Dining Guide - Phoenix Valley Guide

As devotees know, there’s a lot more to shopping than snapping up an item and slapping down a piece of plastic. The shopping experience encompasses everything from diversions such as movie theaters and craft shows to surprises such as live entertainment and rock-climbing walls. The following descriptions aim to capture the ambiance of different shopping venues in the Greater Phoenix area—ranging from small, quaint historic districts to large, contemporary “destination malls” where you can shop, eat, and be entertained.

CENTRAL

AIELLO’S EAST COAST ITALIAN

Phoenix
602-547-3354
aiellositalianrestaurant.com
From spaghetti with the acclaimed Joe’s Famous Meatballs to the delicious Sunday Gravy, the authentic fare at Aiello’s will please any Italian-food aficionado. Bookend your experience with a pre-dinner glass of Italian wine and traditional cannoli as a sweet finale.
Italian

BARRIO CAFE

Phoenix
602-636-0240
barriocafe.com
Savor sophisticated dishes influenced by central and southern Mexico. This quaint yet upscale restaurant serves a delectable selection of modern Mexican entrées, as well as fish and vegetarian dishes. Be sure to sample the cochinita pibíl—slow-roasted pork that’s been marinated in achiote and orange.
Mexican

BECKETT’S TABLE

Phoenix
602-954-1700
beckettstable.com
Comfort meets sophistication at this restaurant run by long-time neighbors and friends. The motto here is “come together,” and this eatery’s welcoming atmosphere is hard to resist. Even harder to resist: the mouth-watering pastrami-cured salmon, hearty chicken with bacon-biscuit stuffing, and chocolate-dipped bacon s’mores. Need we say more?
American

BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA

Phoenix, Scottsdale
602-429-8000 (Phoenix), 480-305-6692 (Scottsdale)
foxrc.com/restaurants/blanco-tacos-tequila
With a contemporary twist on traditional favorites, Blanco celebrates the spirit of Mexico with an inventive variety of tacos and more than 50 premium tequilas. Try the grilled salmon with roasted Yukon hash, chayote squash, sweet peppers, and spinach alongside a fresh-fruit sangria or margarita.
Mexican

CHARR: AN AMERICAN BURGER BAR

Phoenix
602-993-2427
charrburgerbar.com
This “burger bar” has 19 burgers on the menu, plus a tasty roundup of sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Burger choices include The Phoenix (green chile, cheddar, chipotle mayo), the 2 AM Burger (cheddar, hash browns, bacon, over easy egg), and the Mac ‘n’ Cheese ‘n’ Bacon Burger. Bonus: Flat-screen TVs mean you can catch the big game, too.
American

CHELSEA’S KITCHEN

Phoenix
602-957-2555
chelseaskitchenaz.com
Serving what the staff calls “Arizona roadhouse food,” Chelsea’s Kitchen offers American dishes with a Southwestern twist. Fill up on the popular fried chicken or rotisserie prime rib. Not feeling carnivorous? Try a salad or daily seafood special. When the weather pleases, take advantage of the outdoor, canal-side patio.
American

CLEVER KOI

Phoenix, Gilbert
602-222-3474 (Phoenix), 480-306-4237 (Gilbert)
thecleverkoi.com
Steamed buns, Pad Thai, pork ramen, and other traditional treats get a fresh twist in a trendy setting. For example, kimchi chicken and waffles or a green tea pastry with golden beets. Wash it down with The Enabler, a cocktail with whiskey, maple syrup, hibiscus bitters, and sea salt.
Asian

THE CORONADO

Phoenix
602-252-1322
thecoronadophx.com
With a menu of yummy vegetarian and vegan dishes plus a full bar, this tiny restaurant packs a big punch. The setting is quaint, the patio is dog-friendly, and the pastries are baked fresh daily. Hit up The Coronado for breakfast—jalapeño waffle, anyone?—then return in the evening for cocktails.
Vegetarian/Vegan

DIFFERENT POINTE OF VIEW

Phoenix
602-866-6350
tapatiocliffshilton.com/different-pointe-of-view-restaurant
The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs’ award-winning mountaintop restaurant boasts gourmet selections, breathtaking views, and an internationally acclaimed wine cellar. The menu, based on Mediterranean flavors, features dishes made with fresh herbs and vegetables from the chef’s hillside garden.
Regional American/Mediterranean

GREEKFEST

Phoenix
602-265-2990
thegreekfest.com
Chef/owner Tony Makridis puts heart and soul into tasty standards such as moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlaki and exotic entrées including exohiko (lamb wrapped in phyllo) and garithes microlimano (shrimp sautéed with feta in a tomato, herb, and wine sauce). Also enjoy the handcrafted European pastries.
Greek

OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, plus 6 additional area locations
602-241-0707 (Phoenix), 480-348-0500 (Scottsdale), 480-970-1860 (Scottsdale), 480-858-0501 (Tempe)
oreganos.com
This is no strip-mall pizza chain. The menu boasts pizzeria fare with a twist. From the Chicago-style thin crust to the special marinara sauce, everything is homemade–including the excellent stuffed chicken pesto pizza. It’s all topped with great service and a fun atmosphere. Open every day.
Italian

THE PARLOR PIZZERIA

Phoenix
602-248-2480
theparlor.us
This Central Phoenix pizzeria calls a former 1950s beauty parlor home, hence the name. Many of the original architectural features still exist, along with vintage items from the old parlor shop. Veggies from the restaurant’s on-site garden (think kale, basil, rosemary, tomatoes, and radicchio) show up on the stellar pies.
Italian

PIZZERIA BIANCO

Phoenix
602-258-8300 (Phoenix), 602-368-3273 (Phoenix)
pizzeriabianco.com
This small pizzeria in historic Heritage Square (with a second location in central Phoenix) has a lot going for it. First, owner Chris Bianco comes from Brooklyn. Second, he makes his own mozzarella. And third, the specialty pies are baked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy. Enough said?
Italian

POSTINO

Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe
602-852-3939 (Phoenix), 602-274-5144 (Phoenix), 602-899-1111 (Scottsdale), 602-428-4444 (Scottsdale), 480-632-6363 (Gilbert), 480-927-1111 (Tempe)
postinowinecafe.com
This modern, ultra-hip café specializes in hard-to-find wines and lighter Italian fare. Sample the bruschetta with a choice of 12 different toppings, a delightful salad, or a dreamy dessert while savoring the perfect glass of wine. You’ll find wine from around the world.
Italian

ROKERIJ

Phoenix
602-287-8900
richardsonsnm.com/rokerij
With a Netherlands-inspired design, this candlelit restaurant draws diners with prime-grade meats and flavorful seafood. Begin with the chipotle ribs appetizer, and move on to entrees like Pasta Heidi–green chile linguine with grilled chicken and chipotle cream sauce.
Regional American

ROSIE MCCAFFREY’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT

Phoenix
602-241-1916
rosiemccaffreys.com
As authentic as they come, Rosie’s offers a satisfying menu of such Irish favorites as shepherd’s pie, apple dumplings, corned beef and cabbage, and chicken potpie. The decor is Irish through and through–greens, rich woods, stained glass, and live Irish music transport you to the shamrock isle.
Irish

SOUTHERN RAIL

Phoenix
602-200-0085
southernrailaz.com
Some might balk at the mere suggestion of giving Southern food an upscale flair, but this warm and rustic eatery proves good ol’ Southern cooking can be equally delicious with an elegant twist. We think you’ll be convinced after just one bite of cider-brined pork loin or smoked chicken and grilled andouille gumbo ya ya.
Southern

THAI LAHNA

Phoenix
602-955-4658
thailahna.com
For more than 20 years, Thai Lahna has been serving classic Thai dishes, such as tohm khah kai, a hot and sour soup with chicken and vegetables in coconut milk, phaht thai (stir-fried noodles), and gang ka-ree kai, a yellow curry dish with chicken and vegetables in coconut milk.
Thai

TRATTO

Phoenix
602-296-7761
urbantacos.net
James Beard Award winner Chris Bianco brings Italy to Greater Phoenix with a menu that beautifully blends favorite recipes with local ingredients. Classics and new takes, too—you’ll find Pizza Margherita, with San Marzano tomatoes, alongside the Kobocha Squash Casoncelli with brown butter, sage, and aceto balsamico.
Italian

WELCOME DINER

Phoenix
602-495-1111
welcomediner.net
Welcome Diner, housed in a retro trailer with outdoor seating, offers an old-school vibe with a contemporary menu. Instead of traditional diner burgers and milkshakes, the menu has items such as the PB&B Burger (crunchy peanut butter, bread and butter pickles, bacon, and cheddar) and fried chicken sandwiches. Pair your entrée with a hurricane—2 kinds of rum, house grenadine, and orange, lime, and pineapple juices.
American

ZIPPS SPORTS GRILL

Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, plus 8 additional area locations
480-970-9507 (Scottsdale), 480-948-5544 (Scottsdale), 480-782-8877 (Chandler), 480-539-1600 (Gilbert)
zippssportsgrills.com
Looking for a sports bar with panache? Check out Zipps, where you’ll find meaty, inspired bar fare (award-winning wings, chicken focaccia with sweet jalapeño dressing) along with some terrific extras—think shuffleboard, Golden Tee golf, and killer happy hour specials. Grab a bite, salt down the alley, and relax.
American

DOWNTOWN

THE ARROGANT BUTCHER

Phoenix
602-324-8502
foxrc.com/restaurants/the-arrogant-butcher
Patrons can watch the chefs slice, chop, and sauté food at this open-concept restaurant. The view only gets more exciting when entrées such as sea bass or crab-stuffed chicken arrive at the table. The urban vibe attracts lunch and dinner crowds, especially to the tables on the climate-controlled patio.
American

THE BREADFRUIT & RUM BAR

Phoenix
602-267-1266
thebreadfruit.com
Get an authentic taste of Jamaican cuisine and culture with fresh and finely spiced fare, reggae music, and premium-aged rum. Start with oven-roasted plantains, then dig into succulent jerk pork over polenta. For something sweet, try the bar’s revamped piña colada.
Jamaican

CHICO MALO

Phoenix
602-603-9363
chicomalo.com
With a name that translates to “bad boy” and a mural of a tattooed Frida Kahlol, Chico Malo is unapologetic and bold. Heat things up with housemade salsas and Diablo Shrimp Tacos (with a dropper bottle of habanero sauce). Out with friends? Cool things down with a La Calavera, a hand-crafted cocktail for four.
Mexican/South American

COMPASS ARIZONA GRILL

Phoenix
602-440-3166
compassarizona.com
Special occasion? Try Arizona’s only rooftop revolving restaurant, complete with breathtaking views, fine dining, impeccable service, and a wine list that has garnered Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The menu changes seasonally, but you can count on delicious, contemporary cuisine.
Contemporary American

THE DRESSING ROOM

Phoenix
602-777-0763
conceptuallysocial.com/the-dressing-room
A former drag bar dressing room has entered its second act as a global street-food bar featuring craft cocktails and two patios. Menu show stoppers include the All Day Burrito with bacon, hash browns, and avocado, and the Korean Yakitori with peanut sauce and miso slaw. For a big finish, order the Churro Ice Cream Sandy.
International

THE DUCE

Phoenix
602-866-3823
theducephx.com
This restaurant, housed in an old warehouse, is great for nights you don’t want to end. Ping-pong, foosball, cornhole, and boxing—yes, boxing—happily keep you occupied while you nibble on munchies such as bacon mac ’n’ cheese muffins, brisket sliders, and baked artichoke, asparagus, and goat cheese dip.
American

HANNY’S

Phoenix
602-252-2285
hannys.net
Housed in a 1940s men’s department store (and using the same name), Hanny’s is now a classic downtown spot for dinner and drinks. In homage to its Post-War roots, the bar serves throwback cocktails, such as Side Cars and Negronis. Pair your bevvie with one of Hanny’s delicious dishes: Tuscan Steak and Pork Milanese are popular.
American

NOBUO AT TEETER HOUSE

Phoenix
602-254-0600
nobuofukuda.com
This bungalow in Heritage Square is the perfect place for a romantic evening or to unwind after a busy day. Socialize over inspired drinks and inventive cuisine such as yellowtail ceviche or coconut curry grilled lamb. An assortment of exotic teas rounds out the menu.
Japanese

PHOENIX PUBLIC MARKET CAFÉ

Phoenix
602-253-2700
phxpublicmarket.com
Hearty dishes at this downtown Phoenix restaurant feature seasonal ingredients sourced from the on-site farmers market. Homemade soups, fresh pastries, green salads, and stacked sandwiches satisfy any food mood, and handcrafted cocktails complete the experience.
American

PIZZERIA BIANCO

QUIESSENCE AT THE FARM

Phoenix
602-276-0601
quiessencerestaurant.com
Nestled in a real working farm, this restaurant exudes all the charm you’d expect from such a quaint locale. But there’s nothing kitschy about the cuisine. The menu changes nightly, offering such delectables as braised lamb with farm greens and onions or pan-seared scallops.
American/Italian

SQUID INK SUSHI

Peoria, Phoenix
623-561-7747 (Peoria), 602-258-0510 (Phoenix)
squidinksushi.com
Check out how this place rolls. In addition to classic sushi like avocado, California, or cucumber rolls, Squid Ink serves original rolls like the Dirty Rockstar (spicy and bigeye tunas, habanero, avocado, jalapeños, sweet chili sauce, and spicy aioli) and the Pokémon (spicy crab, avocado, asparagus, salmon, lemon, marinated Spanish onion, and jalapeños). Try the rice bowls and noodles, too.
Japanese

TILTED KILT

Phoenix, Tempe
602-293-3888 (Phoenix), 480-592-0102 (Tempe)
tiltedkilt.com
Catch a game with friends, old and new, over elevated pub grub, from home-style meatloaf to Buffalo mac ‘n’ cheese. With more than 30 draft and bottled beers to choose from, there are plenty of ways to toast a victory, too.
American

EAST

ARTIZEN

Phoenix
602-522-6655
thecamby.com
Craft cocktails, dishes with locally sourced ingredients, shareable plates, and sophisticated decor–this place impresses. Delight in the lovely and simple dishes, each perfectly done, such as seared scallops with plump gnocchi, crispy Brussels sprouts, and corn fondue, or rillettes with Arizona dates and white port jam.
American

CHEZ VOUS

Scottsdale
480-443-2575
chezvous.restaurant
This bistro recreates a charming European atmosphere that offers a taste of France. Whether it is a savory crepe with ham and Swiss or a sweet crepe of coconut, chocolate, and bananas, Chez Vous has something for everyone. Finish off your lunch with a creamy scoop of gelato.
French

DELUX

Phoenix
602-522-2288
deluxburger.com
This hip restaurant is the area’s hot spot for creative burgers. Go for the Delux burger made with all-natural beef, Maytag blue and Gruyère cheeses, caramelized onions, and apple-wood bacon. The restaurant’s happy hour makes Delux a favorite hangout, especially among local chefs.
American

DIEGO POPS

Scottsdale
480-970-1007
diegopops.com
Step inside Diego Pops and soak up the neon; the hot-pink, lime-green, retro-chic design complements the Miami-circa-1986 vibe. The Latin/Mexican fare is pretty good, too. Go for Brussels sprouts nachos, adobo chicken, or coconut-lemongrass ceviche. Drinks range from agua frescas to fruity, fizzy cocktails.
Latin

DIERKS BENTLEY’S WHISKEY ROW

Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale
480-794-1477 (Tempe), 480-476-8595 (Gilbert), 480-945-4200 (Scottsdale)
dierkswhiskeyrow.com
Two-step your way into this original concept from Phoenix native and Country music star Dierks Bentley. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing along with a full menu of rockin’ salads, burgers, and entrées (Creole fettuccine, anyone?), and, of course, plenty of bar specials and specialties.
American

EL CHORRO

Paradise Valley
480-948-5170
elchorro.com
A fashionable girls’ school more than 70 years ago, this quaint adobe lodge nestled between Camelback and Mummy mountains offers old-style Southwestern charm. The menu delights with trout amandine and flash-fried lobster tail. Enjoy casual dining and cocktails by glowing fireplaces on the patios.
Southwestern

ELEMENTS

Paradise Valley
480-607-2300
sanctuaryaz.com
Head to Camelback Mountain for a sleek and seductive dining experience. Enjoy the view from the patio or take a seat at the convivial community table. Menu highlights include bacon-wrapped filet of beef with trumpet mushrooms.
American

FARM & CRAFT

Scottsdale
480-947-3763
ilovefarmandcraft.com
The kitchen at Farm & Craft focuses on food and drinks—and even desserts—with a healthy spin. (The menu calls out items that reduce stress, are anti-inflammatory, and more.) Savor the antioxidant-filled roasted chicken breast, served with cauliflower mash and garlic spinach. The shortbread made with lemon, blood orange, almond, and lavender flavors ends dinner on a sweet note.
American

FOUR PEAKS BREWING COMPANY

Scottsdale, Tempe
480-991-1795 (Scottsdale), 480-303-9967 (Tempe), 480-634-2976 (Tempe)
fourpeaks.com
For a taste of beer that is truly Arizonan, you’ll want to sample the suds at Four Peaks. Eight signature ales are on tap, as well as special releases, and the restaurant serves award-winning fare. For an added treat, enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio.
Microbrewery

LON’S AT THE HERMOSA INN

Paradise Valley
602-955-7878
lons.com
Enjoy an elegant evening in this intimate 1930s adobe, once the home of cowboy artist Lon Megargee. The kitchen serves up savory dishes such as roasted halibut and Jidori chicken with basil mashed potatoes.
American

MARIGOLD MAISON

Paradise Valley
602-497-2243
marigoldmaison.com
Without having to travel to New Delhi, you can eat authentic Indian food such as chicken tikka, saag paneer, and samosa. Bright sauces and decorative flowers garnish each colorful, delicious-looking entrée. Finish with kala jamun—warm cakes covered in rose honey syrup.
Indian

MOWRY & COTTON

Scottsdale
480-423-2530 (Scottsdale)
mowryandcotton.com
The causal and laid-back atmosphere at Mowry & Cotton puts diners at ease as they peruse the seasonally changing menu. Savor regionally inspired American dishes such as grilled black cod, lamb tacos, or many vegetarian options. Sweet-tooth? Make sure to order the warm s’mores pie.
Regional American

O.H.S.O. EATERY + NANOBREWERY

Phoenix, Scottsdale
602-955-0358 (Phoenix), 480-948-3159 (Scottsdale)
ohsobrewery.com
This nanobrewery serves more than just craft beer—although that’s good, too. The menu is packed with everything from burgers and salads to tacos and flatbreads. Beer Brunch happens on the weekends, and dogs are welcome any day of the week.
American

OCEAN TRAIL

Scottsdale
480-850-7777
talkingstickresort.com
Slide into a sleek white stool at this exclusive Louisiana-style seafood bar on the casino floor at Talking Stick Resort. Here, the catch includes the likes of lobster, oysters, shrimp, and crawfish with a Creole or Cajun flare. Drink specials celebrate New Orleans, too: Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday with specially priced hurricanes.
Seafood/Cajun

OLD TOWN TORTILLA FACTORY

Scottsdale
480-945-4567
oldtowntortillafactory.com
A tree-covered patio, Southwestern-accented interior, and Margarita’s Tequilarilla (read: “lounge”) stocking more than 160 tequilas, make the Factory a local favorite. The menu includes specialties like Shawnee sea bass and red chile pork chops.
Regional Southwestern

ORANGE SKY

Scottsdale
480-850-8606
talkingstickresort.com
At Orange Sky, pair a glass of world-class wine with agave-chile beef tenderloin and sautéed
foie gras while you enjoy panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains. Other menu standouts: Australian lamb chops, pan-roasted chicken, and shrimp and scallop steaks.
Contemporary American

OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO

PIG & PICKLE

Scottsdale
480-990-1407
pigandpickle.com
This hip joint shines the spotlight on swine, but casts the rest of the farm—locally sourced veggies, sweet breads, and homegrown herbs—in delicious supporting roles. We’ll award the seafood dishes and handcrafted cocktails producer credits for bringing the whole menu together.
American

POSTINO

ROKA AKOR

Scottsdale
480-428-0051
rokaakor.com
This elegant Japanese restaurant situates diners in full view of the robata grill—watch as chefs chop, toss, and grill. Order a sushi roll or grilled sweet corn skewers and see it handcrafted right before your eyes. After dinner, enjoy housemade ice cream, or make your way to the schochu lounge for a cocktail.
Japanese

T. COOK’S

Phoenix
602-808-0766
tcooksphoenix.com
The elegant atmosphere of this Royal Palms Resort and Spa standout invites diners to relax and stay a while as they enjoy a carnival of flavors. Sample bold dishes such as the braised and seared antelope, fried frog legs, diver scallops, Spanish octopus, or venison tartare.
Mediterranean

TORO LATIN RESTAURANT & RUM BAR

Scottsdale
480-585-4848, ext. 7374
scottsdaleprincess.com
Bring a friend to Toro—here, the plates (think chipotle pork belly mac ‘n’ cheese) are meant to be shared. Live music and more than 100 rums on offer make the atmosphere at Toro comparable to a lively Panama City hangout—the perfect spot to transition from dinner to full-on shindig.
Central American

ZIPPS SPORTS GRILL

NORTHEAST

BUFFALO CHIP SALOON & STEAKHOUSE

6823 E. Cave Creek Rd.
480-488-9118
buffalochipsaloon.com
Buffalo Chip began as a feed and bait shop for passersby on their way to Bartlett and Horseshoe lakes. Today, it’s a destination all its own with live music, dancing, and professional bull riding. Entrées are of the stick-to-your-bones variety, such as the BBQ Platter with smoked brisket, pork, sausage, and beans.
Steakhouse

OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO

TONTO BAR & GRILL

Cave Creek
480-488-0698
tontobarandgrill.com
Sure, the Old Arizona-style setting is cozy and boasts a lovely view of the Rancho Manana golf course, but once your food arrives you’ll think only of the noteworthy fare. Try the lobster and shrimp flautas and then sample the onion-crusted walleyed pike and finish with warm buttermilk chocolate cake.
Regional American/Southwestern

SOUTHEAST

CASEY MOORE’S OYSTER HOUSE

Tempe
480-968-9935
caseymoores.com
This Tempe institution offers something for everyone. Enjoy a casual dinner on the roomy patio or dine at one of the intimate tables inside. Savor tasty dishes such as oysters Rockefeller and the Classic Tempe Club. Be sure to ask about the friendly ghost claimed to haunt the restaurant.
American

CLEVER KOI

DIERKS BENTLEY’S WHISKEY ROW

FOUR PEAKS BREWING COMPANY

HOUSE OF TRICKS

Tempe
480-968-1114
houseoftricks.com
Inside this turn-of-the-century cottage, diners can savor such dishes as lamb with apple-cauliflower purée or seared ahi tuna with a sticky rice cake. Visitors to Tricks also love the tree-shaded patio.
Regional American

JOE’S FARM GRILL

Gilbert
480-563-4745
joesfarmgrill.com
Joe’s Farm Grill has been a Gilbert mainstay for years. The motto, “Common Food Done Uncommonly Well” translates to some delicious eats. The fontina burger is piled high with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, and pecan pesto. There are plenty of veggie-packed salads from which to choose. And the grilled pizzas are to die for.
American

KAI

Chandler
602-385-5726
wildhorsepassresort.com
Located at the posh Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Kai features award-winning, Native American-inspired cuisine created with locally grown ingredients. Although the menu rotates seasonally, diners can expect such delights as pan-seared duck, buffalo tenderloin, and slow-braised lobster tail.
Regional Southwestern

MANGO’S MEXICAN CAFE

Mesa
480-464-5700
mangosmexicancafe.com
Refuel in this colorful, fast-casual eatery in the heart of the downtown Mesa shopping district. Three varieties of chiles rellenos (queso, ground beef, or shrimp) entice your tastebuds, as do fish or shrimp tacos and homemade flan. Pair your meal with a cool aqua fresca or horchata.
Mexican

NUNTHAPORN THAI CUISINE

Mesa
480-649-6140
nunthapornthai.com
Warm tones, cozy banquette seating, and exotic aromas welcome diners to this authentic Thai restaurant in downtown Mesa. Pick your heat level—mild, medium, spicy, or Thai spicy—for fresh and flavorful takes on such classics as green curry and pad Thai. Round out the experience with Thai tea and fried banana with gelato for dessert.
Thai

OREGANO’S PIZZA BISTRO

POSTINO

RANCHO DE TIA ROSA

Gilbert
480-396-8787
tiarosarestaurant.com
Enter this authentic Mexican restaurant and be swayed by a colorful array of steaks, soups, and enchiladas. Also try out the daily specials, from a glazed shrimp cocktail to the Nuevo chile relleno stuffed with cheese, sour cream, and roasted bell pepper sauce.
Mexican

REPÚBLICA EMPANADA

Mesa
480-969-1343
republicaempanada.com
As the name suggests, the oh-so-portable-and-delicious empanada is the star of this pan-Latin bistro. From spicy (jalapeño popper empanada) to savory (the pork Pernil) to sweet (Dizzy Fig or Plantain & Cheese), you’ll want to try all 2 dozen varieties on the menu. Good thing they wrap up nicely for easy carryout, too.
Caribbean/Latin American

RÚLA BÚLA IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT

Tempe
480-929-9500
rulabula.com
This pub reflects authentic Irish design—from the low lighting to the solid oak bar. Toast your friends with Guinness pints at a cozy table or enjoy the lush patio. Culinary delights include Gaelic chicken with whiskey sauce, bangers and mash, and roasted peppercorn salmon.
Irish

STOCKYARDS RESTAURANT & 1889 SALOON

Phoenix
602-273-7378
stockyardssteakhouse.com
Stockyards is among the best when it comes to authentic steakhouses–which fantastic beef, a wood-trimmed interior, 1950s-style leather both, and top-notch service. Stick to steaks and you won’t be disappointed, but stray if you must to the excellent pork porterhouse chop or tortilla-crusted trout.
Steakhouse

TILTED KILT

ZIPPS SPORTS GRILL

WEST

AMUSE BOUCHE

Surprise
623-322-8881
amusebouche.biz
Get excited about this small-but-mighty restaurant’s chef-driven, seasonal menu. French-inspired dishes include mussels steamed in white wine with shallots and cream, as well as truffled mushroom risotto fritters. This cozy eatery is a BYOB, so bring a favorite bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.
French

CAFE GA HYANG

Glendale
623-937-8550

This is authentic Korean fare at its best. Green onion and egg-topped kalbi dolsot bibim bap, seafood soon du bu (tofu soup), and plenty of banchan (complementary and complimentary side dishes).Best of all: the restaurant satisfies your cravings ’till the wee hours–it’s open until 2 a.m. every day except Sunday.
Korean

HAUS MURPHY’S

Glendale
623-939-2480
hausmurphys.com
Savor authentic award-winning German foods, such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and Oktoberfest pretzels—and you’ll see why it was voted best German restaurant. The biergarten provides a relaxing atmosphere, fine beers and wines, and live entertainment on Fri. and Sat. evenings.
German

LITCHFIELD’S

Litchfield Park
623-935-3811
wigwamarizona.com
The restaurant’s farm-to-table approach ensures local ingredients shine, from fresh vegetable sides to hearty soups. Large plates include Arizona chicken or Cedar River Arizona rib eye. Even the cocktails give top billing to local fruits and spirits.
American

MCFADDEN’S

9425 W. Coyotes Blvd.
623-872-0022 (Glendale)
mcfaddensglendale.com
Feeling the luck of the Irish? McFadden’s dishes out Irish favorites such as corned beef and cabbage, as well as American staples such as wings and pulled pork sliders. Don’t just enjoy the food; There are more than 40 HDTVs to keep up with the games, some taking place steps away at Gila River Arena or University of Phoenix Stadium.
Irish/American

SQUID INK SUSHI

VOGUE BISTRO

Surprise
623-544-9109
voguebistro.com
The stylish decor, lively atmosphere, and creative dishes make this restaurant the place to be. Start with the foie gras or escargot to share, then dive into duck confit or the decadent meatloaf in a rich sherry sauce. Still can’t decide? There’s always the quiche of the day.
American