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
$$$$=$26 and over
Flavors of Louisiana
Cajun/Creole
13025 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale
623-935-2357, flavorsoflouisianacajun.com
Forget blackened, over-salted faux Cajun. This is the real deal. Baton Rouge native Jennifer Landry Goff runs this little slice of the bayou like it’s her home kitchen, specializing in lovingly scratch-made Cajun and Creole specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp ètouffèe and boudin balls. You can’t go wrong with anything fried – Goff even has a gluten-free fry mix available, just ask – and the po’boys and muffulettas will transport you to NOLA. $-$$
Abuelo’s
Mexican
16092 N. Arrowhead Fountains Center Dr., Peoria, 623-878-8282, abuelos.com
These corporate restaurants constructed to look like haciendas offer hearty Mexican food with a decidedly Tex-Mex accent. Other location: Chandler (480-855-0960). $-$$
Bangkok Thai
Thai
13828 N. 51st Ave., Glendale
602-993-2046, bangkokthaiglendale.com
Wimpy palates need not apply at this homey-looking West Valley operation, where the Thai food is authentic and plenty hot. Try the pad prik king, the larb, the curries and the excellent soups for proof. $-$$
Cuff
American
7021 N 58th Ave., Glendale
623-847-8890, cuffglendale.com
Sweet Carolina barbecue sauce and melt-in-your-mouth meat make the pork shoulder sandwich at this Glendale gastropub a must-try, but the true standout is the Piggyback Burger, a half-pound beef burger topped with house-smoked pulled pork. Thoughtful vegan options and craft cocktails round out the diverse menu. $-$$
Dillon’s KC BBQ
American
20585 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
623-566-8100, dillonsrestaurant.com
This rambling, down-home restaurant is beloved for its barbecued ribs and chicken, pecan-smoked and served with comforting sides including mashed potatoes, steak fries, macaroni and cheese, barbecue baked beans and potato salad. Fish sandwiches and platters are stellar, too. Other location: Scorpion Bay Lake Pleasant (928-501-2227). $-$$
El Heroico Guaymas
Mexican
6750 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria
623-248-1734, heroicoguaymasrestaurant.com
You’ve had Sonoran cuisine – but have you tried Sonoran coastal cuisine? The menu features the usual mariscos – seafood apps, tacos, et al – as well as Guaymas specialties like fish ceviche tostada, strewn with avocado and drizzled with gutsy salsa negra. $$
Fabio on Fire
Italian
8275 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria
623-680-5385, fabioonfire.com
Figuratively speaking, chef-owner Fabio Ceschetti has most assuredly reached ignition. As a third generation pizzaiolo, the guy is passionate about his excellent pies. This cute, cozy trattoria is also a North Peoria go-to for excellent pasta and daily specials such as roast lamb, veal piccata and cioppino. $$
Ground Control
European/American
4860 N. Litchfield Rd., Litchfield Park,
623-535-9066, groundxcontrol.com
This gastropub/coffee shop/gelateria/wine bar has something for everyone morning, noon and night. Excellent pizzas, panini, salads, specialty coffee drinks and an impressive beer and wine list keep regulars coming back for more. $-$$
La Piazza Al Forno
Pizza/Italian
5803 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
623-847-3301, lapiazzaalforno.com
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this no-nonsense, Italian-American eatery serves up a fabulous pie. Chef Justin Piazza tops his hand-tossed, wood-fired crust with San Marzano tomatoes and homemade mozzarella. Try the meaty Italian Stallion. $-$$$
Mochilero Kitchen
Latin
6791 W. Happy Valley Rd., Peoria
623-440-5588, mochilerokitchen.com
This chic, colorful Latin restaurant is the brainchild of siblings Jorge Cota and Meliza Miranda, who had the dandy idea to bring regional Mexican cuisine to an underserved area of town. Stop by to feast on Yucatán-inspired guacamole with crispy plantains, Michoacán’s succulent carnitas and Baja fish tacos. $$
