Our Favorite Restaurants
Hand-picked spots across Arizona where we love to eat — from fast-food joints to fine dining.
When you think of “Arizona Cuisine” what comes to mind? Mexican food? Native American or Cowboy dishes? We’re way more than that — yes, we do have some of the best versions of those three, but we also have a thriving community of farm-to-table, Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and even classic-American chefs ready to delight the senses and send you away not only fed, but impressed.
These restaurants will range from low-cost “fast-food” joints to high-end fine dining. These restaurants have not paid us to list them — in fact, none of them know they’re even on this list. But rest assured we’ve eaten there — more than once. If you DO happen to go to one of these establishments, please tell them we sent you!
The Valley of the Sun
The Capital Grille
A fine-dining, American Steakhouse, with Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options. There are two locations in the Valley — one in Phoenix and the other in Scottsdale. MENU
Little Miss BBQ
This Texas-style BBQ joint will blow your socks off. Voted by Yelp as the #2 restaurant in the US to try in 2018, you’ll want to get there early. They have two locations — one on University Drive, and the other in Sunnyslope. MENU
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Featuring the cuisine of the American Southwest, Chelsea’s Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with a wood-burning rotisserie & grill as well as a unique smoke yard as you arrive. MENU
Barrio Cafe
Barrio Café was ranked number 1 on the “The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in America!” list by Tabelog. Serving elevated & authentic Mexican food, this is one of the “must-visit” restaurants in Phoenix. MENU
Richardson’s Restaurants
This is actually a 3-for-1. The Richardson’s family of restaurants features Richardson’s (upscale New Mexican cuisine), Rokerij (Dutch for “smokehouse”; serves steak & seafood) and Dick’s Hideaway (approachable New Mexican cuisine in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere).
The Mission
With two locations, Old Town Scottsdale & Kierland, this upscale restaurant serves Modern Latin cuisine in a comfortable indoor or outdoor setting, including a wonderful community table where you get to meet new friends. MENU
Pizzeria Bianco
Rated as one of America’s greatest pizzerias by various authorities, Pizzeria Bianco will not disappoint. With two locations, Town & Country & Heritage Square, the wait times are worth it.
Over Easy
This casual breakfast house has multiple locations throughout Arizona. Featured on popular Food Network shows, they specialize in modern twists on breakfast classics. MENU
Sedona
Dahl & Di Luca
Dahl & Di Luca, located in West Sedona, is recognized for creating angelic pastas that are as light and delicate as they are satisfying, decadent vegetable-based dishes and hard-to-find Italian seafood classics. MENU
Elote Cafe
An award-winning modern Mexican & Southwestern restaurant, Elote Cafe’s authentic cuisine is culled from chef/owner Jeff Smedstad’s 20-plus years of travel across Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla and his native Arizona. MENU
Red Rock Cafe
The Red Rock Cafe is a fantastic breakfast/brunch/lunch spot in The Village of Oak Creek. It’s a perfect location before or after a mountain bike ride or hike. MENU
Javelina Cantina
This popular Mexican food restaurant in South Sedona specializes in Sonoran classic dishes like fajitas, burritos and fish tacos. MENU
Broome & Orchard
Just above the “Y”, Broome & Orchard is a modern American restaurant with a large patio overlooking Sedona’s iconic red rocks. WEBSITE
Flagstaff
Martanne’s Burrito Palace
Martanne’s Burrito Palace is located in downtown Flagstaff, right off Route 66. Make sure to go when you’re hungry and patient (usually). This is a very popular place on account of their food being fabulous and HUGE portions. MENU
Casa Duarte
We’re kind’a cheating here — Casa Duarte is actually a sister restaurant to Martanne’s, only they’re located “up the hill” in a discreet shopping center. While they’re sister restaurants and have similar menu items, there are some differences. MENU
Delhi Palace
If you like Indian food and AYCE buffets, then this is the place for you! Not only is it fabulous food, and amazing garlic naan bread, but the buffet is only $10/person! MENU