Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
American/brewpub
721 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert
480-497-2739, azwbeer.com
Arizona Wilderness sports an outdoorsy vibe, reflected in lodgepole furnishings and national forest signage. Yet the brews here are remarkably light and refined. Grub is a heavier affair, with pork-smothered fries and a glut of tacos leading the charge. $-$$
The Brickyard Downtown
Tapas
85 W. Boston St., Chandler
480-963-1373, brickyarddowntown.com
This gastropub is tucked inside a vintage newspaper building. Addictive small plates might include tuna poke, duck croquettes or avocado frybread. Larger, “family-style” tapas like elote short rib are so good you might not want to share. $$-$$$
Café Lalibela
Ethiopian
849 W. University Dr., Tempe
480-829-1939, cafelalibela.com
Eating with your hands is not only acceptable but expected at this friendly Ethiopian restaurant, where injera (spongy tortilla-like bread) functions as silverware. Try the doro wat (chicken and hard-cooked egg in traditional berbere sauce) or the gomen (collard greens). $-$$
The Dhaba
Indian
1872 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
480-557-8800
This nicely decorated haven serves Punjabi cuisine – hearty, full-flavored and including both vegetarian dishes and halal meat options. $-$$
La Tiendita
Colombian
456 W. Main St., Mesa
480-898-5546, latienditacolombianrestaurant.com
Owner German Prado runs a Colombian grocery and restaurant featuring traditional dishes from the old country. Try empanadas with cilantro and jalapeño sauce, and arepas – thick, griddled corn cakes filled with oozy, salty white cheese. $-$$
Mandarin House
Chinese
1825 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe
480-838-8988, mandarinhousetempe.com
Never mind the distinctly un-Chinese décor. This strip-mall restaurant is the real deal, offering a separate menu for the cognoscenti, which includes steamed whole fish and squid with black bean sauce. $-$$$
Nello’s
Pizza
2950 S. Alma School Rd., Mesa
480-820-5995, nellospizzamesa.com
Back in the ’80s, this Chicago-style pizzeria was the hottest thing going. Nello’s still turns out imaginative pizzas, Italian appetizers, salads, pastas and sandwiches. Multiple locations. $-$$
Rancho de Tia Rosa
Mexican
891 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert
480-396-8787, ranchodetiarosa.com
A longtime favorite for quality Mexican cuisine in the East Valley, Tia Rosa offers familiar Sonoran standbys, as well as extra-regional specialties such as a toothsome, semi-sweet chicken mole and first-rate carnitas. Other location: Mesa (480-659-8787). $-$$
Shimogamo
Japanese
2051 W. Warner Rd, Chandler
480-899-7191, shimogamoaz.com
Traditionalists and iconoclasts will both be happy at this serenely elegant Japanese restaurant, which offers everything from saikyo-yaki and chirashi-zushi to seafood wonton wraps and portobello beef rolls. Don’t miss the monkfish pâté. $$-$$$
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10 $$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25 $$$$=$26 and over
