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
$$$$=$26 and over
PT Noodles
Vietnamese
1375 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear
623-536-2099, ptnoodles.com
There’s nothing fancy about this small, unadorned strip mall restaurant, but the food is delicious and the staff is fast, friendly and efficient. All the classics are here – pho, banh mi, egg rolls, spring rolls, rice vermicelli and rice dishes – executed well and at extremely reasonable prices. $
Andes Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian
6025 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix
602-368-9205, losandesphx.com
Everything is yummy at this small, charming west-sider, owned and operated by restaurant vet Oscar Graham (Tumi). When it comes to Peruvian in this town, he’s the man, turning out spot-on versions of the classics, including Los Andes Jalea, a platter of lightly battered and fried fish strips, served in a steaming heap with sautéed crab, shrimp, scallops, calamari, octopus, clams and mussels. $$
Windsor
American/eclectic
5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-279-1111, windsoraz.com
Come to Windsor for the cool uptown crowd and stay for elevated comfort dishes like cheddar fondue for dunking Schreiner’s sausage, apples and pretzels made by MJ Bread. Save room for the delicious homemade ice cream. $$
Cala
Mediterranean
7501 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
480-590-5676, calascottsdale.com
Under the guidance of Food Network star and consulting chef Beau MacMillan, this Old Town Scottsdale gem turns out light, sophisticated fare inspired by the Mediterranean traditions of Greece, Spain, Italy and Morocco. Think creamy white bean hummus, smoky, complex baba ghanoush, charred funghi pizza and seared branzino. Wild card: flaming saganaki – lemon-spritzed kasseri cheese, anointed with Greek brandy and lit on fire at the table. $$$
Drunken Tiger
Korean
1954 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa
480-755-7555, drunkentigeraz.com
On one hand, you have traditional sit-down Korean cuisine, and then there’s modern street-style Korean bar food. Chef-owner Justin Park’s Mesa nightspot falls proudly into the latter camp. Under the gaze of Korean aeni octopi and other high-energy wall animations, you can acquaint yourself with sweet, slurp-alicious concoctions like a platter of mushroom-tender baby octopus and shaved pork in a spicy, ketchup-like gravy, ramen and udon bowls, and Korean fried chicken wings. $$
