Urban Agave
Mexican
6685 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale
623-561-6674, urban-agave.com
Alongside a wide variety of suavely cosmopolitan tequila and lime concoctions in “house or skinny” form, this Mexican gastropub has a menu of slyly upscale tacos. The shrimp boasts cubes of mango offset by a sriracha that puts up a little fight; the Baja has cod, cabbage and a mild sauce; and the carne asada carries a hint of orange in the marinade, as it does in the fine carne asada tostadas. $$.
Abuelo’s
Mexican
16092 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr., Peoria, 623-878-8282, abuelos.com
Constructed to look like a Mexican hacienda, this chain offers hearty Mexican food with a decidedly Tex-Mex accent. Expect large portions and lots of spice. Other location: Chandler (480-855-0960). $-$$
Bangkok Thai Bar-B-Q
Thai
13828 N. 51st Ave., Glendale
602-993-2046, bangkokthaiglendale.com
Wimpy palates need not apply at this homey-looking West Valley operation, where the Thai food is authentic and plenty hot. Try the pad prik king, the larb, the curries and the excellent soups for proof. $-$$
Cucina Tagliani
Italian
17045 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
602-547-2782, cucinatagliani.com
Exposed brick, weathered doors and grape leaves give this popular West-sider a cozy Old-World feeling. Customers love the “Pick a Pasta,” first choosing a pasta, then a sauce, then ingredients such as eggplant or prosciutto to add. $$
Dazzo’s Dog House
American
6143 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-934-3536, dazzosdoghouse.com
The Chicago native Dazzo brothers and their families have been running this joint since 1979. Grab a hot dog, Polish dog or bratwurst or feast on a Chi-Town smorgasbord of Italian beef sandwiches, chili dogs, pizza puffs, Chicago tamales and fresh-cut fries. $
Haus Murphy’s
German
5739 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-939-2480, hausmurphys.com
Don’t let the “Murphy’s” moniker throw you. Brett and Rose Hoffmann’s kitschy, cozy German restaurant is Teutonic through and through, and one of the Valley’s top German eateries. The menu lists all the classics – bratwurst, sauerkraut, sauerbraten, a half-dozen schnitzels, strudel and dandy tortes. $$
Litchfield’s
American
300 E. Wigwam Blvd. (Wigwam Resort), Litchfield Park
623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.com
Expect delicious, locally sourced cuisine at this respected resort restaurant, like sweet potato hummus with olives and oranges or any of the homemade pastas, and pan-roasted trout. $$$
Pho Avina
Vietnamese
4920 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale
602-439-2547, phoavina.com
Head to this gem for an inexpensive and satisfying meal crafted from creative appetizers: banh xeo, a rice crêpe filled with bean sprouts, pork and shrimp, and bo tai chanh, a lime-marinated beef salad served with rice crackers. $
Revolu
Modern Mexican
15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
623-878-0215, revolutaqueria.com
Come for the tacos (we’re partial to the carnitas and the El Potato Head, stuffed with chipotle smashed potatoes and chipotle aioli), stay for the tequila and cocktails made with fresh fruit juices. $$
Sumo Snow
Asian/Treat
16487 W. Bell Rd., Surprise
623-322-1749, sumosnow.com
Known for its variety of drinks – boba, coffee, citrus refreshers – and shave ice “snow,” Sumo Snow also boasts a slew of edible goodies. Enjoy seasonal macarons (orange creamsicle, espresso amd white chocolate-passion fruit are highlights), triple chocolate mousse cake and Hong Kong bubble waffles in flavors ranging from ube to matcha. Other location: Chandler (480-590-6624). $
Takamatsu
Japanese/Korean
4214 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix
623-842-0400, takamatsurestaurant.com
This restaurant sports a sushi bar, as well as tabletop, DIY grills for Korean barbecue. The Korean food packs an unbelievable flavor punch. Try the kalbi dolsot bibimbap (marinated beef short ribs served with vegetables and white rice in a sizzling stone bowl), served with a spread of pickled vegetables for intrepid sampling. $$-$$$
Vogue Bistro
French/American
15411 W. Waddell Rd., Surprise
623-544-9109, voguebistro.com
For a taste of ol’ Paris in the Valley, head west. When the weather cools, opt for a seat on Vogue Bistro’s intimate patio and enjoy a designer martini while watching the sun set over the White Tank Mountains. The menu offers tradiitional French fare like coq au vin chicken as well as American comfort food with Gallic flair, like award-winning meatloaf in a rich Sherry sauce If rabbit or cassoulet are offered as specials, don’t hesitate. $$-$$$
Wong’s Chinese Cuisine
Chinese
10540 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
623-877-4123, wongschinesefood.com
If you live out West or just happen to be there, here’s a wonderful surprise: a great-looking restaurant serving first-rate Chinese food. $$
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
