One of Phoenix’s shining features, to the perpetual consternation of my waistline, is an incredible array of good food and best survival knife. While it may take some driving to get there, if you’re willing to spend some time behind the wheel, tastiness abounds!
I was hit online with a request for local suggestions for where a vistor to the Valley should partake, and I threw out out my own suggestions. I then pinged a few of the local online food-obsessed folks I know, and they responded in style. Joe Johnston, local restaurateur and over-acheiver, led the list with a crazy number of suggestions. Stephanie Quilao, and a few others also chimed in. I had been to most of these, but wanted to compile them all for any other locals or visitos who may be interested.
- Breakfast – Matt’s Big Breakfast
- Japanese – Nobuo, Yasu Sushi Bistro, Hana Japanese Eatery
- Ice Cream – Sweet Republic
- Gem – FnB
- Old Skool – Durant’s
- Pizza – Pizerreia Bianco, Cibo
- American – Liberty Market
- Soul – Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
- Coffee – Giant Coffee
- Cocktails – Sidebar, MercBar, The Vig
- Barbecue – Joe’s Real BBQ
- Mexican – Gallo Blanco, Barrio Cafe, Los Sombreros, La Tolteca
- AZ Historical – Superstition Mining Camp
- Splurge – Quiessence
- Noodles – Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe
- Worth a Drive – Sedona – Elote Cafe, Flagstaff – Tinderbox, Tucson – Cafe Poca Cosa
If I missed one someone suggested, I apologize! If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in a comment below.
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You left out …
Improvisational Cuisine – Posh Restaurant (in Scottsdale)
Haven’t been there, but heard great things – thanks for adding it to the list!
I’m kind of sad to see Pizza-a-Metro left off the list. So few people know about it.
This was just suggestions people threw out when I asked, nothing comprehensive! I hadn’t heard about Pizza-a-Metro either, so many graciasses for the heads up!
I agree with all of those. Just went to Yasu Sushi Bistro last week for the 1st time.
I have been living about 300 yards away from this place for about a year now.
It was fantastic.
Been wanting to try Yasu for a while. Just moved closer into Phoenix so getting more of a chance to try new places.
Steak – BLT at the Camelback Inn (best dirty martini, too) or City Hall Grill
Fine Dining Bistro – Tarbell’s
Romantic with a View – Sassi
Oooo! Any Dirty Martini recommendation is going right on my list! Thanks!
No wine bars? What gives?! Kidding. But you can’t leave out Postino. Also, the “Neighborhood Secret” restaurant, and my personal fave…Tuck Shop. 🙂 Great list, otherwise. Kudos for including one of my all-time faves: Cafe Poca Cosa.
Thanks for the additions! I’ve heard you mention Tuck Shop before, and I’ll have to check it out!
No surprises here
Any places you would add that don’t make the No Surprises list? What’s Chuck’s fave place to dine?
Truly “genuine” Italian food: La Calibria: 1534 E. Ray Road, Suite 110
Relaxed atmosphere where the Chef will prepare from scratch, a genuine, fresh delicacy for you that will leave you saying “fantastico” !!
Please tell owners Giovanni and Clara that Susan Farmer sent you !!
If I ever make it back to Phoenix (it has been 10 months) … We have to meet at Lo-lo’s for lunch, please!
You get your crazy self back down to Phoenix I’ll meet you anywhere you want. But if we meet at Lo-Lo’s, be ready for a nap afterwards. It is super tasty but fatal to any sort of activity afterwards!
My favorite restaurant to go to when I am in Phoenix is Dr. Weil’s True Food Kitchen. For the health minded person, but so many options and so so good! http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/
Some I’d add:
Noca
Binkley’s
Crudo
Petite Maison
Posh
Nobuo at Teeter House