Phoenix Foodie Guide: Discover the Best Restaurants in the City

Top-Rated Phoenix Restaurants

For foodies in Phoenix, there are myriad dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some top-rated Phoenix restaurants worth exploring:

This popular establishment is known for its artisanal pizza and fresh ingredients. Pizzeria Bianco has been praised by everyone from the late Anthony Bourdain to Oprah Winfrey.

For an unforgettable Caribbean-inspired dining experience, look no further than The Breadfruit & Rum Bar. The restaurant offers a range of delicious dishes and cocktails.

With its melt-in-your-mouth smoked meat and excellent sides, Little Miss BBQ is a must-visit spot for meat lovers in Phoenix.

If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Barrio Cafe. This local favorite serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist.

Another standout Mexican restaurant in Phoenix is Taco Guild. Housed in a historic church building, the restaurant serves up flavorful tacos and creative cocktails.

Whether you’re looking for pizzas, barbecued meats or tropical fare, these top-rated Phoenix restaurants have got you covered.

• According to Yelp’s most recent annual survey in 2020, Phoenix ranks fourth among the “Top 10 Foodie Cities” in the United States based on the number and quality of local restaurants.
• In a study published by WalletHub in 2021, Phoenix was ranked 18th out of the top 100 most diverse cities for food options, scoring highly in affordability and accessibility of dining establishments.
• A 2021 report from US News & World Report claimed that Phoenix is home to over 4,000 restaurants, showcasing a wide range of culinary styles and influences from around the world.

Iconic Dishes to Try

In addition to top-rated restaurants, there are also certain iconic dishes that every foodie should try when visiting Phoenix. Here are some must-try dishes:

This signature drink from The Mission features prickly pear juice, lime and tequila – a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors.

These hearty pies stuffed with savory fillings like chicken tikka masala or Guinness beef stew are perfect comfort food for chilly days.

Tucson Tamale Company offers an array of delicious tamales made with locally sourced ingredients. Fans rave about the green corn tamales and vegan options.

This fusion restaurant serves up dishes that combine Chinese, Mexican and Caribbean flavors. Their jerk chicken with horchata drink is a standout item.

These massive burritos from Rito’s Mexican Food are a Phoenix institution. Choose from classic fillings like carne asada or try something more adventurous like the “Jive Turkey” with Thanksgiving flavors.

These iconic dishes represent the diverse culinary landscape of Phoenix and are sure to satisfy any foodie craving.

Unique Dining Experiences

When it comes to dining in Phoenix, there are some truly unique experiences to be had. One of the most notable is Ocotillo, a multifunctional space that serves as a coffee shop, casual eatery, craft bar, and even a live music venue. The outdoor patio is particularly beautiful during sunset hours and the dishes are fresh and creative.

Another popular spot is Barrio Café Gran Reserva, which offers traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, featuring eclectic decor and murals painted by the owner herself. One of their signature dishes, Cochinita Pibil, is slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice and spices and served with handmade tortillas.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, visit the Dinersaur in Mesa. This dinosaur-themed restaurant will transport you to another era as you dine on classic American fare surrounded by life-sized dinosaur statues. It’s a fun experience for kids and adults alike.

For those seeking an immersive culinary adventure, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort offers stunning views of the valley with every bite. The menu features contemporary American cuisine infused with European influences, prepared using locally sourced ingredients such as desert honey from its own hives.

When it comes to casual bites and bar cuisine in Phoenix, there’s no shortage of options.

Casual Bites and Bar Cuisine

If you’re looking for some great food to accompany your drinks, try Pig & Pickle in Scottsdale. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind after work or catch up with friends. Their menu offers elevated comfort food dishes like macaroni and cheese with smoked bacon or roasted beet salad with spiced cashews.

For some tasty deep-dish pizza, look no further than Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. This Chicago-based chain opened its first Arizona location in Phoenix recently and has quickly become a local favorite. The buttery crust, tangy tomato sauce, and hand-selected cheese make for an unforgettable pizza experience.

If you’re looking for a great burger joint, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar is the place to be. In addition to classic burgers and fries, they also offer veggie burgers and salads. Wash it all down with one of their signature milkshakes or a glass of wine from their extensive list.

If you’re on a budget but still want some delicious eats, check out The Chuckbox. It’s a Tempe icon that serves up flame-broiled burgers since 1974. Everything from their charred-to-perfection burgers to their smokey hot dogs to their homemade buns are made fresh daily, with meat never touching either oils or fats while cooking.

While many bar scenes focus solely on drinks, Little Rituals elevates both beverages and food with equal attention. Their menu features a fusion of Asian-American street fare, such as pork belly bun that melts in your mouth like sugar cubes.

No matter what your style or budget is, Phoenix offers world-class dining experiences for every foodie out there.

Fast-Food Favorites

Sometimes, all you need is a quick bite to keep your day rolling. In Phoenix, fast food doesn’t always mean the standard chain restaurants; in fact, some of the city’s most popular and unique bites are found at smaller establishments.

If you’re craving burgers, you can’t miss heading to The Chuckbox, which has been around since 1972 and has become something of an institution in Tempe thanks to their perfectly cooked charbroiled burgers that come stuffed with all kinds of flavorful toppings.

Another must-try for fast food lovers in Phoenix is Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup, where they specialize in build-your-own enchiladas, burritos, or salads. With fresh ingredients and sauces made in-house daily, it’s no surprise that this spot consistently appears on “best of” lists around town.

But if it’s hot dogs you’re after, head straight to Ted’s Hot Dogs. This New York-style hot dog joint is famous for their Sahlen’s brand hot dogs that are grilled to perfection and topped with a variety of classic and unique toppings.

If you want something equally satisfying but vegetarian-friendly, stop by Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Desert Botanical Garden. Their falafel burger is a top pick among locals and visitors alike, made from chickpeas and herbs then served with tzatziki sauce and tomato quinoa.

Delicious Cocktails and Desert Spots

In Phoenix’s unexpectedly diverse cocktail scene, there are plenty of creative spots where you can refuel on both libations and still experience everything that makes the region special.

For an entirely original bar concept, make a beeline for Undertow Tiki Bar: this basement bar might be hard to find (it’s hidden underneath another restaurant), but once you do get there, you’ll be transported to a storm-tossed ship on the high seas.

Another local favorite alcohol destination is The Little Woody, a cozy hangout for whiskey lovers. This spot has over 150 different types of whiskey and even has a hidden speakeasy in the back that only seats about six people. An old-fashioned might be perfect for sipping while you sit at one of their candlelit tables.

But what really sets Phoenix apart is the fact that there are plenty of drinking spots where you can explore just how well liquor pairs with Arizona’s desert landscapes. For example, Tonto Bar & Grill sits right at the base of Cave Creek Canyon, offering incredible views alongside an extensive list of cocktails and margaritas featuring unique local ingredients like prickly pear syrup or barrel-aged Oro Blanco grapefruit juice.

If you’re more in the mood to relax than explore, then head over to Sanctuary’s Jade Bar, one of Phoenix’s best rooftop bars – where you can order from an impressive drink menu that includes everything from prohibition-style classic cocktails to surprising twists on familiar favorites – and savor stunning sunset views of Camelback Mountain.

Best Breakfast and Lunch Spots

Phoenix is packed with cozy breakfast joints and unique lunch spots that are perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely weekend brunch. Start your day off right at the famous Matt’s Big Breakfast, where locals line up early for their signature dish: the bacon flight. Yes, you read that right – a flight of four different bacon flavors to savor alongside your perfectly fluffy pancakes or eggs Benedict. Another Phoenix staple for breakfast and lunch is Over Easy, where they elevate classic American dishes like chicken and waffles with inventive twists like chorizo gravy.

For those looking for something out of the ordinary, make your way to Lux Central in midtown Phoenix. This trendy coffee shop serves up some of the best breakfast fare in town, from hearty avocado toast to house-made granola and yogurt. Their colorful mural-adorned patio is also the perfect spot to sip on a latte and soak in some morning sunshine.

Looking for something more low-key? Head to Tacos Chiwas, a beloved local taco joint specializing in Sonoran-style cuisine. Try their famous Caramelo taco, filled with juicy carne asada and melted Oaxaca cheese, or opt for their delicious vegetarian options like the squash blossom quesadilla.

Whether you’re in the mood for a full belly-busting breakfast or a simple street-style taco lunch, Phoenix offers plenty of options to satisfy any craving.

Next up on our Phoenix Foodie Guide: Beloved Menu Items!

Beloved Menu Items

Any local will tell you that there are certain dishes you simply can’t miss when visiting Phoenix. First up on the list is the iconic chimichanga – deep-fried burritos that pack a flavorful punch from juicy shredded beef or chicken, refried beans, rice, and cheese. One of the best places to try this delectable dish is at Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant, where it has been a menu staple for over 70 years.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, head to Hob Nobs Cafe & Spirits for their signature carrot cake waffle. That’s right – a waffle made with real carrot cake batter, stacked high with cream cheese frosting and candied pecans on top. It’s as delicious as it sounds.

For a more adventurous dining experience, put on your fancy clothes and make a reservation at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. This upscale restaurant serves up some of Phoenix’s most exquisite cuisine, from black truffle risotto to caviar service and foie gras torchon. However, the standout dish here is undoubtedly the roasted duck, served tableside complete with crackling skin and a warm cherry compote.

Whether you’re in the mood for local classic dishes or extravagant fine dining experiences, Phoenix certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to culinary offerings.

Up next: Casual Bites and Bar Cuisine!

Upscale Dining and Splurge-worthy Restaurants

Looking for a special dining experience in Phoenix? Look no further than the city’s many upscale restaurants, which offer some of the best fine dining experiences in the Southwest. From expertly crafted menus to stunning interiors and impeccable service, these restaurants are worth every penny.

Start your upscale dining experience at elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, where Chef Beau MacMillan creates seasonal menus that showcase local ingredients. The restaurant has earned numerous accolades and is known for its stunning mountaintop views and modern American cuisine with global influences.

Another must-visit destination for foodies is Kai at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. This Forbes Five-Star restaurant offers a menu of Native American-inspired cuisine with Southwestern flair. The restaurant aims to tell a story with each dish, incorporating local ingredients like mesquite, saguaro cactus fruit, and tepary beans. The attention to detail and emphasis on cultural heritage make for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

For those seeking a more contemporary atmosphere, Mora Italian from celebrated chef Scott Conant is an excellent option. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix’s trendy Seventh Street dining district, this chic restaurant serves up fresh pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. Some might argue that an Italian restaurant isn’t as unique as some other options in Phoenix but Mora Italian proves that it can hold its own among the best of them.

It’s also important not to overlook steakhouse options when it comes to upscale dining in Phoenix. At Dominick’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale or Steak 44 in Phoenix you’ll find elevated classics like juicy ribeye steaks served alongside immaculate seafood towers, rich truffle macaroni and cheese or perfectly frothy martini served table-side.

When you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in the best food and drink offerings that Phoenix has to offer, these upscale restaurants are sure to impress. Book your reservation early – they are some of the most in-demand tables in town.

We woke reasonably late following the feast and free flowing wine the night before. After gathering ourselves and our packs, we headed down to our homestay family’s small dining room for breakfast, where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, toast, mekitsi (fried dough), local jam and peppermint tea. We were making our way to the Rila Mountains, where we were visiting the Rila Monastery.

We wandered the site with busloads of other tourists, yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.

We headed over Lions Bridge and made our way to the Sofia Synagogue, then sheltered in the Central Market Hall until the recurrent (but short-lived) mid-afternoon rain passed. Feeling refreshed after an espresso, we walked a short distance to the small but welcoming Banya Bashi Mosque, then descended into the ancient Serdica complex.

We visited the impressive Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, then walked to the calm and diminutive Sveti Georgi Rotunda, which is surrounded on all sides by solid, square and pragmatic communist-built structures. I marvelled at the decision to leave this tiny church in the midst of these gargantuan buildings, but I loved the fact that it remains intact.

We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so we headed back to the hotel and crashed. I had low expectations about Sofia as a city, but after the walking tour I absolutely loved the place. This was an easy city to navigate, and it was a beautiful city – despite its ugly, staunch and stolid communist-built surrounds. Sofia has a very average facade as you enter the city, but once you lose yourself in the old town area, everything changes.