The beautiful city of Phoenix, Arizona, located approximately 120 miles north of the Mexico border, is the only state capital with a population of more than one million residents. Over 22 million visitors come to metropolitan Phoenix each year.
Greater Phoenix has become one of the top golf destinations in the world with almost 200 golf courses. Other popular outdoor activities to enjoy here include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There’s more land designated for parks and preserves in Phoenix than any other major city in the country. Arizona is also home to some of the oldest documented food traditions in North America.
Phoenix’s growing food scene has a wide array of restaurants with international fare, but its specialty is restaurants that prepare cuisine inspired by Native American and Sonoran-Mexican cooking. Since there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from, we compiled a list with 22 of the best restaurants in Phoenix.
How We Picked the Top 22
Recommended by Locals – We reached out to our colleagues who live in the Phoenix area and asked what their favorite restaurants are.
Great Food & Atmosphere – These restaurants had high rankings in online reviews for providing an all-around impressive experience.
Supporting Local – Phoenix has plenty of tasty, big chain restaurants, but we’re focusing on delicious, locally-owned places to eat. Bring your appetite, and let’s check out some of the best food in Phoenix!
Top 22 Places to Eat in Phoenix
- Best Breakfast/Brunch in Phoenix
- Best Steakhouse in Phoenix
- Italian Restaurants in Phoenix
- Best Pizza in Phoenix
- Best Burgers in Phoenix
- Best Mexican Food in Phoenix
- Best Native American Food in Phoenix
- Chinese Food/Best Sushi in Phoenix
- Best Sports/Dive Bars in Phoenix
- Best Seafood in Phoenix
- Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Phoenix
*Call ahead as hours may vary for these restaurants.
Best Breakfast/Brunch in Phoenix
OHSO Brewery & Distillery
Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost (OHSO) is a restaurant, local nano-brewery and distillery that comes highly recommended for their brunch items and monster mimosas. OHSO has over 40 beers on tap along with wine and house cocktails.
There’s a huge outdoor patio with umbrellas and bikes set up so that when the wheels spin, misters go off. OHSO is dog-friendly too.
In addition to their multiple locations in the Phoenix area, OHSO opened Little O’s Arcadia Market at their Arcadia location with a drive-thru in the morning for coffee and donuts. And Little O’s serves lunch and dinner daily inside from 11am – 9pm.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 10p
Friday: 11a – 12a
Saturday: 9a – 12a
Sunday: 9a – 10p
4900 E Indian School Rd
602-955-0358
(Arcadia location)
Scramble, a Breakfast & Lunch Joint
Scramble uses the freshest ingredients, working with local farmers and vendors whenever possible. In addition to their traditional breakfast items, they offer a variety of vegan options for both breakfast and lunch. They also have a gluten-free menu and use dedicated cooking equipment and utensils to avoid any cross contamination.
Their wonderful breakfast items are always available, but their lunch items are equally amazing which include signature brunch sandwiches and salads.
All of their locations have dog-friendly patios too. And they even provide complimentary recyclable dogs dishes just in case your fur baby gets thirsty.
Open Daily: 6am – 2pm
9832 N 7th St
602-374-2294
Best Steakhouse in Phoenix
Steak 44
This is one of the best steakhouses in Phoenix because of the exceptional fine dining experience you’ll have from start to finish. Their menu features USDA Prime Grade Beef, the highest grade Domestic Wagyu, fresh seafood, unique side dishes and scrumptious appetizers. And their award-winning wine list and great cocktails enhance the menu to perfection.
When you arrive, you will walk through a 3,000-bottle wine vault as you enter the fine dining area and are seated in one of many unique nooks on the dining room floor.
There are several dine-in seating options including a patio with a fireplace, a dining bar overlooking the action of the busy restaurant, or a cozy table with a view of the culinary staff in action in the glassed-in exhibition kitchen. Visit Steak 44 for impeccable personal service you’ll never forget. Curbside ordering is also available.
Monday – Thursday: 5p – 10p
Friday – Saturday: 4p – 11p
Sunday: 4p – 10p
5101 N 44th St
602-271-4400
Whether you’re dining in or taking out, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar – Desert Ridge is excellent choice for any occasion. Here you will always receive great quality food, ambiance and service. The steaks are cooked to perfection. The Keg Classic meal is a nice option as you get your choice of salad and side along with a great selection of entrees.
The service is out of this world and the food presentations are well timed. Sit at a cozy table by the fireplace and enjoy a delightful dessert after your meal. And be sure to check out their fantastic drink menu.
The Keg has been going strong for over 50 years since its opening, now with multiple locations in the state of Arizona. The friendly staff at The Keg will ensure you have the absolute best dining experience. Make a reservation or order take out online.
Monday – Thursday: 4p – 10p
Friday & Saturday: 4p – 11p
Sunday: 4p – 10p
21001 N Tatum Blvd
480-419-7772
Italian Restaurants in Phoenix
Oregano’s
Anything you order at Oregeno’s is divine. This neighborhood pizza joint is known for its authentic Chicago pizzas and Italian dishes served with ice cold specialty drinks. Oregeno’s is a Gibbilini Family tradition with a mix of old family classics along with some innovative dishes.
The atmosphere at Oregeno’s is one-of-a-kind and interesting. The showcasing of antiques and Big Band music are a tribute to owner Mark Russell’s life growing up in the 50s.
Oregeno’s truly values the importance of giving back too. As the seasons change, they will work to create new dishes to add to the menu for a limited time, donating $1 of every dish sold to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 10p
Sunday: 11a – 9p
1008 E Camelback Rd
602-241-0707
Tratto
Tratto is certainly one of the best places to eat in Phoenix. James Bear Award-winning chef Chris Bianco and team prepares quality food and drinks in a beautiful setting. The menu changes to reflect what farmers and millers and artisans bring from their farms and ranches on a weekly basis.
Tratto was named to The New York Times’ list of the top 50 restaurants in the nation for 2021. Their outstanding food and service is unmatched. If it’s your first time, the wonderful wait staff will will help you choose from the menu.
The cuisine compares to what you would get if you were actually in Italy. They serve fresh bread baked right there in the restaurant and superb olive oil that’s made on the family farm in Italy. Their wine and cocktails are equally fantastic.
Monday – Saturday: 5p – 9p
Sunday: Closed
1505 E Van Buren St
602-296-7761
Best Pizza in Phoenix
This fresh, local, amazing pizzeria, owned by James Beard Award-winner Chef Chris Bianco, (also owner of Italian restaurant Tratto, mentioned above) began inside the back corner of a neighborhood grocery store in 1988. Little did Chris know that he would be such a driving force in the artisanal pizza front.
For Chris, his food is a result of his relationships and his intention. He has helped others by lending advice, wisdom and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restauranteurs. He holds respectful and sincere relationships with farmers, local producers, his family, customers and staff.
The New York Times called his pizza “perhaps the best in America.” Rachael Ray named Pizzeria Bianco the winner of her Pizza Madness Bracket, a contest of pizzerias across the nation in 2010. Food & Wine labeled Chris’ pizza as “arguably the best pizza in America” (June 2005, June 2009). Needless to say, you should stop by and grab a slice of Heaven.
Tuesday – Saturday: 11a – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 11p
Sunday: 12p – 8p
Monday: Closed
623 E Adams St
602-258-8300
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
This local favorite is considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza. Lou Malnati got his start in the 1940’s working in Chicago’s first deep dish pizzeria. The Malnati Family’s success comes from their commitment to quality. Each pizza is handmade from scratch using the highest quality and freshest ingredients.
The Malnati team hand selects California vine-ripened tomatoes every year for the perfect sweet and tangy taste. Their exclusive sausage blend is seasoned to their specifications. The fresh mozzarella cheese comes a small dairy that has supplied Lou Malnati’s for over 40 years. And their family’s secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust has been passed down from generation to generation. Come experience for yourself why locals love Lou Malnati’s, or get some of their savory goodness delivered right to your door.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 10p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 11p
Sunday: 11a – 9p
100 E Camelback Rd
602-892-9998
Best Burgers in Phoenix
The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe
This small mom and pop burger restaurant is big in taste making it one of the best places to eat in Phoenix. Enjoy fresh in-house ground beef, hand-spun milkshakes, and hand-cut french fries. The Stand was named to Thrillist’s 2018 Best Burger Places in America. Dine in, drive thru or take out.
The Stand is well-deserving of its stellar reputation by locals. The old school burger shop vibe makes you feel at home. Their classic burgers are juicy and flavorful, made just the way you like. And their menu items are priced well.
Kick back in a relaxed environment, and treat yourself to the most delicious burger, fries and milkshake for lunch or dinner. You won’t be disappointed.
Tuesday – Sunday: 11a – 9p
Monday: Closed
3538 E Indian School Rd
602-314-5259
Hula’s Modern Tiki
Hula’s is a modern, urban twist on the classic tiki bars and restaurants from the ’50s & ’60s. Locally owned and operated, Hula’s menu is a fusion of Island and Mainland flavors, and has something for everyone. Their burgers are phenomenal, but everything on the menu is a win. Enjoy a tropical cocktail, happy hour, a quick bite or a full meal.
From a 1960’s strip mall to a modern tiki classic, in 2018, Hula’s moved to an all-new location in uptown Phoenix. Led by partner Chris Delaney, the team stripped the old, dark space back to its mid-century modern bones. They added a soaring central bar, the top embedded with tumbled sea glass, and built a spacious indoor-outdoor dining patio with Hula’s signature fire pit. And they added Hula’s first-ever private dining space (The Tiki Room) along with a nautical-themed craft cocktail bar/lounge called The Captain’s Cabin.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 10p
Friday: 11a – 12a
Saturday: 10:30a – 12a
Sunday: 10:30a – 10p
5114 N 7th St
602-265-8454
Best Mexican Food in Phoenix
La Pinata
In 1970, Peter Bugarin and his mother, Hope (both excellent chefs) and his orchestra leader father, Pete, opened La Pinata Restaurant in Phoenix which quickly became known as the home of the chimichanga. This was the first restaurant to top the classic deep-fried burrito with sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, onions and cheese. Five decades later, La Pinata is still known as the home of the chimichanga.
Peter and the Bugarin Family pride themselves in using the very best ingredients. Their award-winning Sonoran-style Mexican food and margaritas in a colorful “Old Mexico” atmosphere is a top favorite among locals. Check out this old school original and their wonderful food and drink specials. Fiesta Hour is daily from 3-6pm.
Tuesday – Thursday: 11a – 8p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 9p
Sunday: 11a – 8p
Monday: Closed
5521 N 7th Ave
602-279-1763
Mi Pueblo
This family-owned restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Phoenix, serving authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. Mi Pueblo uses only the freshest, ingredients ensuring that every dish is of the highest possible quality. Their mouthwatering menu includes vegetarian choices as well.
Mi Pueblo’s meals include hefty portions and are delivered to you with friendly, prompt service. Locals recommend anything on the menu, but particularly their satisfying breakfast items. Try one of their specialties such as the ham and eggs burrito or the potato and eggs burrito.
And Mi Pueblo’s drink menu is a must. Have a beer, wine or margarita that perfectly compliments your dish. You can also take advantage of their outdoor patio during the cooler months.
Monday: 8a – 3p
Tuesday – Thursday: 8a – 8p
Friday & Saturday: 8a – 9p
Sunday: 8a – 8p
9620 N Metro Pkwy W #127
602-870-2953
Best Native American Food in Phoenix
Courtyard Café at the Heard Museum
Heard Museum Phoenix features fine Southwest-inspired dining at the Courtyard Café. It’s open to the public and does not require museum admission. Here you’ll find freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and entrees, many of which feature locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. Their nationally recognized Posole was featured in Bon Appétit magazine.
Their seasonally crafted menu changes twice a year and offers an exclusive artist-inspired entrée to complement their current featured exhibition. Dine indoors or on the gorgeous courtyard patio. And don’t forget to order their signature Fry Bread Sundae for dessert.
In addition, the Coffee Cantina at the museum offers fresh baked goods, grab-and-go lunches, snacks and drinks, featuring gourmet coffees and smoothies.
Tuesday – Saturday: 11a – 3p
Sunday & Monday: Closed
2301 N Central Ave
602-251-0204
The Fry Bread House
In 1992, Cecelia Miler, a Tohono O’odham woman and native of Arizona, decided to open a public restaurant for Native people to gather and eat as they would at home. Tohono O’odham people are known throughout the Southwest for their Red Chili Beef, hand-stretched flour tortillas and frybread.
The Fry Bread House is a James Beard Award Winner and multiple time Best of Phoenix winner. The family still oversees both of their restaurants in Phoenix and Mesa. The Fry Bread House continues to cater both to the urban Native and non-Native community in Phoenix and beyond. They believe strongly in continuing to introduce Tohono O’odham food to the people of Arizona and visitors alike. The Fry Bread House also hosts artwork from local and regional Native artists.
Local tip: When you visit, save room for dessert – frybread with sweet toppings like honey, powdered sugar, and chocolate.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 8p
Sunday: Closed
4545 N 7th Ave
602-351-2345
Chinese Food/Best Sushi in Phoenix
Chino Bandido
Chino Bandido, founded by husband and wife Frank and Eve Collins in 1990, blends traditional flavors from Mexican and Asian cuisines based on Eve’s Chinese heritage and their local roots as Frank and Eve are native Arizonans, with added Jamaican flair.
When Chino Bandido originally opened, it was only a 1,000 sq. ft. restaurant. And now, its current location is 6,000 sq. ft. with seating for 150 guests and an expansive kitchen where their dishes are still handmade from scratch using time-honored recipes, giving Chino Bandido the reputation for being one of the top restaurants in Phoenix
Chino Bandido was the recipient of Phoenix New Times’ Best of Phoenix “Local Eatery We Wish Were a Chain” award. And Food Network star Guy Fieri visited the restaurant during 3 episodes of his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Tuesday – Sunday: 11a – 8p
Monday – Closed
310 W Bell Rd
602-375-3639
Harumi Sushi & Sake
Harumi’s trademark is the use of purple rice AKA ‘forbidden rice’ sushi treasured in ancient Japan for its healing power and rich nutritional qualities because of its high levels in antioxidants, fiber and less sugar and carbs. With deep flavored tones of toasted nuts, Harumi’s purple rice sushi is a blend of traditional Japanese Cuisine and a modern twist.
Not only does Harumi serve top quality fish and ingredients but prices are affordable. Harumi was voted #1 on YELP for best Japanese Restaurant in the city of Phoenix by Phoenicians and visitors.
Every day their sushi chefs get their hands on the best non-frozen sashimi, from Scottish Salmon to Nova Scotian Tuna, flown in overnight and hand chosen from all over the world.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 11a – 10p
Sunday: 11p – 8p
114 W Adams St Ste 101/102
602-258-0131
Best Sports/Dive Bars in Phoenix
Swizzle Inn
This is a cool locals bar where visitors are always welcomed by the friendly staff and customers. The crowd is fun and diverse. Bartenders pour generous sized cocktails at good prices. They’ve got a pool table, darts, a juke box and awesome interior decorations.
Not only are the drinks great, their food menu is terrific. You could easily spend hours at this place, enjoying the food, drinks and company. If you’re looking for a pub with a top-notch atmosphere and quality service, this is the place to be.
Local tip: If you’re in town around the holidays, they light up the place like Christmas Vacation inside.
Open Daily: 10a – 2a
5835 N 16th St
602-277-7775
MENU
Zipps Sports Grill
Family-owned and operated since 1995, Zipps Sports Grill has certainly earned its reputation as one of the top places to eat in Phoenix. It’s the perfect spot for affordable, homemade food and happy hour. Zipps has a cozy patio with a fireplace and is equipped with misters. There’s a pool table, shuffleboard and plenty of other entertainment to be had with friends and family like darts, Golden Tee, Mega Touch games and a jukebox.
While you partake in their fresh food and award-winning specials, watch sports on one of their many giant HD flat screens in a family-friendly dining room, bar lounge or outside on a spacious patio.
This Sports Grill is not just about the food, drinks and entertainment. They believe in giving back, supporting the local community, schools, charities and organizations.
Zipps has multiple locations throughout the Valley.
Monday – Wednesday: 11a – 11p
Thursday & Friday: 11a -12a
Saturday: 10a – 12a
Sunday: 9a – 11p
3647 E Indian School Rd
602-957-2112
Best Seafood in Phoenix
Tarbell’s
In 1994, Mark Tarbell opened one of the best restaurants in Phoenix which has earned more than 50 City “Best Of” and industry awards, including Food & Wine Best Restaurant. Tarbell’s is an upscale restaurant & bar serving American fare and global wines. Here you will find some of the finest seafood dishes Phoenix has to offer.
Mark has personally cooked for music and entertainment legends as well as political and sports celebrities. He’s been nominated for James Beard “Best Chef – Southwest”. Additionally, he’s appeared on many television programs, including winning on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, Good Morning America and the Today Show.
Mark has appeared and cooked 11 dinners at the James Beard House. He’s won four Emmy Awards as the host of AZ PBS’s Plate and Pour and Check, Please! Arizona and is a two time inductee into The Arizona Hall of Culinary Fame as Outstanding Chef and Media Master. Mark has also contributed to and cooked for hundreds of charities over the years.
Monday – Saturday: 4p – 10p
Sunday: Closed
3213 E Camelback Rd
602-955-8100
Chula Seafood
The Heflin Family was raised in Arizona, and once the children were grown, southern California was the new residence and the birth of Chula Seafood in 2009. Jim Heflin, who started it all, runs the California division and his son Jon, residing in Phoenix, operates Arizona.
FV Chula is docked in Point Loma, California. This is where Chula Seafood Wholesale is located, off-loading directly from the boat to local California restaurants and other distributors. In August of 2015, the Heflin Family recognized the need for fresh fish in the desert and began delivering straight from the boat to Arizona. This led to the opening of their first fish market and restaurant, located in South Scottsdale, then their Phoenix location in 2018.
Chula Seafood provides the utmost quality food and customer service on a daily basis. Their Fish Market opens at 10am, and the kitchen opens at 11am.
Monday – Thursday: 10a – 8p
Friday & Saturday: 10a – 9p
Sunday: 10a – 8p
100 E Camelback Rd #172
602-354-3599
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Phoenix
Striving to create their menu in-house, with fresh ingredients, this 100% vegan-vegetarian restaurant masters all favorite comfort foods and celebrates vegetables. Chef Damon Brasch created a menu that’s sure to please any palate whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, carnivore, or omnivore. Chef chooses organic and non-GMO whenever possible. The fare is New American Vegetarian, created and influenced by many different cultures and cooking styles.
Green’s sweet treats are made with organic cane sugar and unbleached organic ingredients. Their famous vegan soft serve ice cream is handmade daily in small batches so they can ensure it’s always perfect. And their house-made veggie patty is hand packed, cooked to order and served on a freshly toasted bun.
Monday – Saturday: 11a – 9p
Sunday: Closed
2022 N 7th St
602-258-1870
Vegan and Vine
Vegan & Vine is a local family-owned business serving vegan comfort food, shared plates, brunch and elevated vegan dishes along with coffee, wine and cocktails in Moon Valley.
Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at the café. There’s indoor and outdoor seating available with a shaded and pet-friendly patio.
Stop by their wine bar for happy hour. And be sure to check out their vegan market stocked with the best vegan wines available, in-house fresh cold-pressed juices, and “grab and go” vegan foods.
Tuesday – Thursday: 10a – 8p
Friday: 10a – 9p
Saturday: 9a – 9p
Sunday: 9a – 8p
Monday: Closed
502 E Thunderbird Rd
602-296-7638
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