Aiello’s/Aiello’s Backdoor Pizzeria Italian/Pizzeria
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 5202 N. Central Ave., Uptown. (602) 277.8700
America’s Taco Shop Mexican/Tacos
America’s claims it’s home to the Valley’s best carne asada, and it’s hard to argue. The place makes no buts about it: it serves carne asada, it’s in nearly every dish and it’s darn good. The weekday lunch crowds pack this tiny Coronado bungalow for carne asada tacos — finely chopped, tender carne asada mixed with onions, peppers and spices on a fresh housemade tortilla. For an even more intense carne experience, order the XL burrito — over half a foot of delicious, meaty goodness. Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 2041 N. 7th St., Coronado. (602) 682.5627
Bambino Bistro Mediterranean/Tapas
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 214 W. Roosevelt St., Roosevelt. (602) 218.6368
Barrio Café Mexican/Gourmet
Lively, beloved Midtown hot spot known for lovingly authentic, regional Mexican fare. Barrio Café is an intimate, casually hip spot that serves a diverse menu of inventive, gourmet eats of the highest quality. Standouts include one of the best mole in the city; cochinita pibil (marinated slow-roasted pork); guacamole made table side, served with sturdy, homemade tortilla chips; and of course, cinnamon-dusted churros for dessert. Never to be outdone, Barrio Café also offers a very worthy selection of housemade margaritas — some of the most satisfying in town. Reservations not accepted, lunch and dinner Tuesday-Friday, dinner Saturday, brunch and dinner Sunday. Closed Mondays. 2814 N. 16th St., Coronado. (602) 636.0240
The Breadfruit Jamaican
A spirited hole in the wall, The Breadfruit is quickly gaining a reputation as Downtown’s best island fare. Packed to the gills on First and Third Friday artwalk nights (one can usually hear the reggae pumping from blocks away), it is known for its hearty brown stew chicken, coconut curried tofu and fiery jerk chicken, all with inspired side dishes, most notably the vanilla-spiced festival (breadsticks). Heat-busting drinks are concocted on site. BYOB. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Monday-Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m. Saturday 12-10 p.m. 108 E. Pierce St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 267.1266
Carly’s Bar/Bistro
Not quite a dive, but certainly not upscale, Carly’s has been serving up a rotating selection of beer and wine for a few years now, coupled with a strong selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups, plus an ever-popular late-night appetizer menu. A common meet-up hub for the artwalk crowd, Carly’s hosts live music several nights a week and has a regular cast of outgoing regulars. Bonus: The bartenders pour a mean Guinness and know a thing or two about the Downtown arts scene as well. Monday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight. Friday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday 12 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-midnight. 128 E. Roosevelt St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 262.2759
Carolina’s Mexican
Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. 1202 E. Mohave St., SoDo. (602) 252.3089
Cheuvront Wine Bar/Bistro
More than just wine, cheese and chic atmosphere, Midtown’s Cheuvront has become a happy hour favorite for those looking for vino and nosh. The menu is rather extensive for a place labeled a wine bar, with a varied selection of salads, traditional entrees, pizzas and, of course, cheese spreads. Wines from around the world, hand-selected by the sommelier, complement each dish. The real prize of the menu: the various mac n cheese dishes, which take the age-old staple to new heights. The semi-industrial space, on the ground level of the Artisan Lofts, is the perfect setting for movie screenings, special events and wine tastings. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-midnight; Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4 p.m.-midnight; Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. 1326 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 307.0022
China Chili Chinese/Traditional
One of the few mom and pop Chinese establishments in Central Phoenix lucky enough to still be considered a dining destination (let alone to still be standing), China Chili continues to serve up the cherished brand of old-school Chinese fare legions of loyalists have become nostalgic for in recent years. Maintaining an atmosphere that is bright, up to date and bustling, this is where many locals go for good Chinese. A less Americanized, more authentic Chinese menu available upon request. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 4:30-9 p.m. 302 E. Flower St., Midtown. (602) 266.4463
Cibo Italian/Pizzeria
Quaint, charming and tasty. That’s what people always seem to be saying about Cibo. We say that it’s the best pizza in the Avenues, and one of the most welcoming spots in town. In nicer weather, expect the beautifully green front yard to be teeming with patrons amidst the lighted tree branches. The traditional family-style wooden table in the front room is great for groups, and each room off to the side has its own feel to it. The pizza is traditional Napoli style: chewy, bubbly, charred crusts with a slightly sweet, slightly tangy tomato sauce. The toppings are rich, the veggies are fresh and the imported Parmesan is simply the best. The lunch menu, consisting of Italian-inspired wood-fired sandwiches, is one of the best in town, and brings in the business crowds from around Downtown. For dessert, Cibo offers handmade crepes and warming limoncello. The carriage house in the back alley is available for bigger groups and parties, and has its own unique menu. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Monday 5-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m. 603 N. 5th Ave., Roosevelt. (602) 441.2697
Coach and Willie’s Bar and Grill
11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. 412 S. 3rd St., SoDo. (602) 254.5272
Compass Room New American
5:30-10 p.m. daily 122 N. 2nd St. (top floor of Hyatt Regency), Copper Square. (602) 440.3166
Coronado Café New American
Lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. Weekend brunch 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 2201 N. 7th St., Coronado. (602) 258.5149
Coup des Tartes French
BYOB. Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30-11 p.m. 4216 N. 16th St., Uptown. (602) 212.1082
Crazy Jim’s Greek
Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 4014 N. 15th Ave., Uptown. (602) 264.4777
Da Vang Vietnamese
4538 N. 19th Ave., Uptown. (602) 242.3575
District American Kitchen New American
Local, upscale and airy, the District American Kitchen isn’t your typical hotel restaurant. Sure, the bar is a hot spot for the happy hour and convention crowds, but the dinner menu, updated constantly, soars. Fresh is the name of the game here. In keeping with the Sheraton Hotel’s sustainability efforts, the District sources often from local farms. Local veggies from Maya’s Farm are paired with meats from the finest ranches and seafood from the most sustainable seas. 320 N. 3rd St. (Sheraton Hotel), Copper Square. (602) 817.5400
Downtown Deli Deli
7 a.m.-3 p.m. 130 N. Central Ave., Copper Square. (602) 258.3069
Durant’s American/Steakhouse
Iconic, quintessential, classic — general hyperbole easily accepted when referring to this beefy Midtown institution. Since 1950, Durant’s has served notoriously regal, straightforward grub (and stiff cocktails) in the type of authentic club-like atmosphere similar steakhouses today can only attempt imitating. Dark and brooding inside, with plush leather booths and velvet wallpaper blood red, this local fine-dining landmark has also established itself as a magnate for power lunching, routinely frequented by local executives, celebrities and politicos alike. Offering prime steaks, chops and a variety of classic seafood specialties, Durant’s has consistently been ranked one of the best steakhouses in the entire state, let alone just in the city of Phoenix. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Saturday 5 p.m.-1 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-midnight. 2611 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 264.5967
El Norteno Mexican/Tacos
1002 N. 7th Ave., Roosevelt. (602) 254.4629
Fattoush Turkish
4426 N. 19th Ave., Uptown. (602) 241.3199
Fez Mediterranean
Few places in Phoenix can make the diverse claims Fez does: strong, consistent drinks; one of the most interesting (and best) burgers in town; a popular weekend brunch destination; and an awesome selection of Mediterranean-inspired plates. The menu is varied, with an interesting Moroccan/American emphasis — start with garlicky hummus and kisras or any of the can’t-miss fries, then take in a sandwich, lamb chops or Crisp Pomegranate Chicken. Lunch hour packs in regulars for the Fez Burger, kisra flatbreads and hefty salads, while the nighttime crowd comes for martinis, pulsating music and the loungy atmosphere (now complete with covered patio). Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-midnight, Saturday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-midnight. 3815 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 287.8700
Fry Bread House American/Traditional
4140 N. 7th Ave., 7th Avenue/Melrose. (602) 351.2345
Gallo Blanco Café Mexican/Gourmet
Notoriously focused La Grande Orange alum Doug Robson brings his independent culinary stamp to the Midtown dining landscape — with fantastic results. Located inside the trendy Clarendon Hotel, Gallo Blanco serves an efficient and refreshingly inexpensive menu of regional Mexican fare with a Mexico City bent. Nearly all ingredients are either made in house or sourced from reputable local purveyors. The modern, funky eatery offers an intelligent selection of starters, salads, a mélange of tortas and tacos (options include pork, beef, fish and vegetarian), as well as other selected house specialties. Equally as impressive, Gallo Blanco also presents a small all-day breakfast menu. 401 W. Clarendon Ave., Midtown. (602) 274.4774
George & Dragon British/Pub
4240 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 241.0018
Hana Japanese Eatery Japanese/Sushi
Charming, family-run neighborhood Japanese restaurant serving some of the highest-quality sushi in the central city. Special daily deliveries of fish, much of it arriving straight from the mother country itself, ensures such seafood is continually at the peak of freshness. The Hashimoto family, some of whom have accumulated upwards of 50 years’ experience in the field of sushi preparation, craft rolls both specialty and traditional with humble precision — the type of execution normally only found at establishments with much heftier prices. Sushi aside, Hana also offers a comprehensive menu of other Japanese specialties. From teriyaki to yakisoba, tempura to katsu, to a wide array of surprisingly satisfying desserts, novices and the schooled alike will equally find something to crave. During lunchtime in particular, bento box specials are quite popular. Reservations not accepted, restaurant is BYOB. 5524 N. 7th Ave., North Central. (602) 973-1238.
Hanny’s Modern Italian
Whether you show up for a drink at the bar or a taste of the inspired pizzas, there’s no denying that Hanny’s is one of Downtown Phoenix’s best-looking spots. Former site of Hanny’s department store (and a city fire training structure), remnants of its 1940s charm remain, as evidenced by its storefront windows (now, thankfully, mannequin-less) and designer names still stamped above the crowds below. Sleek and sophisticated yet understated, the classy-casual of the design is accented by the fire engine-red prosciutto cutter at the center of the bar. The menu highlights pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers and salads with Italian flare, but the real stars here are the inventive cocktails, including the best Original Pimm’s Cup in town. Monday-Friday 11-1:30 a.m., Saturday-Sunday 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 40 N. 1st St., Copper Square. (602) 252.2285
Harley’s Italian Bistro Italian
Lunch Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dinner Sunday-Thursday 5-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 4221 N. 7th Ave., Melrose/7th Ave. (602) 234.0333
Hula’s Modern Tiki Island/Modern
4700 N. Central Ave., Uptown. (602) 265.8454
Hurry 4 Curry Indian
455 N. 3rd St., Copper Square. (602) 252.8900
Kincaid’s American/Steakhouse
2 S. 3rd St., Copper Square. (602) 340.0000
La Piccola Cucina Italian
2241 N. 7th St., Coronado. (602) 358.7415
La Tolteca Mexican/Tacos
1201 E. Van Buren St., Garfield. (602) 253.1511
Local Breeze American/Breakfast and Brunch
Local Breeze is home to one of the best (and biggest) patios in all of Phoenix, and it takes that outdoor eats and drinks concept a bit further with its lush landscaping and loose tropics theme. Don’t be fooled by the name — this is far from island fare, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t interesting. Incorporating old favorites from owner Sid Campbell’s former haunt, Pitschke’s, was just the first step. Expect an array of oversized salads, grilled sandwiches and an ever-growing list of housemade, exceptional (and heavily poured) cocktails. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday-Friday 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday brunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 603 N. 4th Ave., Roosevelt. (602) 368.3613
Lola Tapas Spanish/Tapas
Authentic Spanish small plates and a revolving number of daily specials fill this small but can’t-miss menu. Tucked off 7th Street and Camelback Road, this small, dim, vibrant hall packs in hoards for tasty sangria, daily hangar steak specials and new flourishes. Chef and owner Felicia Ruiz makes all the sauces, perfectly spices the seasonings and dreams up the recipes for each dish. This spot was also the original inspiration for Lola Coffee, a few blocks to the west. Lola Roastery coffee beans are the base for the ever-popular after-dinner cappuccinos and lattes. Lunch Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 800 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 265.4519
Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles Soul Food
10 W. Yuma St., SoDo. (602) 340.1304
Los Compadres Mexican/Tacos
4414 N. 7th Ave., 7th Ave./Melrose. (602) 265.1162
Los Dos Molinos (Downtown) New Mexican
1010 E. Washington St., Downtown. (602) 528.3535
Maizie’s Café and Bistro American
4750 N. Central Ave., Uptown. (602) 274.2828
Majerle’s Sports Bar Bar and Grill
24 N. 2nd St., Copper Square. (602) 253.9004
Matador Mexican Restaurant Mexican
125 E. Adams St., Copper Square. (602) 254.7563
Matt’s Big Breakfast American/Breakfast
This isn’t your grandparents’ diner — it’s better. One of the most popular Downtown breakfast haunts for good reason, lovable local chef/restaurateur Matt Pool delivers unapologetic, straightforward diner fare that has been attracting rabid diners citywide for years. Housed in a tiny brick building, limited seating space at Matt’s Big Breakfast has become prized real estate during peak rush hours, which of course, is nearly every hour it’s open these days. Inside the diner’s bright, nuanced retro-modern interior, menus offer a hearty selection of items prepared or assembled with locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality — each respectively stressed as being free-range, cage-free, organic and/or sans hormones and additives. A lunch menu is also offered from 11 a.m. until close, at 2:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays. 801 N. 1st St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 254.1074
Mi Patio Mexican/Traditional
3347 N. 7th St., Midtown. (602) 277.4831
Moira Sushi Asian/Sushi
Though not succinctly Japanese in direction, Moira is a slick Asian eatery serving a comprehensive, creative list of sushi and varied pan-Asian “hot” dishes. Anchored by an expansive sushi bar and exposed kitchen at its center (under-lit dramatically by bright, cobalt blue accent lighting), Moira’s interior is modern and urban, but equally unpretentious and inviting. Though there is no physical bar area in which to patronize separately, Moira does offer a large list of specialty, Asian-inspired cocktails. 215 E. McKinley St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 254.5085
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café Soul Food
808 E. Jefferson St., Downtown. (602) 262.9256
My Florist Café Sandwiches
534 W. McDowell Rd., Willo. (602) 254.0333
Nine 05 Modern Asian
905 N. 4th St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 254.6424
Padre’s Modern Mexican Cuisine Mexican
1044 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 277.1749
Pane Bianco Italian/Sandwiches
If Pizzeria Bianco created the benchmark for what is widely considered the most exceptional pizza in Phoenix, then Pane Bianco has since done the same for the panini. Slightly more rebellious than the mother pizzeria, Pane’s spare urban atmosphere is simultaneously high on concept and low of fuss. Utilizing the fundamentals of owner Chris Bianco’s infamous pizza dough, as well as the famous chef’s other homemade (or homegrown) ingredients, Pane Bianco throws out a limited but incredibly fanciful selection of sandwiches and salads. Standouts include one of the best tuna sandwiches in Phoenix, and a simple margherita sandwich, a tricolored offering as close to Italian harmony as you can find. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3p.m. 4404 N. Central Ave., Midtown (602) 234-2100
The Parlor Italian/Pizzeria
1916 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 248.2480
PastaBAR Italian
705 N. 1st St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 687.8704
Petit Fromage Cheese!
5345 N. 7th Ave., Uptown. (602) 363.1433
Phoenix City Grille New American
5816 N. 16th St., Uptown. (602) 266.3001
Phoenix College Culinary Café Instructional/Mixed
3310 N. 10th Ave., Midtown. (602) 285.7764
Phoenix Ranch Market Mexican/Market
1602 E. Roosevelt St., Garfield. (602) 254.6676
Pizza-a-Metro Italian/Pizza
2336 W. Thomas Rd., Midtown. (602) 262.9999
Pizzeria Bianco Italian/Pizza
Each night, idolized chef-owner Chris Bianco stands behind the counter inside his famous Downtown pizzeria, hand-making nearly every single one of his illustrious pies himself, one by one, in his signature red-brick, wood-fired oven. This admired act of obsession is but a singular element of many, summing up the reasons why Pizzeria Bianco has become one of the most revered restaurants — not just pizzerias — in all of Phoenix (not to mention the constant national press). Consistently delivering one of the best examples of pizza napoletana (crust thin, crispy and blistered) in not only Phoenix, but also the entire country, no corners are ever trimmed in presenting patrons serious pies. From Bianco’s famous homemade, hand-tossed pizza dough, to mozzarella made in house, nearly every ingredient Bianco uses is either locally grown, locally sourced or homegrown by the chef himself in his own garden — nothing is taken to chance. As a result of the pizzeria’s tiny space, located in Downtown’s ever-so-charming Heritage Square, hopeful diners are infamously given wait times upwards of one to four hours. Though reservations can be arranged for mid-sized parties between six and 10 guests months in advance, even that option is not always a guaranteed in. For the prospective diner less hasty, make sure to plan ahead, intending to make a night of the entire experience. Next-door watering hole Bar Bianco can provide welcome libations for parties waiting for their tables to ready. 623 E. Adams St, Copper Square. (602) 258-8300
Portland’s American
105 W. Portland St., Roosevelt. (602) 795.7480
Postino Central Italian/Wine Bar
5144 N. Central Ave., Uptown. (602) 274.5144
The Rokerij American/Traditional
6335 N. 16th St., North Central. (602) 287.8900
Rose & Crown English/Pub
628 E. Adams St., Copper Square. (602) 256.0223
Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish/Pub
906 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown (602) 241.1916
St. Francis New American
Tenured local chef Aaron Chamberlin brings his focused, solid cookery to Uptown. Serving modern American chow with a rustic French sensibility, St. Francis is housed in a slickly renovated, circa-1950s office building replete with updated mid-century modern charms. Serving an efficient menu of well-crafted items with a primed focus on dishes “wood-fired,” St. Francis utilizes flavors equally bold and nuanced, where needed. One noted menu standout is the take on the classic seafood stew, a French bouillabaisse, made hearty with fresh mussels, clams, shrimp and fish. 111 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 200.8111
Sam’s Café Tex Mex
455 N. 3rd St., Copper Square. (602) 252.3545
Sapna Café Mediterranean/Fusion
1301 W. Grand Ave., Grand Ave. (602) 254.6726
Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish/Pub
18 W. Monroe St., Copper Square. (602) 253.6081
Sens Japanese/Fusion
705 N. 1st St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 340.9777
Sierra Bonita Grill Mexican
6933 N. 7th St., North Central. (602) 264.0700
Stacy’s Smokehouse Barbecue
1650 E. Indian School Rd., Uptown. (602) 230.6724
Sticklers Sandwiches
30 N. 3rd Ave., Copper Square. (602) 254.6700
Stoudemire’s Downtown American
3 S. 2nd St., Copper Square. (602) 307.5825
Sun Up Brewing Company Bar and Grill
322 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 279.8909
Switch American
2603 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 264.2295
Tacos de Juarez Mexican/Tacos
1017 N. 7th St., Garfield. (602) 258.1744
Tee Pee Tap Room Mexican
602 E. Lincoln St., SoDo. (602) 340.8787
Thai Basil Thai
3110 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 274.5020
Thai Elephant Thai
20 W. Adams St., Copper Square. (602) 252.3873
Thai E-San Thai
616 W. Indian School Rd., (602) 297.8888
Thai Hut Thai/Diner
101 E. McDowell Rd., Midtown. (602) 253.8631
That’s a Wrap Sandwiches
2022 N. 7th St., Coronado. (602) 252.5051
Ticoz Resto-Bar Mexican/Modern
5114 N. 7th St., Uptown. (602) 200.0160
Tom’s Tavern Bar and Grill
2 N. Central Ave., Copper Square. (602) 257.1888
Tradiciones Mexican/Traditional
1602 E. Roosevelt St., Garfield. (602) 254.1719
Tuck Shop Comfort Food
2245 N. 12th St., Coronado. (602) 354.2980
The Turf Irish/Pub
705 N. 1st St., Evans-Churchill. (602) 296.5043.
Two Hippies Beach House Mexican/Tacos
501 E. Camelback Rd., Uptown. (602) 277.0399
Two Hippies Breakfast Joint Breakfast/Brunch
4306 N. 7th Ave., 7th Ave/Melrose. (602) 274.0079
Two Hippies Magic Mushroom Burgers Burgers/American
803 E. Indian School Rd., Uptown. (602) 265.3525
Two Hippies Dropped Out of College and Opened a Pizza Joint Italian/Pizza
5341 N. 7th Ave., Uptown. (602) 265.3604
Verde Mexican/Tacos
825 N. 1st St., Evans Churchill — COMING SOON!
Via Roma Italian/Traditional
202 N. Central Ave. (Hotel San Carlos), Copper Square. (602)
Welcome Diner Diner
The Garfield Historic District is a bit far from Wichita, KS, but that’s how this mid-century stamp-sized diner traveled to grace us with its quaint charm. With only nine bar stools and no waiting area, wait times can be long during peak hours, but regulars walk, bike and stumble here again and again for comforting, greasy fare that’s easy on the wallet. Everything is made to order (never in question, as the kitchen takes up almost the entire building), and freshness is the name of the game, as evidenced by distinctive touches such as an antique French potato slicer, making some of the Valley’s best fries. A revolving selection of pies, sweet toast in a cup and unlisted special requests make for a unique visit every time. Hours vary. 924 E. Roosevelt St., Garfield. (602) 495.1111
Wild Thaiger Thai
2631 N. Central Ave., Midtown. (602) 241.8995
zpizza (Monroe) Italian/Pizza
111 W. Monroe St., Copper Square. (602) 254.4145
zpizza (Thomas) Italian/Pizza
53 W. Thomas Rd., Midtown. (602) 234.3289
