Mochilero Kitchen
Latin
6791 W. Happy Valley Rd., Peoria
623-440-5588, mochilerokitchen.com
This colorful Latin chic 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. Even those farther afield should visit to feast on Yucatán-inspired guacamole with crispy plantains, Michoacán’s succulent carnitas and Baja’s famed fish tacos, all in one place. Bring it all home to the Sonoran Desert with a prickly pear paloma. $$
Barley & Smoke
New American
10144 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Peoria
623-572-2816, peoriaartisanbrewing.com
Tucked away in Peoria Artisan Brewery, this cozy, upscale speakeasy offers a limited menu of inventive small and large plates, most cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Any dish served with house-made bread is a winner, including the ribeye tartare or simply bread with beef tallow and fleur de sel. $$
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 homey Glendale gastropub a must-try, but the true standout is the Piggyback Burger, a half-pound beef burger topped with house-smoked pulled pork. $-$$
Dillon’s KC BBQ
American
20585 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
623-566-8100, dillonsrestaurant.com
This down-home restaurant is beloved for its barbecued ribs and chicken, pecan-smoked and served with comforting sides. Fish sandwiches and platters are stellar, too. Other location: Scorpion Bay Lake Pleasant (928-501-2227). $-$$
El Heroico Guaymas
Mexican
6750 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria
623-248-1734, heroicoguaymasrestaurant.com
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. $$
Fabio on Fire
Italian
8275 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria
623-680-5385, fabioonfire.com
Fabio Ceschetti has reached ignition. As a third generation pizzaiolo, he’s passionate about his pies. This cute, cozy trattoria with patio is also a go-to for pasta and specials such as roast lamb, veal piccata and cioppino. $$
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 seasoned bean sprouts, pork and shrimp, and bo tai chanh, a lime-marinated, rare beef salad served with rice crackers. $
Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar
Modern Mexican
15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
623-878-0215, revolutaqueria.com
Come for the tacos (we’re partial to the carnitas and crispy potato with chipotle aioli), stay for the tequila and cocktails made with fresh fruit juices. The mangorita is a highlight. $$
Siamese Kitchen
Thai
4352 W. Olive Ave., Glendale
623-931-3229
A small, family-operated, storefront restaurant featuring beef, pork, chicken and seafood dishes spiced as you wish. $
Urban Agave
Mexican
6685 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale
623-561-6674, urban-agave.com
Alongside a wide variety of suavely cosmopolitan tequila and lime concoctions in “house or skinny” form, this Mexican gastropub has a menu of slyly upscale tacos. The shrimp boasts cubes of mango offset by a sriracha that puts up a little fight; the Baja has cod, cabbage and a mild sauce; and the carne asada carries a hint of orangey citrus in the marinade, as it does in the fine carne asada tostado. $$
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. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$
Wong’s Restaurant
Chinese
10540 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
623-877-4123, wongschinesefood.com
If you live way 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.
