14 Best Restaurants in Phoenix

For a true taste of "New Arizona Cuisine," Valentine is one of the best restaurants in Phoenix for modern, desert-inspired flavors. Located in the Melrose District, this stylish, nationally recognized spot highlights regional ingredients and inventive dishes that celebrate the Sonoran landscape. If you're seeking one of the top restaurants in Phoenix for a special night out, Valentine easily fits the bill. Reservations are encouraged.

National recognition:

• Forbes – 57 Irresistible Pastas From Restaurants (Sept 2024) - Forbes highlighted Valentine's Elote Pasta as one of the most creative and craveable pasta dishes in the country, praising the balance of roasted corn, chile heat, and silky sauce
• Tales of the Cocktail Foundation – Regional Top 10 Honorees, Spirited Awards (Apr 2023) - Valentine's bar program earned a spot among the top cocktail bars in the Southwest, recognized for its desert-inspired spirits, housemade infusions, and technique-driven drinks.
• Esquire – Best New Restaurants in America (Nov 2022) - Esquire applauded Valentine for redefining "New Arizona Cuisine," noting its confident use of local ingredients and calling the restaurant a "must-visit for understanding Phoenix's culinary future."
• The Wall Street Journal – The New 'New American' Cuisine: A Guide (July 2022) - WSJ highlighted Valentine as an example of a new generation of regional restaurants shaping American dining through hyperlocal sourcing and distinctly Southwestern flavor profiles.

Thoughtful, stylish, and rooted in place, Valentine delivers a dining experience that captures the spirit of Phoenix's modern food movement – making it a standout stop for visitors deciding where to eat in Phoenix.

Often named among the best restaurants in Phoenix and one of the top pizzerias in the country, Pizzeria Bianco is essential dining for any pizza lover. Chef Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizzas have earned worldwide acclaim, and the Heritage Square location provides a cozy, historic setting. Expect a wait during peak hours – this restaurant is popular for a reason.

Worldwide fame:

• James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest (2003) – making Bianco the first pizzaiolo ever to win a James Beard Chef Award
• The Guardian (UK) called it "the best pizza in the world"
• Food & Wine repeatedly lists it among America's Best Pizzerias
• The late Anthony Bourdain famously visited and endorsed Bianco's pizza as iconic, elevating its global status even further

Another Phoenix option is located in the upscale Town & Country shopping center. This location expands on the flagship model by offering pizzas and a full Italian-influenced menu, including artisanal pastas and meatball sandwiches. Shorter waits mean you can enjoy Bianco's signature flavors on a tighter travel schedule.

This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is a Phoenix institution and one of the most meaningful spots to visit if you want to explore Native American cuisine. The Fry Bread House serves handmade fry bread topped with both savory and sweet ingredients, along with classic dishes like tacos, stews, and chilis. It's one of the best restaurants in Phoenix for travelers wanting a taste of local history and culture.

In the heart of central Phoenix, The Fry Bread House occupies a simple, comfortable space that reflects the essence of handmade Indigenous cooking. Positioned near locally owned shops and small eateries, its location mirrors the spirit of the menu: rooted, humble, and deeply tied to the community.

If brunch is on your list of where to eat in Phoenix, Hash Kitchen should be at the top. This energetic spot is known for its playful spins on classic dishes and its wildly popular build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. From cannoli donuts to hearty scrambles, Hash Kitchen offers bold flavors and Instagram-worthy plates that start your day off right.

Nestled in the Arcadia neighbourhood, Hash Kitchen is a brunch destination that mixes neighborhood comfort with high-energy flair. The bright interior, ample parking, and walkable location make it easy to reach – perfect for travelers staying nearby at a Red Roof hotel and wondering where to eat in Phoenix for brunch.

For dessert lovers, Churn is one of the top restaurants in Phoenix to grab something sweet. This nostalgic ice cream shop churns small-batch flavors daily and serves them alongside fresh cookies, sundaes, and retro treats. It's the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring.

One of the true hidden gems on the city's food scene, Mekong Sandwiches serves some of the most affordable and delicious banh mi sandwiches in Phoenix. If you're looking for somewhere to eat in Phoenix that's quick, flavorful, and easy on the wallet, this is an excellent choice between sightseeing stops.

One of the most talked-about items is the Mekong Special, highlighted by Phoenix New Times for its standout balance and bold mix of pork, pork belly, pâté, and headcheese. While the ingredients might sound adventurous, the result is, reportedly, a deeply satisfying sandwich. It's even named one of the best sandwiches in the metro area – and an unbeatable value for travelers searching for the best restaurants.

Award-winning Chilte brings an inventive, modern approach to Mexican and Indigenous-inspired cuisine. With bold flavors and visually striking dishes, this restaurant has earned praise from national critics and locals alike. It's one of the top restaurants in Phoenix for travelers seeking an elevated dining experience with deep regional roots.

National recognition:

• 2024 Food & Wine Best New Chef: Lawrence "LT" Smith was named one of the 13 Best New Chefs in America for his work at Chilte
• Foodist Awards (2024): Chilte was a finalist for Emerging Restaurant of the Year
• Bon Appétit Best New Restaurants (2023): Chilte was selected as one of the 24 best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit
• Mashed Best New US Restaurants (2023): The publication named Chilte to its list of "11 Best New US Restaurants To Try In 2023"

Chilte is in the Grand Avenue Arts District neighborhood in Phoenix – special for its quirky, grassroots creative energy, featuring a mix of converted warehouses, restored storefronts, art studios, unique local businesses, and numerous murals.

Despite Phoenix being a desert city, Buck & Rider delivers impressively fresh seafood flown in daily. With oysters, sushi, and coastal-inspired entrees, this stylish restaurant is a great pick for those looking for a luxurious dining experience. Its varied menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a reliable choice for date nights or celebratory dinners.

Located in the Arcadia neighborhood, guests can also enjoy outdoor adventures, shopping, or art galleries and museums nearby. The Phoenix Zoo is also close.

As one of the oldest restaurants in the city, Stockyards Steakhouse brings Old West charm to the Phoenix dining experience. With a history dating back to 1947, this iconic steakhouse serves premium cuts and hearty sides in a vintage setting.

Stockyards Steakhouse is listed on the City of Phoenix Historical Register and has an old-world appeal as a saloon, with large leather booths and western art decor. It is both a dining experience and a walk into Arizona's past.

It's one of the top restaurants in Phoenix for visitors wanting classic, hearty American fare.

Located on historic Grand Avenue in the Garfield District, Bacanora has become one of the most nationally celebrated restaurants in Arizona — and one of the top restaurants in Phoenix for diners seeking unforgettable Sonoran wood-fire cooking. Chef Rene Andrade, an Arizona native, draws on his upbringing in Sonora to create boldly flavored dishes built around mesquite grilling, seasonal ingredients, and intense, soulful heat. The dining room is small, the menu changes often, and the energy feels like a true neighborhood gathering place elevated to a national stage.

Why it stands out:

• James Beard Award Semifinalist (2022 & 2023) – including Outstanding Chef honors for Rene Andrade.
• Featured in Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America and Bon Appétit's Hot 10 lists.
• The New York Times called it one of the most exciting examples of regional Mexican cooking in the Southwest.

Known for signature dishes like mesquite-kissed carne asada, chiles, charred vegetables, house-made tortillas, and rotating specials tied to Sonoran traditions.

Intimate, buzzy atmosphere that feels both high-energy and deeply rooted in Phoenix culture.

Reservations are highly recommended – Bacanora is a small space with big demand. For travelers wanting to experience where to eat in Phoenix when seeking something extraordinary, this is the place.

Just a short drive from its acclaimed sibling, Bacanora, Huarachis Taqueria brings the spirit of Sonoran street food into a warm, lively dining room. It's a place where families, downtown workers, and artists all cross paths, often drawn in by the aroma of mesquite-grilled meats drifting out toward Central Avenue.

Why it stands out:

• Chef pedigree: The kitchen is led by members of the culinary team behind Bacanora, one of Phoenix's most celebrated restaurants and a James Beard Award semifinalist. This influence shows in the fire-forward cooking and meticulous seasoning.
• Local recognition: Phoenix New Times and Phoenix Magazine have both highlighted Huarachis for its bold flavors and its role in elevating everyday Mexican comfort food in the downtown dining scene.

Its location in Roosevelt Row makes it a perfect stop before or after exploring murals, galleries, breweries, and some of the best restaurants in Phoenix.

Huarachis is casual, generous, and deeply satisfying — the kind of place travelers remember long after the trip ends. For visitors wanting to experience where to eat in Phoenix that reflects the city's Mexican and Sonoran heritage, this taqueria delivers authenticity without pretense.

Tucked into the Ahwatukee neighborhood, Origami Ramen Bar has quietly become a local favorite for ramen lovers. Founded in 2020 by chef Yusuke Kuroda, the restaurant offers rich broths, inventive toppings, and a no-frills, high-flavor experience.

Why it stands out:

• Phoenix New Times as "Best Ramen" in the Valley (2023).
• Chef Kuroda's background at Nobu and years of experience in Japan, California and South Carolina lend serious credibility.

Casual, approachable setting – ideal for travelers looking for one of the best restaurants in Phoenix that feels informal or unintimidating.

Whether you're winding down after a day of sightseeing or craving something deeply comforting and flavorful, Origami Ramen Bar delivers. It's one of the standout spots for where to eat in Phoenix when you're after something warm, satisfying, and genuinely local.

Often included in category reviews such as "neighborhood gems," The Henry blends sophistication and comfort in a way few places manage. Part café, part restaurant, and part stylish lounge, it's a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike – and a perfect choice for travelers wondering where to eat in Phoenix at any time of day. From early-morning lattes to power-lunch salads to polished dinner entrees, the menu offers something for everyone without ever feeling generic.

The indoor-outdoor design in the Arcadia neighborhood captures Phoenix's signature sunlight and relaxed energy, making it easy to see why The Henry consistently ranks among the top restaurants in Phoenix for approachable, upscale dining. Whether you're stopping in for a quick pastry or settling into a long dinner on the patio, it delivers an experience that feels both elevated and effortless.

Cocina Madrigal is one of the city's celebrated hidden gems – a warm, family-run spot that earned attention after being named in the "Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S." by Yelp . While the recognition brought a surge of visitors, the restaurant has stayed true to its roots: bold flavors, generous portions, and exceptional hospitality.

Known for its cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff, it is a perfect option for travelers looking for authentic, premium-quality Mexican food without the fine-dining formality.

Cocina Madrigal offers a memorable, crowd-pleasing stop just minutes from downtown.

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