Global cuisine, American favorites and tons of breweries hold court in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.
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 entree prices; drink, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-15
$$$=$16-25
$$$$=$26 and over
Espiritu
Latin
123 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-398-8129, espiritumesa.com
At this gastropub, Bacanora mastermind Rene Andrade puts a chef-y spin on whole fried red snapper that’s a mind-blowing meld of moist, sweet flesh and ultra-crispy skin. Glazed in an oily finishing sauce of salsa macha, this blissfully crunchy dish is kinda like the chicharrones of fish.$$
Ban Chan
Korean
2909 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-414-2525
This pleasant little restaurant features excellent dishes such as spicy pan-fried octopus and squid, Korean-style pork belly (sam-gyeopsal), and monkfish stew (agujjim). $-$$
Best Hong Kong Dining
Chinese
1116 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-655-8262, besthongkongdining.com
This Hong Kong-style barbecue and noodle restaurant is a lot of fun and dirt cheap. Try the roasted duck, pork or chicken, the shrimp with scrambled egg chow fun or the spicy Singapore-style fried rice vermicelli. $-$$
Blue Adobe Grille
Southwestern
144 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa, 480-962-1000, originalblueadobe.com
Mesa’s best bet for grown-up food in a stylish setting. The menu ranges between Southwestern cuisine (try the Tucumcari tenderloin) and New Mexican specialties like hatch garlic shrimp. Keep an eye out for daily specials. $$
Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar
Sushi
2080 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert, 480-722-9250, bluewasabi.net
Panels of multi-colored glass dominate the decor at this stylish sushi bar. The hip menu features sushi rolls filled with surprising ingredients like seared beef, mango and Fritos. $$-$$$
The Brickyard
Tapas
85 W. Boston St., Chandler, 480-963-1373, brickyarddowntown.com
This trendy downtown Chandler gastropub is tucked inside a vintage newspaper building. Addictive small plates might include tuna poke, duck croquettes or avocado frybread. Larger, “family-style” tapas like elote short rib and aged New York strip steak are so good you might not want to share. $$
Cap’n Ron’s Fish & Chips
Seafood
6144 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-832-4134
This far-flung fry shack offers flaky fish and chips, a fried shrimp combo and a flawless catshish sandwich. Even landlubber’s grub like quiche is excellent. $
Crackers & Co.
American
535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa , 480-898-1717, crackersandcompanycafe.com
This ultra-feminine restaurant turns out homemade soups, imaginative sandwiches, entrée salads, hearty breakfasts and wonderful homemade desserts. $
Cyclo
Vietnamese
1919 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, 480-963-4490, azeats.com/cyclo
Chef/owner Justina Duong offers great Vietnamese food in a pretty setting. The menu features specialties such as banh xéo (a shrimp- and pork-filled crêpe), goi du du (green papaya salad) and bun rieu (an amazing seafood soup), which you’ll love at first bite. $
Daruma
Japanese
1116 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-590-7979, darumabyrie.com
This unassuming charmer offers a big bang for the buck, turning out noodle dishes, classic entrées and traditional sushi standards as well as edgier selections such as tuna carpaccio with creamy onion sauce and a California roll with poke on top. $-$$
DC Steak House
Steakhouse
180 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-899-4400, dc-steakhouse.com
Short for “Downtown Chandler” Steak House, this cozy and classic spot in Chandler’s historic square is fully loaded with a menu featuring steaks, chops, salads and sandwiches. Beyond meat, the restaurant also features a selection of fresh seafood specials, including jumbo shrimp and Alaskan king crab legs. $$-$$$$
El Sol Bakery
Mexican
760 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-786-0811
You’d never guess that inside this Mexican bakery is some of the best down-home Mexican food you’ll find anywhere. Made-on-the-premises tortillas are killer. $
Famous Dave’s BBQ
American
3250 W. Frye Rd., Chandler, 480-782-1212, famousdaves.com
Famous Dave serves up piping hot ribs, pulled pork and the “Texas Manhandler,” a mountain of brisket and hot-link sausage on a toasty bun. $$
The Farmhouse Restaurant
American
228 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, 480-926-0676, farmhouseofgilbert.com
Although The Farmhouse is no longer in a farmhouse, this Gilbert standby is still a great place for a hearty breakfast (try the famous cinnamon rolls) or homey lunch. No credit cards. $
Jalapeño Bucks
Barbecue/Mexican
3434 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, 480-459-3050, jalapenobucks.com
Set in an orange grove, this cultish walk-up barbecue joint – a shack-like shipping container with a misted, covered patio and no bathroom – turns out great brisket and pulled pork as well as terrific quesadillas, hearty burritos and good salsas. $
Joe’s Farm Grill
American
3000 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-563-4745, joesfarmgrill.com
Gilbert serial entrepreneur Joe Johnston converted the house in which he grew up into a flashback-to-the-’60s restaurant, featuring excellent hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken baskets, fries and milkshakes.$
Joe’s Real BBQ
American
301 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, 480-503-3805, joesrealbbq.com
Housed in an old brick building dating back to 1929, Joe’s features pecan-smoked barbecue and good sides – cheesy potatoes, barbecue baked beans, potato salad and mac and cheese. A classic. $
Kai
Native American
5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 602-225-0100, wildhorsepassresort.com
Explore contemporary, seasonal spins on indigenous regional cuisine at Arizona’s only AAA Four Diamond, Forbes Five Star dining destination. The impeccable service and remarkable Estrella Mountain views only bolster this high-end resort restaurant’s natural charms. Grilled bison with oxtail and scarlet runner bean cassoulet, crab and compressed melon and seared foie gras are a few menu highlights. $$$$
Katsu
Korean/Asian Fusion
1135 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa
From a tiny food stall in a Korean food court in Asiana Market comes chef-owner Danny Jeong’s modern Korean fusion eatery, which incorporates elements of Japanese, Italian and American cuisine. Don’t miss the kimchi-bacon fries, kimchi pasta or topoki (fish cake) spaghetti carbonara – all standouts. $
La Tiendita
Colombian
456 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-898-5546, latienditacafe.com
This Colombian grocery and restaurant features dishes from the old country. Don’t miss fried empanadas served with cilantro and jalapeño sauce, and arepas filled with oozy, salty white cheese. $-$$
La Ristra
New Mexican
638 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert, 480-545-2880, laristraaz.com
Spicy and approachable, this relative of the Los Dos Molinos restaurant empire shines with updated takes on time-tested New Mexican family recipes. Come for the New Mexican chile, linger for the heavy-duty menu of premium tequilas. $$
Lee’s Sandwiches
Sandwiches
1901 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, 480-855-1778, leesandwiches.com
This fast-casual operation specializes in sandwiches made on croissants or house-made baguettes. The Asian sandwiches are topped with pickled veggies, cilantro and jalapeño. $
Liberty Market
American
230 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, 480-892-1900, libertymarket.com
Joe Johnston brings us this fast-casual eatery housed in a historic building in downtown Gilbert. Highlights include the antipasto and cheese platters, fresh baked goods, Sicilian pizza, sweet potato salad and griddled bread pudding. $-$$
Mambo’s Dominican Kitchen
Dominican
1950 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-718-9210
Lined with a gallery of Dominican celebs, the dining room at Mambo’s makes an enticing setting in which to enjoy sophisticated, savory fare like mofongo de camarones, carne de res guisado and sopa de pollo. $
Mikado
Japanese/Sushi
3125 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-726-0255, mikadosushiaz.com
Except for the imaginative maki-zushi, there’s nothing trendy about this cozy neighborhood restaurant and sushi bar, which offers oshibori and old-school hospitality. $-$$
Millie’s Café
Puerto Rican
1916 W. Baseline Rd., Mesa, 480-223-8217
Homesick Puerto Ricans can find delicious solace at this tiny, family-owned cafe, but newbies will also delight in traditional Puerto Rican fare including mofongo, tostones, arroz con gandules and the jibarito, a sandwich that substitutes crisp, garlicky fried plantains for the bread. $
Nello’s Pizza
2950 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa, 480-820-5995, nellospizzamesa.com
Back in the ’80s, this Chicago-style pizzeria was the hottest thing going. Nello’s still turns out imaginative pizzas, Italian appetizers, salads, pastas and sandwiches. $-$$
At My Place Cafe
Filipino
3450 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, 480-838-1008, facebook.com/atmyplacecafeaz
As casual and welcoming as its name, this cute Filipino café draws loads of Asian cuisine lovers who show up for lechon kawali, adobo, beef caldereta, breakfast silogs (offered all day), pork sisig, lumpia, empanadas, buko pandan and more – basically, all the Filipino classics, deliciously prepared.$-$$
Original Cuisine
Chinese/Sichuan
1853 W. Broadway Rd., Mesa, 480-255-7810, originalcuisine.eat24hour.com
This eatery specializes in the one-two punch of ma la — dried red chiles and tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. For more nuance, start with mapo tofu— silky cubes of tofu bathed in a gravy-like sauce of chile oil, doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste), Sichuan peppercorns, garlic and ginger. It’s off the charts, releasing subtle sweetness and layers of controlled heat. $-$$
Pesto’s
Italian
1960 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, 480-821-2949, pestospizza.com
Weekend nights, this cute and affordable neighborhood Italian resto is packed with locals, there for the gourmet pies, eggplant rollatini, shrimp marinara and signature pesto – served on or in just about everything. Great wine list, too.$
Que Chevere
Venezuelan
142 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-474-4954, quechevereaz.com
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Orvid Cutler and Maria Fernanda, this Venezuelan restaurant evolved from a popular food truck. Now, arepas, empanadas and unique sandwiches can be enjoyed in a plainly furnished but charming little spot in downtown Mesa. $
Rancho de Tia Rosa
Mexican
891 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert, 480-396-8787, ranchodetiarosa.com
A longtime favorite for quality Mexican cuisine, Tia Rosa offers familiar Sonoran standbys, as well as extra-regional specialties such as a toothsome, semi-sweet chicken mole and first-rate carnitas. $-$$
Rawhide Steakhouse
Steakhouse/American
5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, 480-502-5600, rawhide.com
The menu celebrates the spirit and hospitality of its Western roots through traditional cooking, barbecue food challenges, true hungry-cowboy portions and the use of indigenous ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community. Also, one of the few places to try desert delicacies like fried rattlesnake. A sprawling replica of a Western town, musical festivals and various other events add to the allure. $$
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
Barbecue
7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, 480-874-6440, rudysbbq.com
This Texas-based chain draws long lines for its wood-fired meats, rubbed with a signature dry spice blend. $-$$
Saigon Pho
Vietnamese
1381 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-786-8828
This pretty restaurant serves the Vietnamese specialties you already know and then some. Try the Saigon Special Lobster and the tom ram man. Lunch and dinner daily. $-$$$
Source
Italian
3150 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-687-7732, eatatsource.com
Chef Claudio Urciuoli is becoming a neighborhood fixture at this sleek but unpretentious fast-casual, where the Italian menu has a Mediterranean accent. Eat anything involving bread (bruschetta, flatbread, sandwiches) and don’t miss the pizza. $-$$
SanTan Brewing Company
American
8 S. San Marcos Plaza, Chandler, 480-917-8700, santanbrewing.com
Anthony Canecchia, who earned his stripes at Four Peaks, is owner/brewmaster at this friendly, lively neighborhood pub, offering vastly different ales and lagers as well as the pub grub to go with them. $-$$
Shaanxi Chinese Restaurant
Chinese
67 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-733-8888, shaanxibiangbiang.com
You can visit this welcoming Mesa restaurant – from the same owners who caused a minor sensation with House of Egg Roll a few years back – for chop suey, General Tso’s chicken and walnut shrimp, but why would you when there are hearty specialties of China’s north-central Shaanxi province to explore? Don’t miss the wide, flat, 2-foot-long noodles called biangbiang, which show up in a half-dozen permutations, or the sloppy Joe-like roujiamo. $$-$$$
Shula’s Steak House
Steak
5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 520-796-1972, shulas.com
The filet mignon and rib eye are luscious and smoky at this restaurant named after Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Standard sides are pricey, but the wedge salad, generously topped with blue cheese and bacon, satisfies. The West Coast beet risotto is also worth the splurge. $$$$
The Seafood Market
Seafood
3406 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, 480-633-1580, azeats.com/seafoodmarket
There’s nothing fancy about this pleasantly decorated little seafood restaurant and adjoining market, but the fish is always fresh. Healthfully prepared, too. Seafood staples like crab cakes, shrimp ceviche, clam chowder and Maine lobster tail reign supreme. $$
Sekai Sushi
Japanese
1017 S. Gilbert Rd., Mesa, 480-545-8131, sekaisushi.net
This friendly place offers plenty of traditional Japanese dishes, including ramen and katsu don. $$-$$$
Shimogamo
Japanese
2051 W. Warner Rd, Chandler, 480-899-7191, shimogamoaz.com
Traditionalists and iconoclasts will both be happy at this serenely elegant Japanese restaurant, which offers everything from saikyo-yaki and chirashi-zushi to seafood wonton wraps and portobello beef rolls. Don’t miss the monkfish pâté. $$-$$$
SoCal Fish Taco Company
Mexican/Seafood
219 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, 480-807-6225, socalfishtacos.com
This breezy fish shack incongruously nestled in downtown Gilbert serves Baja-style seafood and fried fare, from tequila-glazed shrimp and fried cod tacos to creamy clam chowder and onion-laced blue crab cakes. Everything is so fresh, you’ll forget you’re in a landlocked state. $
Stufrageous Stuffed Burgers
Burgers
1036 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-969-1305, stufrageous.com
This fast-casual burger joint offers moist, flavorful stuffed beef and chicken patties. Look for Greek, Hawaiian and veggie options, plus decadent sides sich as fried pepper jack macaroni balls and crispy tempura green beans. The caprese burger marries the salty mozarella and zesty basil of the popular salad with the satisfying ooze of margherita pizza. For dessert, don’t miss the Loaded Cookie with ice cream. $
Tao Garden
Chinese
2050 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-857-4188, taogardendining.com
Seafood is the specialty at this Hong Kong-style joint, so expect to find everything from oysters, crab and lobster to tilapia and catfish. $-$$$
Venezia’s New York Style Pizzeria
Pizza/Italian
744 W. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-786-3200, venezias.com
Owner Domenick Montanile gives loyal diners a New York feel and a touch of Italy. Everything is authentic, down to the family photos displayed throughout the restaurant. Enjoy award-winning pizza, along with delicious calzones. $
