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My 39 Favorite Phoenix Restaurants (in 2025)
I’m an avid foodie and Arizona local based in the capital city. In this guide, I give the low-down on the best places to eat in Phoenix.
Featured restaurants cover a range of international cuisines, some of which you’ve likely seen in the press before. But I also share my personal favorites that fly under the radar. Every single one of these delicious spots deliver unforgettable experiences in Phoenix.
In the words of Guy Fieri, next stop: flavor town!
Want to jump around?
- 39 Best Restaurants in Phoenix
- Dick’s Hideaway
- Pizzeria Bianco
- Funky Jacks Burros Percherones
- Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles
- Buck & Rider
- Over Easy
- Chelsea’s Kitchen
- Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ
- Maskadores Taco Shop
- Durant’s
- Phở Nhật Restaurant
- Cibo Pizzeria
- Taco Chelo
- Jalapeno Bucks
- Federal Pizza
- D’Lite Healthy On The Go
- Matt’s Big Breakfast
- Francine
- Happy’s Hamburgers
- Chino Bandido
- Harumi
- Hunnie Butter
- Ingo’s Tasty Food
- The Thumb
- The Capital Grille
- Haji Baba
- Thai House Mesa
- OEB Breakfast Co.
- Los Dos Molinos
- Postino
- Nanay’s Filipino Restaurant
- Hidden House
- Pedal Haus
- Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse
- Virtu Honest Craft
- Across the Pond
- Defalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery
- Nobu
- Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
39 Best Restaurants in Phoenix
👉 Use the filter buttons to narrow your search by budget and cuisine:
Dick’s Hideaway
🍽️ New Mexican / Southwestern | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 241-1881

This is a hidden gem if I’ve ever seen one. Behind a very unassuming facade is a dimly-lit dining room filled with aromas of steak, fresh tortillas, and Mexican spices. Intimate nooks and a cozy bar, along with a welcoming staff, make Dick’s Hideaway one of the best restaurants in Phoenix. And the extensive menu doesn’t disappoint.
Dick’s Hideaway serves New Mexican food, which is not a typical cuisine I’ve discovered in Phoenix. I ordered the top sirloin featuring the most delicious peppercorn whiskey lime sauce and a stack of tortillas made before my eyes on the open flat top grill. Paired with a couple of strong old fashions, it’s safe to say I had a fantastic meal.
Pizzeria Bianco
🍽️ Italian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 258-8300

Chef Chris Bianco sparked Phoenix’s artisanal pizza movement in the back of a grocery store nearly 35 years ago. Crafting locally-sourced recipes, he eventually won the James Beard Award for “best chef Southwest” in 2003. This honor boosted his credibility as one of the most talented chefs in Arizona and Pizzeria Bianco is a testament to that.
This place truly makes the best wood-fired pizzas and housemade pasta I have ever had. Soak up cheesy carbonara with fresh bread and share a Wiseguy pizza (mozzarella, fennel sausage, smoked onions) with a friend or date. It’ll be one of the greatest dinners of your life.
Funky Jacks Burros Percherones
🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 593-7579

The best burro in Phoenix, hands down. This locally-owned ghost kitchen offers a small but mighty menu of authentic Sonoran creations. I’ve had countless burros growing up in Arizona, but Funky Jacks stands out for its high-quality ingredients and original recipes.
The friendly staff perfects this place with their vibrant delivery. Keep in mind that Funky Jacks is only available on DoorDash and GrubHub. Download the apps to place your order for the best to-go burro in the city!
Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles
🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 340-1304

Lolo’s will forever be one of my favorite places to eat. I used to drive with my dad from Tucson just to get breakfast here. Home of the best fried chicken and waffles in Arizona, you simply can’t miss out on their Southern comfort classics.With locations in Scottsdale, downtown, and at the airport, it’s easy to find a Lolo’s no matter where you stay in the capital city.
Choose from a vast menu of fried chicken specialties, accompanied by hearty sides like fried mac n’ cheese balls and grits. If you’re not famished, order the Betty’s Boob (yes, I order it because it’s a funny mention of my name) for a simple one-piece breast atop one fluffy waffle.
I’ve never ordered anything but chicken and waffles here (no point straying from perfection). So when you visit, do yourself a favor and order something off the Hood Classics menu. Don’t forget to wash it all down with their famous Kool-Aid!
Buck & Rider
🍽️ Seafood | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 346-0110

Buck & Rider is a must-visit if you’re a fan of raw bars. As we are a landlocked state, it can be difficult to find truly reputable seafood dishes. This Scottsdale establishment passes the test on every level: sushi, oysters, salmon, lobster, you name it. Every dish is prepared by highly skilled chefs and the flavors are unparalleled to any of the other seafood restaurants in Phoenix.
Buck & Rider is on the pricier side of this list, which is expected from the makeup of the menu. However, it’s worth the splurge to enjoy the freshest seafood in Phoenix with a handcrafted cocktail in hand. And their indoor dining room has a really lovely atmosphere. You won’t be disappointed!
👉 Don’t Miss: Walk across the street to get a killer cocktail from The Henry, a popular Fox Restaurant Concepts establishment, before dinner.
Over Easy
🍽️ Breakfast & Brunch | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 912-6294

I was skeptical the first time I ate at Over Easy. I thought it would be like every other breakfast chain, with average coffee and nothing special to set it apart. I have never been so wrong about a breakfast joint.
The fried chicken biscuit was one of the top five things I’ve ever eaten anywhere. It was that good. Accompany that with a fresh Press coffee, crispy hash browns, and a spicy Bloody Mary and you’ve got one of the greatest breakfasts of your life. Hangovers don’t stand a chance at Over Easy.
Chelsea’s Kitchen
🍽️ American | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 957-2555

Chelsea’s Kitchen has it all: a view of the Scottsdale Canals, a cozy atmosphere, fantastic service, and, of course, delicious food. The environment here does not disappoint with some of the best outdoor seating in Phoenix. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the prices match the flavors. Make sure to make a reservation so you don’t show up to an hour-plus waitlist.
I recommend the filet mignon if you’re in the mood for steak (which I always am). They also have some killer desserts, like the best red velvet cake and key lime pie I’ve ever had! I have never ordered anything I didn’t like at Chelsea’s Kitchen, so I know you’ll be set with anything on the menu. This is a great spot for a dinner party with your favorite people!
Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ
🍽️ Mongolian BBQ | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 948-8011

Build your own bowl at this fantastic Mongolian BBQ joint. Pile your favorite noodles, meat, vegetables, and sauce as high as you possibly can, then watch as a chef cooks the stir fry before your eyes. Grab a bowl of hot and sour soup along with a side of fried rice to perfect this delicious meal.
Mongolian barbecue always hits the spot. There’s no doubt you’ll leave satisfied and full from this wonderful family-owned restaurant in the North Scottsdale area.
Maskadores Taco Shop
🍽️ Mexican | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞(480) 284-7000

This is damn good Mexican food, plain and simple. I typically avoid chains, but this local exception is a great place to indulge in authentic tacos and burritos in Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix.
The carne asada is spot-on. The chimichangas are spectacular. Even the chicken tacos are fantastic (I usually don’t go for Mexican chicken dishes). The best part is the extensive salsa bar. I love the staff and the fun luchador decor at Maskadores. You can’t go wrong here when you crave Mexican food.
Durant’s
🍽️ Seafood / Upscale Chophouse | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 264-5967

Not just any steakhouse, Durant’s is one of those restaurants that makes you feel like a famous star dining in an old Hollywood speakeasy. Red leather booths and dimly lit, velvet walls set the scene for a celebratory dinner to remember. This place has been around for over 70 years, so you know it’s got a personality that has lasted for a reason.
Serving top-notch steaks, prime rib, and seafood, you’re going to pay a pretty penny here. I recommend taking your special someone to Valentine’s dinner at Durant’s. The moody, romantic atmosphere is too perfect to experience without good reason! Make a reservation well in advance to ensure you can get a table.
Phở Nhật Restaurant
🍽️ Vietnamese | $ | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 967-1888

I’ve been a regular at Phở Nhật for the past year. It’s the only place that brings me back to life when I need a hearty, get-well meal. The pho broth is beyond flavorful and the ingredients are notably fresh. I’m super picky about meat and this spot always delivers filling pieces of white chicken breast and juicy beef.
The portions here are enormous. You basically get two meals in one, so it’s a real steal for the prices. While I haven’t tried many of their other Vietnamese dishes, I trust they’re just as delicious as the pho. I promise Phở Nhật will not disappoint the next time your pho cravings hit.
Cibo Pizzeria
🍽️ Pizza / Italian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 441-2697

This Italian restaurant is set in a 109-year-old bungalow in west downtown Phoenix. Hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and a massive fireplace set the mood. If you’re a fan of a personal pizza, this is the place to sink your teeth into a 12-inch pie all to yourself. Every pizza is hand-tossed to perfection and the tagliatelle bolognese (served after 5 pm) is life-changing.
Cibo Pizzeria is a favorite for tourists and locals alike, and it’s no secret why. Their food is authentic and so very flavorful. You’ll feel like you just bit into a wood fired pizza on the Amalfi Coast! It’s also conveniently located near the Van Buren. Grab a bite on their shady patio before walking to this local concert venue.
Taco Chelo
🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 368-5316

Ask a Phoenician where the best place to get tacos is, and the answer is almost always Taco Chelo. A collaboration between chef Suny Santana, a local artist, and a restaurateur, the space is beautifully decorated to reflect chef Suny’s Mexican heritage.
Aside from the decor, the mouthwatering scents are unreal. With a straight-to-the-point menu of just tacos and small sides, everything is made from scratch and the aroma is just as good as the flavor. Try the tacos al pastor or the carne asada for a heavenly experience. You will leave Taco Chelo satisfied no matter what you order.
🍺 Pro Tip: They serve $15 buckets of beer from 3-6 pm daily!
Jalapeno Bucks
🍽️ Barbecue | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 459-3050

Traditional barbecue meets Sonoran favorites at this hopping walk-up shack. Jalapeno Bucks is only 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport via AZ-202 Loop E. I’m a harsh barbecue critic, but I can safely say this place serves the best brisket in Phoenix.
Try the brisket quesadilla for a Mexican twist, or enjoy the classic brisket sandwich slathered in their signature barbecue sauce. Don’t miss fall-off-the-bone ribs on the weekends. Grab your road-trip goodies here before driving to the Superstition Mountains or the lakes east of Phoenix. You seriously can’t miss this hidden gem.
Federal Pizza
🍽️ Italian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 795-2520

This uptown Phoenix pizza restaurant is one of my favorite Italian spots, no matter the vibe. Not in the mood to get out of your PJs for the evening? Roll through the drive-thru and take your pasta and pies home for a delicious movie night in.
But this stylish setting is the perfect spot for a Phoenix date night or girl’s night with your besties if you do want to get a little dolled up. The extensive wine list, mouthwatering cheesy garlic bread, and Italian classics with a twist will not disappoint at Federal Pizza.
D’Lite Healthy On The Go
🍽️ Healthy To-Go | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 247-8537

Flavor, health, and convenience unite! This is my favorite post-workout restaurant in Phoenix. Grab a healthy meal to fuel your healthy lifestyle at this charming drive-thru cottage. I recommend their wraps, breakfast burritos, and shakes. The food is both delicious and good for you, a rare combination in my foodie experience.
The menu has tons of gluten-free and vegan options. I get a D’Vegan Buzz protein shake after every workout. I hate the taste of protein anywhere else, but I could order this shake every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. D’Lite earns a 10/10 in my book. You’ll never be far from a healthy and delicious treat with locations all over Phoenix.
Matt’s Big Breakfast
🍽️ American Breakfast / Burgers | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 254-1074

There’s nothing like a greasy-spoon breakfast joint to lift your spirits. Matt’s Big Breakfast is just the place to indulge in, you guessed it, a big breakfast. Open from 7 am – 2 pm daily, they offer all the breakfast and brunch fixings you need to start your day off right. And they have multiple locations in Scottsdale, downtown, and the airport, so you can easily find one near you!
I like to come here on the weekdays since it’s a small space and the weekends tend to get packed with long wait times. But even if you do have to get in line, it’s worth it to enjoy a platter of Matt’s home fries, a heaping plate of biscuits and gravy, and a mug of bottomless coffee.
Francine
🍽️ French | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 690-6180

Francine is one of the nicest restaurants I’ve dined at in Phoenix. I visited for a special occasion and was satisfied on every level. This upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square hotspot features French and Mediterranean dishes that will transport you to Europe in one bite. It’s worth the steeper price tag.
The staff was attentive, the ambiance was chic yet comfortable, and the food? Divine. Though I am not a seafood-eater, the menu offered a wide variety of French seafood dishes that many in my party raved about. I enjoyed one of the best steaks of my life here. Don’t skip the delicious desserts. I’d recommend Francine to those looking to celebrate something or someone special.
Happy’s Hamburgers
🍽️ American / Hamburgers | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 630-2330

The classic American food at this hole-in-the-wall diner is unparalleled in the Scottsdale area. Happy’s is unassuming from the outside, but I promise your expectations will be exceeded when you take a bite into one of their tasty slide burgers.
The classic Arizona burger is my personal favorite (bacon + onion rings = perfection), but I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every patty I’ve tried at Happy’s. They’re open from 10 am – 9 pm on the weekdays and until midnight on Friday and Saturday, which is perfect for those who get late-night cravings.
Chino Bandido
🍽️ Mexican-Asian Fusion | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 375-3639

Take a burrito, add some fried rice and Asian spices, and what do you get? A Mexican-Asian fusion that’s going to 100% blow your mind. It’s unique, mildly priced, and absolutely delicious. You might drive right past this hole-in-the-wall if you didn’t know where to look. My advice? Don’t pass up this glorious gem of an establishment. Thank me later.
I recommend the jerk chicken rice bowl with refried beans if you like things spicy. The carnitas and fried rice burrito is also a real winner. Honestly, it’s all great food. You won’t be disappointed by any of it, and you’ll keep coming back for more until the end of time.
Harumi
🍽️ Sushi | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 258-0131

You can’t miss Harumi if the mention of sushi and sake gets your heart racing. I am not a big sushi person myself, but even I can’t resist the rolls prepared here. Fresh-tasting seafood can be difficult to find in landlocked Arizona, but Harumi never fails to serve the best-tasting fish. It seems as though each meal was caught moments before meeting the plate!
The staff at Harumi are warm and attentive. While the vibe of the dining room is very classy, the servers go above and beyond to make you feel at home. From the 5-star food to the service, I’ve never heard anything but glowing reviews about Harumi.
Hunnie Butter
🍽️ Bakery | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 975-1329

Though not necessarily a restaurant, this family-owned bakery deserves a spot on this list. Treat yourself to melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake cupcakes, gooey cookies, or a decadent slice of pound cake. Make sure to arrive early to get your first pick before it runs out!
This husband-and-wife team works hard to maintain perfection. Jonathan and Jasmine opened this hidden gem in Central Phoenix at the end of 2023. Reward yourself here at the end of the workweek, as it’s only open Thursday through Saturday. With a shiny 5-star rating on Google and glowing reviews across the board, I guarantee Hunnie Butter will satisfy your sweet tooth.
⭐ Star Alert! Jasmine earned a spot on Food Network’s Cake Wars and Cupcake Wars, along with other major baking shows. This team is the real deal!
Ingo’s Tasty Food
🍽️ American Breakfast / Burgers | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 795-2884

If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree there is nothing, I repeat nothing, greater on this earth than a juicy cheeseburger, potato chips, and a cold beer. If you agree with this statement, you have to go to this downtown restaurant.
I have a cheeseburger at least twice a week (my health choices are questionable, but we won’t discuss that here), so I have a pretty solid repertoire going on. Ingo’s has one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever had. It’s just heavenly, from the poppy seed bun to the Angus beef dripping with Russian dressing.
And the housemade potato chips? I would die for them. Seriously, this place is just so good. The dining room is super casual, so you don’t have to go for any special occasion.
The Thumb
🍽️ BBQ / Wine / Gas Station Grub | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 513-8186

The Thumb is a culinary experience all its own and one of my favorite spots on this list. The restaurant is part diner, gas station, car wash, and bodega. I heard about this place from a close friend, so when I needed a car wash one day, I figured I’d give it a shot. I was not disappointed.
The staff were incredibly welcoming and the wine section had an impressive variety. It smelled amazing of juicy barbecue classics. Open daily from 7 am – 8 pm, you can stop in for coffee and a savory breakfast sandwich or grab a bottle of wine to-go with a brisket dinner (which I highly recommend). Don’t miss this unique Phoenix eatery!
👉 Pro Tip: Peruse the shop while getting your car washed to capitalize on time.
The Capital Grille
🍽️ Upscale Chophouse | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 952-8900

Celebrating a special occasion? Treat yourself at The Capital Grille. White tablecloths and black ties fill the dining room, and you’ll be treated like royalty by the staff. I’m telling you, this place oozes elegance.
They serve incredible food prepared by an executive chef, like the prime rib and pan-seared sea bass. Try the bone-in Kona-crusted New York strip, which pairs well with their Kona espresso martini.
It is certainly one of the most expensive picks on this list, but The Capital Grille earns its stars and its dollar signs. They also have plenty of vegetarian and pasta dishes if you seek something more affordable than the expensive steaks.
Haji Baba
🍽️ Mediterranean | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 894-1905

There’s nothing I love more than hot shawarma or a juicy gyro in a soft pita wrap. Haji Baba delivers just that in its highest form. There’s nothing fancy about this place, which is why I like it. You go in, they serve you incredible Mediterranean food, and there are no frills along the way. This is where to dine if you want a meal that will show up in your dreams weeks later.
Thai House Mesa
🍽️ Thai | $ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 924-1623

Looking for casual ambiance and a whole lot of authentic flavor? Thai House Mesa is calling your name. I have had plenty of Thai food in Arizona, as it’s my go-to dinner at least twice a week. This place easily makes its way to my top 3 list.
You’ll know you’re in for a genuine Thai meal the moment you walk through the door. Try the Panang curry for a classic flavor that won’t let you down (make sure to get it extra spicy!).
📚 Related Reading: Best Day Trips from Phoenix
OEB Breakfast Co.
🍽️ American Breakfast | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 597-4463

Did somebody say brunch? OEB has everything you could dream of for the perfect morning meal. Their benedicts are to die for (hello, side of duck-fat breakfast potatoes), and their signature breakfast poutines induce pure taste bud ecstasy.
Feeling a little hungover? I mean, you are in Scottsdale, so it’s understandable. Pair one of their massive breakfast burritos with a fizzy mimosa or a rosemary gin and tonic for the ultimate hair of the dog cure.
Los Dos Molinos
🍽️ Mexican | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 528-3535

Did you really visit Phoenix if you didn’t get some killer Mexican food? Los Dos Molinos is everything you want in an authentic cantina. It’s a little greasy, anything but fancy, and it’s entirely authentic.
The cheese crisps and chicken enchiladas are the best things on the menu, in my opinion. Get a strong margarita while you’re at it! The great food and drinks at Los Dos Molinos will make your belly happy.
Postino
🍽️ Italian / Wine Bar | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 274-5144

Postino is a wine bar serving Italian classics with a chic atmosphere and damn good deals. Take a good look at the wine tasting menu — the options are broad!
Their “board and bottle” deal after 8 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays includes a bottle of wine and a board with four different kinds of bruschetta for just $25. They also serve $5 beer pitchers before 5 pm, which is a steal for beer lovers. Postino makes for a great kick-start to your workweek!
This is one of the best spots to hang out with your favorite friends in a laid-back setting. With seven locations in various Phoenix neighborhoods, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the city!
👉 Pro Tip: Ask your server about joining the Wine Cult for awesome membership deals.
Nanay’s Filipino Restaurant
🍽️ Filipino | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 480-821-7906

I’ve had my fair share of mouthwatering Filipino food as the youth of a family that grew up in the Philippines. Nothing seems to quite measure up to the homemade recipes of a native Filipino, but I have discovered some gems that serve just that in my state. Nanay’s is one of them.
Enjoy authentic pancit, lumpia, and other Filipino classics at this local gem in Chandler, just east of Phoenix.
Don’t skip Nanay’s Filipino Restaurant if you’re craving a taste of the Philippines.
🍽️ American / Country-Chic | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 275-5525

This elegant restaurant is worth the trip if you’re seeking a romantic night out. Nestled in a 1939 cottage in historic downtown Chandler, Hidden House has true character and the unique variety on its menu is commendable.
Spanish, Asian, and Italian influences display their worldly flavors in an array of dishes. And to top it all off, they play live music in the evenings. Stop in for a reverse happy hour from 10 to close on the weekends!
Pedal Haus
🍽️ American / German / Brewery | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 314-2337

Looking for fairly cheap eats and a stein full of beer? Look no further than Pedal Haus. I visit this great brewery every time I find myself on Mill Avenue. It’s one of my favorite outdoor dining spots because they have a spacious patio with misters, plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give a great view of the brewery inside.
They serve traditional dishes and beers from Germany, so my recommendation is to pair a German lager with their pretzel flight. Nothing is more satisfying than a massive pretzel dunked in beer cheese with a stein in hand. You can’t go wrong with a visit to this Tempe favorite.
Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse
🍽️ BBQ | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 404-9984

If you’re like me, you’ll do virtually anything for a killer brisket meal slathered in smoky barbecue sauce. There is little to nothing better than this combination and Bootleggers does it just right with their chopped brisket sandwich! Along with other classic BBQ dishes (pulled pork, chicken wings, and fried mac n’ cheese), you’ll find smoked mussels, fresh salads, and Mexican fare.
You’ll be full for days after a trip to Bootleggers Smokehouse. And they serve unique moonshine cocktails, which I have not found anywhere else in the Phoenix area. Don’t miss this barbecue gem, as seen on Food Network!
🎥 Don’t Miss: Watch the Bootleggers episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Virtu Honest Craft
🍽️ Mediterranean / Cocktail Bar | $$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 946-3477

Virtu Honest Craft is one of the most special features of Bespoke Inn, a boutique hotel in Scottsdale. Read the reviews of this place — nearly every comment raves about how this restaurant provided one of the best meals of their lives. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a gourmet, coursed meal in a quaint environment.
📚 Related Reading: Learn more about staying at the Bespoke Inn in my Where to Stay in Phoenix article.
Across the Pond
🍽️ Sushi / Cocktail Bar | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (602) 296-5629

Are you a cocktail bar kind of person? Across the Pond is the spot for you. It has personality and style with dim lighting and neon artwork on the walls. The service, food, and cocktails are fantastic. You simply can’t have a bad time at this personal favorite bar in Phoenix.
Try the Berry White if you want to drink a form of sake artwork. Each handcrafted cocktail comes gorgeously assembled, so you can’t go wrong no matter your choice of liquor. Oh, and their salmon roll gets 5-stars from me.
Check this place out, along with Clever Koi next door. Take a walk around Steele Indian School Park Pond afterwards for a romantic date idea!
👉 Pro Tip: Get 20 % off your tab from 5-6 pm!
Defalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery
🍽️ Italian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞(480) 990-8660

This family-run deli was a go-to when I lived in Scottsdale. The service is always phenomenal — I love the sweet family that runs the place. And their food is simply divine. As a self-proclaimed spaghetti and meatballs connoisseur, Defalco’s exceeds every standard in my book. It’s a bit overpriced, but still worth it. Don’t forget a slice of layered carrot cake for dessert.
Take Defalco’s home with you by grabbing a jar of homemade pasta sauce in the market before you go. They sell a ton of different Italian imports like dry pasta and spices, too!
Nobu
🍽️ Japanese | $$$$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 581-0055

Looking for a glitzy night out on the town with rolls of the finest sushi in Phoenix? You’ve probably heard about this glamorous chain located in big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Nobu has a massive reputation in the sushi-lovers community, and it certainly lives up to it. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny — the cheapest meal here is around $25. As one of the most upscale restaurants in Phoenix, Nobu is great for a date night or a special occasion!
🛍️ Don’t Miss: Scottsdale is one of the best places to visit in Arizona, and Fashion Square Mall is a top attraction. Go shopping before enjoying your meal at Nobu!
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
🍽️ Italian / Vegan / Gluten-Free | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (480) 785-0522

Every best-of restaurants list needs a healthy option or two. Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Pizza offers all the health benefits without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Vegan or gluten-free? Their menu has plenty of tasty options to choose from, unlike the limited menus you might find at a similar establishment.
Try the gluten-free pizza with vegan cheese or the pesto ravioli for a truly unique Italian experience. With five locations in the greater Phoenix area, you’ll never be far from a Picazzo’s. This chain is a delicious and healthy option for those seeking great food at a reasonable price.
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I’m confident that any spot on this guide will leave you beyond satisfied, no matter where you choose to chow down. Think I missed a real gem? Leave a comment and I’ll check out your recommendation! And for even more tasty spots, see my guide on where to dine in Tucson next.

Buck and Rider and Chelsea’s Kitchen are not in Scottsdale!
Hi there, Buck and Rider has three locations, and the one I discuss is in Scottsdale. You can also check out the ones in Arcadia and Gilbert. (: Also, the canals I’m referring to in the description of Chelsea’s Kitchen are actually called the Phoenix Canals, which I can see would cause some confusion. I’ve just grown up calling them the Scottsdale Canals since you can walk around them in Scottsdale! I’ll edit that name, good catch.