High-quality grub plus spectacular beverage programs make these North Phoenix restaurants worth the drive from anywhere in the Valley.
Tryst Cafe
Organic
21050 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, 480-585-7978, trystcafe.com
Here’s a fun spot to dine out that takes healthful eating seriously – seriously enough to magically conjure up healthy sweet potato tater tots. Almost everything comes in a healthy, organic version, and the menu’s full of vegetarian and vegan options. Try the open-faced portabella sandwich or the Hawaiian breakfast, a huge bowl of fried eggs and house-smoked kalua pork. Other location: Chandler (480-656-1011). $$
Balkan Bakery
Eastern European
1107 E. Bell Rd., 602-996-4598
Call ahead to place your order at this petite bakery – specialties like burek (flaky coils of phyllo stuffed with meat, cheese or spinach) and cevapi (caseless grilled sausages akin to kofta) sell out quickly. Peruse shelves of Balkan groceries on your way in to pick up your order. $-$$
Bootleggers
Barbecue/American
3375 E. Shea Blvd., 602-996-4228, bootleggersaz.com
The Valley’s bougie barbecue flag-bearer has arrived, bearing brisket and a bacon board. Smoked meats and moonshine are the stars of this modern, speakeasy-inspired temple of America’s signature cuisine. Chase Dr Pepper-braised short ribs with apple pie ‘shine à la mode. $$
Cafe Balkan
Eastern European
21043 N. Cave Creek Rd., 602-283-5360, cafebalkanaz.com
Don’t let your possibly shaky understanding of the Balkan Peninsula keep you away from this immaculate café. You’ll get delicious lessons in the region’s diversity – and familiar presentations – right there on the spot. Cases in point: Lepinja is a lighter, fluffier version of pita and sarma is simply stuffed cabbage (in this instance, stuffed with ground beef and rice). $$
Carolina’s
Mexican
1202 E. Mohave St., 602-252-1503, carolinasmex.com
By 11 a.m., this bare-bones stalwart is knee-deep in customers, lined up for homey, straightforward tacos, tamales, burritos and enchiladas. The smart ones take home a few packages of Carolina’s huge and amazing tortillas, made fresh daily. $
Eden’s Grill Inn
Middle Eastern
13843 N. Tatum Blvd., 602-996-5149, edensgrill.com
Housed in a strip mall, this small Middle Eastern restaurant is far prettier than you’d imagine, and the made-from-scratch food is wonderful. Try dolmeh, baba ghannouj, kebabs, catfish and the best baklava in town. $-$$
Humble Bistro
Italian
5415 E. High St., 480-502-2121, humblebistro.com
Boldly chart new territory by ordering the charcuterie-style Bistroboard at this casual pan-Italian bistro in the High Street area. $$$
Krua Thai
Thai
1510 E. Bell Rd., 602-971-4988, kruathaicuisine.com
Expect familiar Thai faves and a few rare regional dishes at this tiny café. The curry noodles and spicy fried rice are tops. Spicy is truly hot here, so be mindful when ordering. $
The Mexicano
Modern Mexican
4801 E. Cactus Rd., 602-812-2100, themexicano.com
From Valley restaurateur Joey Maggiore comes this irresistably high-energy dining playground with fun, sophisticated takes on molcajete and other Mexican faves. $$-$$$
Ocean Prime
Seafood/steak
5455 E. High St., 480-347-1313, oceanprimephoenix.com
Start with inventive appetizers like white truffle caviar deviled eggs before moving on to superlative surf-and-turf selections, like Chilean sea bass in Champagne truffle sauce. $$$$
The Oink Cafe
American
4326 E. Cactus Rd., 602-404-6465, theoinkcafe.com
Cute and comfy, homegrown and pork-centric, this breakfast/lunch eatery serves some fine swine. The pocket patio makes a great place to enjoy a cappuccino and hearty breakfast. Curious about the various bacon flavors? Order a tasting flight. Then get down to business with an Oink Benedict, biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros or chicken fried steak. $-$$
Patio 54 Fusion Kitchen
American
5415 E. High St., 480-687-8026, patio54az.com
This sleek newcomer sports two patios and an American menu that caroms between Asian and Southwestern influences. Tender sweet soy brew kalbi ribs are the best of the lot. $$
Press Roastery
Coffee shop
10443 N. 32nd St., 602-314-4201, presscoffee.com
Have a sip at the roaster’s spacious flagship shop south of Shea Boulevard. The Valley’s most potent brew. $
The Sicilian Butcher
Italian
15530 N. Tatum Blvd., 602-775-5140, thesicilianbutcher.com
Specializing in Sicilian street eats, this restaurant has an appealing menu of filling and snacky dishes such as arancini, bruschetta and meatballs. $$
Sizzle Korean BBQ
Korean
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., 480-265-9406, sizzlekoreanbbq.com
Meat is the raison d’être at this elite Korean you-cook-it barbecue restaurant, popular for its smart culinary flourishes. Traditional galbi and bulgogi are grand, and you’ll be tempted by mouthwatering selections such as beef tongue, pork jowl and prime ribeye. $$$
Shogun
Japanese
12615 N. Tatum Blvd., 602-953-3264, shogunaz.com
One of the longest-running Japanese restaurants in the Valley. The sushi bar is always jammed, but it’s pretty easy to nab a table for cooked specialties. $$-$$$
Tía Carmen
Southwestern
5350 E. Marriott Dr. 480-293-3636, tiacarmendesertridge.com
Celebrity chef Angelo Sosa brings his light, beautiful version of Southwestern cuisine to this dramatically designed resort restaurant, where the experience is amplified by thoughtful cocktails and intimate patio seating. If tostadas and flan sound boring, think again. They’re elevated and phenomenal here. $$-$$$
Yasha From Russia
Deli/Sandwiches
10240 N. 32nd St., 602-347-6055
A tidy market and deli that’s home away from home for Russian expats who drop by for Eastern European sausages, cheeses, canned goods, smoked fish, sandwiches and fabulous piroshki (dirt cheap, too). Lunch and dinner daily. $
