There’s no doubt the Phoenix dining scene has a natural zest for life and its residents have the hearty appetites to match. It stands to reason then that cities possessed of such excellent taste should have thriving restaurant scenes to handle those hungry for a meal that does more than nourish it satisfies those special cravings.

From spunky upstart bistros to mom and pop eateries to classic haute cuisine dining Phoenix is a virtual paradise waiting to be discovered. Arizona’s global cuisine allows diners to sip and sample the best of edible delights from around the world without ever leaving. Exotic fare and dishes from faraway Asia the Pacific Rim Europe the Middle East are just a few of the choices on the menu. Those whose tastes run a little closer to home will find plenty of places to choose from when searching for Sonoran Mexican barbecue or even home cooking like mama used to make.

Look around and find every imaginable fare and even a few never thought of before. Get out and see what the fuss is about the Phoenix dining scene. Allow taste buds the opportunity to explore new culinary delights and find new favorite dishes while savoring old favorites.

 

A&J

6102 N. 16th St.
Phoenix AZ 85016
602-241-7519

Featuring the barbecue that keeps them coming back for more A&J is a Chicago-style barbecue featuring ribs chicken ham pork that more than satisfies. Order either a la carte or a complete meal and either dine in the modest dining room or take it to go.

 

Barrio Café

2814 N. 16th St.
Phoenix AZ 85006
602-636-0240
www.barriocafe.com

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s take on exotic Mexican food has caught the attention of Phoenix diners at this cozy little eatery. This definitely is not your abuela’s home cooking: Esparza’s Mayan-inspired cuisine with influences from the Yucatan has created a menu worth investigating.

 

Benihana

3025 W.Chandler Blvd.
Chandler AZ 85226
480-812-4701
 
16403 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale AZ 85254
480-444-0068

www.benihana.net

Where else does dinner come with a show? Masterful chefs prepare your dinner right at the table in this traditional Japanese-style hibachi steakhouse. Diners can choose from a variety of fresh sushi and other Japanese favorites while the chef performs his culinary art in a way that has to be seen to be believed.

 

Carolina’s Mexican Food

1202 E. Mohave
Phoenix AZ 85034
602-252-1503

A landmark in South Central Phoenix Carolina’s excellent tortillas are worth the trip alone. The plain atmosphere in this place totally belies the fabulous foodie find that awaits inside with delicious tamales tacos and enchiladas. The salsa here is the real thing – made fresh daily and residents here know to pick up a pound of chorizo to take home.

 

China Chili

3501 North Central Ave.
Phoenix AZ
602-266-4463

China Chili lives up to its name as it serves spicy Chinese that has won the hearts and the taste buds of Phoenix. While the spicy garlic eggplant is definitely a menu favorite feel free to explore the rest of the menu featuring soups meat and seafood dishes.

 

Cooperstown

101 East Jackson St.
Phoenix AZ 85004
602-253-7337
www.alicecooperstown.com

Favorite son and famed rocker Alice Cooper has opened his restaurant in a renovated warehouse featuring American cuisine touting it as “the place where jocks and rock meets.” Come hungry when dining at Cooperstown – the fanciful atmosphere featuring rock and sports memorabilia belies the excellent variety of menu choices ranging from ribs chicken and burgers to hot dogs steak and Mom’s tuna casserole. Live music in this friendly casual place is a huge draw but it’s the comfort food served up here that keeps them coming back.

 

Cheesecake Factory

2502 E. Camelback Rd # 114
Phoenix AZ 85016
602-778-6501
www.thecheesecakefactory.com

The Cheesecake Factory serves so much more than just its world-famous cheesecake desserts. Diners can choose from a wide and varied menu that includes pizza pastas fish and seafood steaks and salads. The Cheesecake Factory also hosts a delicious Sunday Brunch until 2 p.m. that includes such breakfast delights as Belgian Waffles and a Smoked Salmon Platter.

 

Don & Charlie’s

7501 E. Camelback
Scottsdale AZ 85251
480-990-0900

Beloved by many Don & Charlie’s has been a fixture in Scottsdale since 1981. Walk into this manly man’s restaurant complete with celebrity caricatures sports memorabilia and order from their menu featuring Chicago-style ribs chicken chops and steaks.

 

Eddie V’s Edgewater Grill

20715 N. Pima Rd
Scottsdale AZ 85255
480-538-8468
www.eddiev.com

Bringing together an award-winning combination of the freshest seafood prime steaks and live music Eddie V’s is sure to please. Specializing in Gulf Coast Cuisine Eddie V’s is famous for their oysters gulf snapper fresh tuna and lobster. Enjoy live music while you dine.

 

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

905 N. 54th Street
Chandler AZ 85226
480-940-1900
 
20753 N. Pima Road Building R
North Scottsdale AZ 85255
480-538-8000
 
 
 
 
6333 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale AZ 85250
480-596-8265
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
Known for their cooked-to-perfection steaks Fleming’s also offers a superb wine list boasting more than 100 wines available by the glass and another 100 available by the bottle. Wine lovers agree that an evening at Fleming’s leaves them feeling a little bit like kids in a candy store. The darkly elegant atmosphere makes Fleming’s the perfect place to linger over dessert and order an after-dinner cappuccino.

 

Fogo E Brasa

4909 E. Chandler Blvd.
Phoenix AZ 85028
480-783-6060
www.fogoebrasa.com

Quickly becoming a favorite Phoenix destination Fogo E Brasa is an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse that offers a pre-fixe menu. The menu includes an unlimited selection of more than 30 salads vegetables and cheeses from around the world several side dishes as well as the main course: a wide selection of meat served tableside. In addition to exceptional food and service the restaurant also serves its signature “Caipirinha” a Brazilian cocktail made of sugarcane rum and lime.

 

Honey Bear’s

5012 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix AZ 85005
602-273-9148
 
7670 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85020
602-279-7911
 
7670 S. Priest Dr
Tempe AZ 85284
480-222-2782
 
www.honeybearsbbq.com

For many in Phoenix the words “barbecue” and “Honey Bear’s” are synonymous. Specialties of the house include pork ribs chicken and hot-links with traditional tangy Tennessee-style barbecue sauce.

 

The Melting Pot

8260 N. Hayden Rd # E103
Scottsdale AZ 85258
480-607-1799
www.meltingpot.com

As Cole Porter would say “Do do that fondue that you do so well.” At The Melting Pot fondue becomes a memorable four-court dining experience where patrons can “Dip into something different.” Guests enjoy a choice of four different fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees combined with special dipping sauces that they can cook at their own table. Upscale and intimate The Melting Pot is the perfect location for that romantic date or even a corporate dinner party.

 

MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain

2302 N. Seventh St.
Phoenix AZ 85006
602-262-5545

Go back in time with a visit to MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain which has been serving up hamburgers tuna sandwiches homemade pie and cherry and vanilla cokes since 1928. The old-timey drugstore soda fountain and jukebox lend to the atmsosphere.

 

Old Heidelberg Bakery and Euro Market

2210 E. Indian School Rd
Phoenix AZ 85016
602-224-9877

For more than 30 years the Old Heidelberg Bakery has been a local favorite and with its recent move to a location closer to downtown it’s more popular than ever. Find out why Phoenix loves to shop at this traditional German bakery for favorite sweets such as strudels Danishes and cookies as well as its excellent selection of specialty artisan bread. As a bonus pick up a German language magazine or newspaper in the Euro Market to read while you munch.

 

Phoenix City Grill

5816 N. 16th St.
Phoenix AZ 85016
602-266-3001
www.phoenixcitygrille.com

Set in an adorable adobe building the Phoenix City Grill offers up great American fare with a Southwestern flair. Try the little appetizers such as the pork carnitas or go straight for the enticing entrees such as the cedar plank salmon or the home-style pot roast.

 

Pizzeria Bianco

623 E. Adams St.
Phoenix AZ 85004
602-258-8300

A wood-burning oven is the not-so-secret secret to Pizzeria Bianco’s pizza. Chef Chris Bianco’s Neapolitan-style pizza has earned rave reviews as has his menu featuring salads and sandwiches. Expect to find a crowd here at this popular spot located in a historic downtown building in Heritage Square next to the Arizona Science.

 

Roy’s

7151 W. Ray Rd.
Chandler AZ 85226
480-705-7697
 
5350 E. Marriott Dr.
Phoenix AZ 85054
480-419-7697
 
7001 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale AZ 85258
480-905-1155

Brought to Arizona by Iron Chef Roy Yamaguchi the founder of Roy’s restaurant chain this large and yet somehow intimate restaurant serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine featuring a perfect mélange of European Pacific Rim and Hawaiian influences. Savor the difference that fresh ingredients can make when seasoned with the bolder flavors of the Asian Pacific Rim and served with the sauces and textures of European cooking. Chefs in Roy’s kitchen have received special tutelage from the master himself ensuring that every bite will be absolutely delectable.

 

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

905 N. 54th St
Chandler AZ 85226
480-940-1900
 
20753 N. Pima Rd # R
Scottsdale AZ 85255
480-538-8000
 
6333 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale 85250
480-596-8265
www.sullivansteakhouse.com

The emphasis is on style at this upscale 1940’s style steakhouse known for their warm relaxed atmosphere superior food and excellent service. Sullivan’s is also the perfect place to take that VIP client or host that next office party.

 

Vincent on Camelback

3930 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix AZ 85018
602-224-0225
www.vincentoncamelback.com

Chef Vincent Guerithault won the James Beard Foundatio’s “Best Chef Southwest” award and is perhaps the most well known and respected chef in Phoenix. He has now opened this small restaurant with an unpresumptuous exterior in east Phoenix. Step inside and find out what all the fuss is about as typically Southwestern fare is prepared in classic French style. Try the duck tamales or go for the wonderfully prepared lamb or wild boar. Don’t forget to order the Jack Daniels pecan pie for dessert.

 

Vincent’s Market Bistro

3930 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix AZ 85018
602-224-3727

Sample the excellent country French cuisine in the intimate casual elegance of Chef Vincent Guerithault’s bistro-style restaurant with its little flower garden. Located just behind its larger sister restaurant Vincent on Camelback seating is limited in this smaller establishment to only 10 tables but consider ordering your gourmet meal to go if Vincent’s happen