Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Just as the Valley of the Sun has attracted visitors from around the world, it has also been attracting a record number of worldly residents. Fortunately for everyone, many of those people are skilled chefs and/or restaurateurs who have opted to share their gifts with the public.
Phoenix and its surroundings have metamorphosed into a melting pot for every type of cuisine imaginable: northern to Tuscan Italian; mom-and-pop to Mexico City Mexican; low-key Cuban to high-end French- and Greek-inspired Southwestern; Japanese- to Spanish-style tapas; and kosher to American classics with subtle ethnic twists.
Eateries like La Grande Orange grocery are revolutionizing Phoenix's "fast-food" concept with gourmet takeout. Four-star cuisine, some concocted by celebrity chefs, also awaits all over the Valley, from Kai in Chandler to Scottsdale's Bourbon Steak, along with Binkley's and Cafe Blink in nearby Carefree. Dotted with massive strip malls, Phoenix’s outskirts are becoming a haven of corporate eateries, but don't worry, there's plenty of divine, independent dining for all tastes and all trends in between.
Many of the best restaurants in the Valley are in resorts, camouflaged behind courtyard walls, or tucked away in shopping malls. Newer, upscale eateries are clustered along the Camelback Corridor—a veritable restaurant row, running west to east from Phoenix to Scottsdale—and in Scottsdale itself. Great Mexican food can be found throughout the Valley, but the most authentic spots are in North Central and South Phoenix.
Restaurants change hours, locations, chefs, prices, and menus frequently, so it's best to call ahead to confirm. Show up without a reservation during tourist season (October through mid-May), and you may have to head for a fast-food drive-through window to avoid a two-hour wait for a table.
Brooklyn native Chris Bianco became famous for his pizza made with passion in this small establishment on Heritage Square. His wood-fired thin-crust creations incorporate the finest and freshest ingredients, including house-made mozzarella cheese. The brick oven was imported from Italy. Bar Bianco next door is a good place to relax with a beverage while you wait for your table. Bianco opened a second location in Central Phoenix that has less of a wait, but also less ambience.
The attention-grabbing name is intentional, as is the in-your-face decor and cuisine of this Downtown Phoenix not-quite-bar, not-quite-restaurant. It's noisy, but that's part of the charm: you'll sit next to couples on their first date, bachelorette parties, families having a reunion, and concertgoers who are prepping their vocal cords for an upcoming show. Make a meal out of the charcuterie platters and to-die-for pretzel fondue. If you're craving home-cookin', order the meatloaf, and then call your mom.
With a menu full of comfort food far better than any Mom could make, Beckett's Table combines elegance with tradition. The menu changes frequently, but long-standing favorites include cast-iron chicken and tender short ribs with a red onion gravy. No matter what you eat, make sure to order the bacon cheddar biscuits, and don't be shy about scraping the crumbs out of the basket.
Cave Creek's oldest restaurant is a rustic spot for barbecued pork ribs and steak, but the real star is the fried chicken. The quirky menu features a range of fare from soup "de joor" to Icelandic cod and carne asada.
Tucked into the south side of the high-traffic, high-priced Scottsdale waterfront complex, Olive & Ivy is a pleasant surprise. By day the light comes from the wall of windows that look out onto the ample patio with cozy couches and fire pits; by night the giant space becomes intimate with dim, designer lighting. A full dinner menu, featuring a mix of fish and meat creations with Italian and Mediterranean twists like veal and spinach ravioli, is available, but the delicious variety of appetizers, like bacon-wrapped dates, beet salad with goat-cheese and pistachio, and flatbreads make for a good meal. Wash them down with something from their ample wine list or one of their unique signature cocktails.
This North Central Phoenix neighborhood eatery has amassed a loyal following over more than 25 years. From burgers to pasta, all of the quintessentially American fare served here is infused with a hint of the Southwest. For dinner, the short ribs can't be beat. At brunch, try the stacked green chile enchiladas---the egg on top means it's brunch.
This restaurant serves classic Italian plates and pizzas that are sure to satisfy. Try the short rib ravioli bathed in a porcini mushroom sauce, or the house fettuccini served with a lemon-infused cream sauce.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
