissed quinoa salad. Robson also makes a mean, Mexican paella. $$
3 Terrific Taco Joints
One in Phoenix for every mood and budget.
1 High-End: CruJiente Tacos
If you’re willing to plunk down a few extra bucks for high-quality taco fixings, head to this Camelback taqueria. Be forewarned: These aren’t traditional street tacos. Think culinary works of art. Winners include seared shrimp with Thai coconut green curry sauce and pork belly with house-pickled kimchi. A little pricey, but worth the splurge. $-$$
3961 E. Camelback Rd.
602-687-7777, crutacos.com
2 Down-Home: tacos Huicho
It’s the al pastor that clinches our enduring loyalty to this Midtown taqueria: sweet, smoky and shaved right off the trompo, i.e. the vertical, shawarma-style spit that distinguishes all true al pastor from the candied, pan-fried stuff you usually find. $
1941 E. Oak St.
480-398-6766, tacoshuichoaz.com
3 In-Between: Tacos chiwas
Not just another mom-and-pop taco joint, by any stretch. From the slow-roasted meats to the tripe tacos, this scrappy James Beard-nominated eatery can go toe-to-toe with any of them. A PHOENIX Best New Restaurant in 2017, Chiwas recently moved from its original McDowell location to Indian School. Also with locations in Mesa and Chandler. $
Three Valley locations, tacoschiwas.com
Pa’La
Global Tapas/Small Plates
Two locations
palakitchen.com
Only foodies need apply for supremely simple Spanish tapas and South American-Italian dishes at this minimalist but charming bungalow, presided over by Italian chef and co-owner Claudio Urciuoli. Now with a white-hot Downtown location. $$-$$$
Persepshen BNR
new american
4700 N. Central Ave.
602-935-2932, facebook.com/persepshen
From their cool rustic-industrial space in Uptown Phoenix, Jason and Katherine Dwight (butcher and baker, respectively) make everything from scratch: house-cured meats, bread, pickles, wood-fired veggies, a life-altering burger and some of the best desserts in town. $$-$$$
Reathrey Sekong
Cambodian
1312 E. Indian School Rd.
480-238-0238, sekongbynight.com
Introducing Phoenicians to the fresh flavors of Cambodia, this eatery serves up dishes like a spice-layered chicken curry and Amok fish, steamed in a banana leaf package and smeared with kaffir lime-flecked coconut cream. $-$$
Restaurant Atoyac
mexican
1830 W. Glendale Ave.
602-864-2746
Get a taste of Oaxacan cuisine at this unpretentious roadside diner with superlative fish tacos served with smoky grilled onions and jalapeños. Desserts include dreamy fruit paletas. $
Restaurant Progress
modern american
702 W. Montecito Ave.
602-441-0553
Culinary wunderkind TJ Culp is the brains behind this small, charming and ultra-personal restaurant in Melrose, where you might find comfort food mind-blowers like airy ricotta gnocchi with moist bits of chicken thigh. Great cocktails, too. $-$$$
Rice Paper
Vietnamese
2221 N. Seventh St.
602-252-3326, ricepapereatery.com
This bright, modern space on the Seventh Street dining drag makes a wider assortment of Vietnamese food accessible with an array of imaginative rolls, including soft-shell crab with mango and avocado. $$
Rokerij
Steak/American
6335 N. 16th St.
602-287-8900, richardsonsnm.com
Iconic New Mexico-style cooking plus the Valley’s best basement bar equals a fine evening out. The steak tartare and roasted elephant garlic appetizers are huge, so plan to share. Best bets are the veal chop and rib-eye. The food skews spicy, so wimpy palates beware. $$-$$$
Southern Rail
southern
300 W. Camelback Rd.
602-200-0085, southernrailaz.com
Indulge in cleverly named cocktails, pickled fried green tomatoes, smoked chicken gumbo and otherworldly bread pudding at this uptown offering from chef Justin Beckett. Try the beignets at brunch. $$-$$$
The Valley’s Best Pizza, Ranked
Five of our favorite pie joints.
1 Pizzeria Bianco
It’s this little place we like, maybe you’ve heard of it? Name-checked nationally on Monday Night Football and Oprah-approved, this Chris-Bianco-fronted Venetian-style pizza joint warrants the hype. Our menu recs: the Wiseguy with Schreiner’s sausage and caramelized onions; and the orgasmic, pistachio-laced Rosa. $-$$
Two Valley locations, pizzeriabianco.com
2 pomo
Cooked in a 6,000-pound wood-burning oven from Italy, Pomo’s pizzas received a stamp of approval from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organization that enforces pizza standards in Naples. The fabulous 12-inch pies can be paired with wines from the Italian wine list. $-$$
Four Valley locations, pomopizzeria.com
3 The Parlor
Set in a midcentury beauty parlor, this popular Camelback pizzeria is arguably a Top 10 restaurant in the Valley, with crispy, chewy, wood-fired pizzas and some of the finest farm-to-table dishes around. $-$$
1916 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-248-2480, theparlor.us
4 cibo
A charming, wood-floored house (circa 1913) is home to this bustling Downtown pizzeria beloved for its thin, crisp and slightly chewy wood-fired pies. One of the earliest standouts in the Valley’s Venetian-style pizza scene, and still one of the best. $-$$
603 N. Fifth Ave., Phoenix, 602-441-2697, cibophoenix.com
5 la piazza al forno
Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this no-nonsense, Italian-American family-owned eatery serves up the West Valley’s best pie. Chef Justin Piazza tops his hand-tossed, wood-fired crust with San Marzano tomatoes and homemade mozzarella. Try the garlicky white pizza or the meaty Italian Stallion. $-$$
5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, lapiazzafamiglia.com, 623-847-3301
3 Best Arcadia Restaurants
Spending the day in trendy East Phoenix? Hit one of these Arcadia hotspots.
1 Vecina
Chef-partners James Fox and Eric Stone get everything right at this small neighborhood hangout, offering great cocktails, cool Latin pop and a view of Camelback Mountain, not to mention terrific Latin-inspired dishes such as ceviche (possibly the best in town), barbacoa tostadas with blue cheese-infused mashed potatoes, pork belly tacos and a carne asada ribeye nonpareil. $$
3433 N. 56th St., 602-675-2000, vecinaphx.com
2 Ingo’s tasty food
This casual Arcadia eatery features a wrap-around patio with a front row seat to some of the best people-watching in Phoenix. Ingo’s mainstay is burgers, but the crispy chicken sandwich and fresh shattered potato chips are top-notch. $
4502 N. 40th St., 602-795-2884, ingostastyfood.com
3 O.H.S.O.
With 36 microbrews on tap and an American-Mexican-Italian-Venezuelan-influenced menu – not to mention a canal-adjacent, dog-friendly outdoor dining area that routinely wins our Best of the Valley award for Best Patio – this Arcadia nanobrewery is hopping. Try the addictive green chile dip or hit their popular beer brunch. $
4900 E. Indian School Rd., 602-955-0358, ohsobrewery.com
Steak 44
steak
5101 N. 44th St.
602-271-4400, steak44.com
The Valley’s consensus best steakhouse. Elegantly understated compared to ritzy sister restaurant Dominick’s, it offers the same USDA Prime aged steaks in small and large portions. $$$$
The Stockyards Restaurant IAR
Steak/American
5009 E. Washington St.
602-273-7378, stockyardsrestaurant.com
Established in 1947, this reminder of Phoenix’s cowboy roots – complete with a hand-carved bar and crystal chandeliers – turns out great steaks and barbecue. It’s an institution for a reason, and a must-visit. $$-$$$
T. Cook’s IAR
mediterranean
5200 E. Camelback Rd. (Royal Palms Resort & Spa)
602-808-0766, royalpalmshotel.com
The Valley’s most beloved resort restaurant welcomed back an old friend last spring, as longtime chef Lee Hillson returned to helm the kitchen. Dishes run the gamut from an exquisite whole roasted sea bream to Maine lobster carbonara. $$$-$$$$
Tarbell’s
Contemporary American
3213 E. Camelback Rd.
602-955-8100, tarbells.com
It’s a classic for a host of reasons, namely its American comfort food menu, great wine list, clientele of local movers and shakers, and its affable host, Mark Tarbell. Get the meatloaf. $$$
Thai Lahna
Thai
3738 E. Indian School Rd.
602-955-4658, thailahna.com
Dark, cozy and tableclothed, this mom-and-pop near Arcadia looks and tastes better than most Thai restaurants in town, with the most aromatic tom kha gai you’ll ever inhale. $-$$
Tratto
Italian
1505 E. Van Buren St.,
602-296-7761, trattophx.com
One of the Valley’s top three restaurants, easy. Legendary pizza maker Chris Bianco hits home with rustic Italian fare dished up in farmstead digs, including meaty pastas and fall-off-the-bone pork Milanese. Recently moved into a new location in South-Central Phoenix. $$$
Valentine BNR
New American
4130 N. Seventh Ave.
602-277-5561, valentinephx.com
This midcentury-modern bar and eatery in Melrose has become the city’s hippest hangout for its classic but twisty cocktails and out-of-the-box cooking – e.g. slippery, quark-dappled blue oyster mushrooms ($13), so mind-blowing they give new meaning to the words “Blue Oyster Cult.” $$-$$$
Welcome Diner
southern
929 E. Pierce St.
602-495-1111, welcomediner.net
Beloved for its Southern-inflected comfort food served late, this retro-chic Garfield District diner makes a formidable fried green tomato sandwich, along with comfort fare like gooey mac and cheese and an insanely good chorizo meatloaf. $$
Veggie Village
vegan/Asian
1255 E. Northern Ave.
602-944-1088, vegvillage888.com
This nouveau Asian eatery offers chicken, fish, ham, even mutton… mock-meat versions of them, anyway, crafted from mushroom and vegetable proteins. The cream cheese wontons are great while the spicy-sweet General Tso’s “chicken” isn’t just good for vegetarian food – it’s good, period. $
Vincent on Camelback IAR
Southwestern/French
3930 E. Camelback Rd.
602-224-0225,vincentsoncamelback.com
Famed for French-inspired Southwestern Cuisine, Vincent Guerithault keeps classic favorites such as duck tamales and smoked-salmon quesadillas on the menu, while offering a taste of Provence. The adjacent Blue Room offers a shockingly inexpensive happy hour. $$$
Vovomeena
breakfast
1515 N. Seventh Ave.
602-252-2541, vovomeena.com
Come to this Roosevelt-area breakfast favorite, and blow your daily sugar
quota on fantastic banana bread pudding turned into French toast served with whiskey-kissed caramel sauce. For savory balance, the biscuits and gravy can’t be beat. $$
