Food >>

• Best New Restaurant
  Posh
  To the uninitiated, chef Joshua Hebert's contemporary American restaurant concept may take some getting used to. He calls it "improvisational cuisine," and in the same way that a jazz musician gets in a groove and spins off an impromptu melody, Hebert plays around with ingredients in unexpected,... More >>
• Best New Eatery Along the Light Rail
  Maizie's Café & Bistro
  Now this is what we call progress. After years of light-rail construction — when the streets were torn up, local businesses took a hit, and most of us avoided the area altogether — the Central Corridor has bounced back in a big way. Our favorite sign is the emergence of new... More >>
• Best Hot Spot
  The Parlor Pizzeria
  In the midst of a gloomy summer that saw the demise of too many favorite Valley restaurants, the debut of The Parlor was undoubtedly a bright spot. To stop by on a weeknight in July (when many places in town were scraping by) you would've been fooled into thinking you were here on a weekend... More >>
• Best Hidden Gem
  Tuck Shop
  The historic Coronado District's restaurant row, stretching along Seventh Street between McDowell and Thomas, is full of great restaurants, but to get to one of our favorite spots in the area, you'll have to take a small detour. Nestled in the residential heart of the neighborhood, Tuck Shop... More >>
• Best Old-Fashioned Charm
  Joe's Real BBQ
  To walk into Joe's Real BBQ, right in the middle of downtown Gilbert, you'd think you'd stepped right back in time to the 1940s. The building itself, all gorgeous red brick, was constructed in 1929 as a Safeway Pay'n'Takit (ah, they just don't make 'em like they used to), while the restored John... More >>
• Best BYOB
  Atlas Bistro
  If you like creative, contemporary American cuisine in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, you gotta get yourself to Atlas, stat. It's a wine lover's dream come true, a cozy nook that's actually connected to AZ Wine Co. That's right, you have to walk past aisles of wine to get there. Of course,... More >>
• Best Seafood Restaurant
  Mastro's Ocean Club
  From sushi to ceviche, we'll devour most any seafood dish that lands in front of us. And it doesn't always have to be exotic. There's a certain old-school charm to a traditional seafood restaurant like Mastro's Ocean Club, where fish is simply prepared — perhaps pan-fried, perhaps... More >>
• Best Old-School Steakhouse
  Durant's
  A whole lot of upscale, contemporary steakhouses have opened up in town over the past couple of years — especially from celebrity chefs looking to make an imprint on the Valley's dining scene — and we're not entirely sure that the trend has subsided. People love their meat, and... More >>
• Best Upscale Steakhouse
  J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician
  Honestly, we figured we'd get tired of the upscale steakhouse trend, but then J&G Steakhouse came along and completely seduced us with outrageously good prime steaks and a sexy, inviting atmosphere. No wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the celebrity chef behind the J&G concept, helms a... More >>
• Best Contemporary American Cuisine
  NOCA
  Some restaurants take years to refine their food and service, but NOCA came sprinting out of the gates and hasn't looked back. In February, it was named one of the best new restaurants in the country by the James Beard Foundation. Now barely over a year old, it's still got strong buzz, thanks to... More >>
• Best Corner Italian Restaurant (2 Comments)
  La Piazza al Forno
  When we imagine the ideal neighborhood Italian joint, we picture a casual, convivial spot on a charming street, a place where locals gobble up great pizza, knock back a few glasses of wine over steaming bowls of pasta, and are generally treated like family by doting owners. And guess what? It's... More >>
• Best Upscale Italian Restaurant
  Marcellino Ristorante
  You've heard of a "feel-good" movie? Marcellino is a feel-good restaurant — dining here never fails to put a big grin on our face. The atmosphere is cozily elegant, a real jaw-dropper if you're here for the first time (alas, it's in a strip mall, so you really can't tell how cool this... More >>
• Best Greek Restaurant
  Greekfest
  In the middle of this parched desert metropolis, Greekfest is as refreshing as a balmy Mediterranean breeze gently wafting through a seaside taverna. With its pristine white walls and wood-beamed ceilings that remind us of the rustic charm of the Old Country, this friendly Greek eatery is where... More >>
• Best German Restaurant
  Haus Murphy's
  There's something about settling in at a good little German restaurant that always lifts our spirits. Maybe it's the oom-pah-pah music, the European tchotchkes here and there, or the friendly, old-fashioned hospitality. At Haus Murphy's, located right on downtown Glendale's main drag, it's all... More >>
• Best French Restaurant
  Christopher's & Crush Lounge
  We've long been fans of award-winning chef Christopher Gross, but we think he's outdone himself with his latest restaurant, a sleek, chic, and surprisingly fun spot that brings the French bistro into the 21st century. There's a lot to take in here — a vibrant, contemporary dining room... More >>
• Best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Restaurant
  Tasty Kabob
  The Persian Empire may be ancient history, but Persian cuisine still rules. And what better place to sample its seductive array of flavors than Tasty Kabob? There's a reason why this spot has been a favorite for more than 20 years, serving up exotic specialties in a cozy, casual atmosphere that... More >>
• Best Indian Restaurant
  The Dhaba
  Biggest clue that The Dhaba's gonna serve up a tasty Punjabi feast? Just look around — this stylish place is almost always packed with young Indian families, who order so many dishes that there's barely room on the tables for their dinner plates. Don't be surprised if you find yourself... More >>
• Best Thai Restaurant
  Sala Thai
  Thai food is all the rage in Phoenix — seems new spots are cropping up in every neighborhood these days. From fancy to no-frills, there's something to suit just about any taste and budget, but truth be told, we're fans of a humble hole in the wall called Sala Thai. It's laid-back and... More >>
• Best Chinese Restaurant
  Asian Café Express
  Don't be fooled by the nondescript name — Asian Café Express is all about authentic Hong Kong cuisine, masterfully created by chef-owner Michael Leung. The atmosphere feels a lot like Chinatown, too, from handwritten signs listing specials in English and Chinese to tables full of... More >>
• Best Japanese Restaurant
  Yasu Sushi Bistro
  Yasu Sushi Bistro may look like a humble neighborhood spot, but fans come from across the Valley for a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. Exquisite ingredients are chef Yasu Hashino's forte, from pristine seafood to buttery wagyu beef. As the restaurant name suggests, sushi is a big deal at... More >>
• Best Korean Restaurant
  Takamatsu of Chandler
  The Korean formula for a good time suits us perfectly: a group of friends gathered around a tabletop grill, heaping plates of marinated meat to sizzle up as you like it, and plenty of ice-cold beer to go with it. That's living! And that's why we're crazy about Takamatsu, where Korean barbecue is... More >>
• Best Vietnamese Restaurant
  Da Vang
  The menu at Da Vang, our favorite low-key hole in the wall for a cheap, filling meal, is so sprawling that it means only one thing to us: indecision. Should we slurp up a big, steaming bowl of the fabulous pho Da Vang, with thinly sliced beef, brisket, tripe, tendon, onions, and chewy rice... More >>
• Best Jamaican Restaurant
  The Breadfruit
  The Valley is a really good place to reinvent yourself, and we know plenty of people here who've found success in a whole new field — especially in the restaurant industry. Take entrepreneur Dwayne Allen, for instance. Last year, the Jamaican native and longtime Phoenix resident decided to... More >>
• Best Vegan Restaurant
  Green
  We always feel sorry for our vegetarian friends when the only things they can order off the menu are skimpy salads, side dishes, or the ubiquitous veggie burger. It's a shame more places don't cater to them. And it's far worse for a vegan. Thankfully, there's Green, where nothing on the menu... More >>
• Best Vegetarian Restaurant
  Chakra 4 Herb & Tea House
  We knew we were in for something good the first time we stopped by Chakra 4 Herb & Tea House and smelled the wonderful aroma of dried herbs and freshly chopped vegetables that hit us on our way in the door. Part herb shop and part cafe, this cheerful, tucked-away spot serves scrumptious,... More >>
• Best Veggie-Friendly Fine Dining
  Mosaic Restaurant
  We've covered the waterfront in the Phoenix fine-dining scene, and not once have we spotted a menu with the kinds of creative vegetarian dishes that Mosaic chef-owner Deborah Knight creates. To start, try the luscious 12-mushroom risotto, scented with garlic, or the remarkably flavorful broiled... More >>
• Best Falafel (2 Comments)
  Spices Mediterranean Kitchen
  We've been huge fans of falafel since way back in our student days, when the neighborhood falafel joint kept us well fed on a budget. What's not to love about a hot, crispy, fried chickpea ball? Our first taste of the fantastic falafel at Spices, though, took the obsession to a whole new level.... More >>
• Best Veggie Burger
  Fez
  We won't lie — we're huge fans of the half-pound Angus burgers at Fez. They routinely satisfy our carnivorous urges. But sometimes a veggie burger is just what we crave and, sadly, even some of the best burger joints in town can't deliver a truly delicious, meatless patty. At most places,... More >>
• Best Burger
  Metro Brasserie
  It was l'amour at first bite. Leave it to a French restaurant to figure out that the best way to seduce our palates is simply to feed us a really delicious, unforgettable hamburger. The signature Brasserie Burger at Metro Brasserie has just the right balance of comfort and novelty, a thick,... More >>
• Best Fries
  Café Bink
  Award-winning chef Kevin Binkley has built his reputation on cutting-edge cuisine at his Carefree fine-dining spot, Binkley's, but for most of us, the place is a special-occasion splurge. Thankfully, though, he's also branched out into affordable, accessible eats at nearby Café Bink. From... More >>
• Best Shake
  Four Peaks Brewery
  Was it serendipity or just an act of pure, calculated genius? We have no idea who invented the beer shake or how they came up with such a cleverly yummy concoction, but we'd sure love to give them a high five. Four Peaks Brewery serves the perfect dessert for beer lovers like us: the Oatmeal... More >>
• Best Hot Dog
  Two Hippies Magic Mushroom Burgers
  Without a doubt, Two Hippies' namesake mushroom burgers are delicious. But they're not the only reason to stop by this kitschy, '60s-themed eatery, where blacklight posters, vintage toys, and lunchboxes serve as psychedelic décor. Owners Andy and Jan Goldstein have also come up with a... More >>
• Best Wings
  Half Moon Sports Grill
  The folks at Half Moon are pretty cheeky — just get a look at all the plumber's cracks pictured on the restaurant's Web site. We love that. But there's one thing that Half Moon definitely takes seriously: wings. Nope, they don't joke around with these juicy little snacks, because they know... More >>
• Best Fish and Chips
  Rúla Búla
  It's not just luck of the Irish — it takes skills to make fish and chips this good. So despite all the other tempting things on the menu at Rúla Búla, from shepherd's pie to hot corned beef on rye, we can never seem to pass up this mighty fine version of a classic.... More >>
• Best Pasties
  Cornish Pasty Co.
  There's probably some stripper-friendly boutique in town that's worthy of a Best Of for its sequined nipple covers, but we're actually talking about "pass-tees," the centuries-old snack created for tin miners in Cornwall, England. They're a full meat-and-potatoes meal baked inside a hot, flaky... More >>
• Best Tapas
  Lola Tapas
  The atmosphere inside Lola Tapas is so effortlessly urban that after a few glasses of wine, you might momentarily forget you're in the desert and think you're in a bustling boite on some Barcelona back street. It's dark, cozy, and convivial, with communal seating that fills up fast, gracious... More >>
• Best Slice of Pizza (1 Comment)
  Mamma Mia
  Seems there are plenty of restaurants where you can sit down and leisurely have a pizza all to yourself, but where to go when you need a pizza fix now? When all you really want are a couple of killer slices to fuel you through your day, without any fuss? At times like those, we head straight to... More >>
• Best Gourmet Pizza
  Pizzeria Bianco
  The legend continues. Just when we thought that Chris Bianco's pizza-guru aura couldn't shine any more brightly, along comes Martha Stewart and Gourmet and Food + Wine to shed a little more light on Phoenix's celebrated pizzaiolo. This past spring, Bianco got props from all three, starting with... More >>
• Best Soul Food
  Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles
  Catch Larry "Lo-Lo" White at a rare moment when his restaurant isn't packed and maybe he'll regale you with stories of all the sports stars who insist on a detour to Lo-Lo's when they're in town for a game. Or just look at all the framed, autographed photos on the walls to get an idea of who's... More >>
• Best Barbecue Restaurant
  Stacy's Smokehouse
  Even before we lay our eyes on a plateful of Stacy's badass barbecue, we know just what we're in for. We can smell it as soon as we pull into the parking lot — that mouthwatering aroma of sizzling meat and savory almond and hickory wood fueling the outdoor smoker. It's a smell that haunts... More >>
• Best Ribs
  Don & Charlie's
  We're in carnivore heaven every time we do dinner at Don & Charlie's, an old-school steakhouse where the smell of sizzling meat makes us feel like we're floating on a cloud from the front door all the way to the table. What also makes us smile are Don & Charlie's tasty chopped liver... More >>
• Best Lemonade
  Middle Eastern Deli & Bakery
  Bet you've never tasted anything remotely like Middle Eastern Deli & Bakery's homemade lemonade, which this place sells gallons of every day. Middle Eastern's owner was kind enough to share the secret to its exotic, citrus-based concoction. First, lemon juice, water, and honey are boiled... More >>
• Best Sunday Brunch
  T. Cook's
  We're not sure what Heaven is like, but we imagine it to be something like T. Cook's lavish, all-you-can-eat "Mediterranean market buffet" brunch. Like the romantic Royal Palms Resort itself, brunch here is beautiful beyond belief, as mouthwatering as the glossy pages of food porn in Gourmet... More >>
• Best Seasonal Cuisine
  Quiessence
  There are actually two ways to experience the seasons at Quiessence. The first is simply to appreciate the setting itself — situated at the far end of the Farm at South Mountain, the restaurant is surrounded by lush trees and vegetation that provide so much of the relaxing ambiance here,... More >>
• Best Place to Play Hooky
  Zinc Bistro
  Depending on the time of day, Zinc Bistro takes on different guises — it's a bright, bustling place to see and be seen at lunchtime, and a romantic, candlelit hotspot at night. We'll take any excuse to stop by for chef Matt Carter's tasty French cooking (like ratatouille, braised lamb... More >>
• Best Place for Cookies and Milk
  Sweet Cakes
  "Life's short . . . Eat cookies." These are the words that greet you when you enter this charming little cafe in downtown Mesa. And cookies it has. Cookies about the size of salad plates. Sweet Cakes has all the classics (chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodle) and such originals as white... More >>
• Best Comfort Food
  Rancho Pinot
  Is it dinnertime yet? The mouthwatering dishes at Rancho Pinot remind us of the kinds of things Mom used to make — if only Mom had been a gourmet cook. Chef Chrysa Robertson dreams up food that's rustic and soul-satisfying, putting the finest local produce to good use (not a surprise,... More >>
• Best Picnic
  Pane Bianco
  We can't think of any takeout place that gets the kind of action that Pane Bianco does. The menu's minuscule and there's nowhere to sit inside. But there's always a lively scene under the shade sails out front, where customers congregate at rustic picnic tables to eat sandwiches and salads out... More >>
• Best View
  elements
  Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has a real gem in elements, its signature fine-dining restaurant. Executive chef Beau MacMillan ranks among an elite group of chefs who've taken on an Iron Chef (in this case, Bobby Flay) and emerged victorious in the popular Food Network TV show. And his cooking... More >>
• Best Destination Dining
  Kai
  Restaurants sometimes use the term "award-winning" pretty loosely. But not Kai. This fine-dining spot has earned its elite status in some of the country's most prestigious restaurant rankings — most notably, the AAA Five Diamond Award and five stars from Mobil Travel Guide. That puts Kai... More >>
• Best Dim Sum
  Phoenix Palace
  You can order off the lengthy Chinese menu anytime (there are lots of seafood dishes here), but dim sum is likely the biggest reason Phoenix Palace is packed with hungry hordes from across the Valley, especially on weekends. Folks flock to this strip mall spot, located adjacent to Lee Lee's... More >>
• Best Breakfast
  Matt's Big Breakfast
  Why is there a crowd of a few dozen people milling around on the corner of First Street and McKinley on a 100-degree day? Are they crazy? Well, yes — crazy for really delicious, all-American breakfast food, perhaps. These days, the mob outside Matt's Big Breakfast is a mix of downtown... More >>
• Best Sausage
  Schreiner's Fine Sausage
  From their red and white bungalow at Seventh Street and Whitton Avenue, the Shillers, scions of sausage sultan Hugo Schreiner, have been stuffing casings and Phoenicians since 1955. They've added a flavor or two to keep up with our changing palates, and low-fat for expanding waistlines, but it's... More >>
• Best Bacon
  The Meat Shop
  Ah, bacon. It's hard to think of any meat more loved by carnivores or tearfully missed by vegetarians. We can't come up with a dish that can't be made better by the inclusion of the salty, smoky wonder. And we've been known to wax rhapsodic over its unctuous charms. Where for art thou, BLT?... More >>
• Best BLT
  Chestnut Lane Café
  Is there another way to spell "delicious"? How about B-L-T? Chestnut Lane Café's version of the classic sandwich is the best we've ever had (next to our grandma's, of course). At this tiny Camelback eatery, they make their BLT with thinly shaved, house-roasted turkey, thick... More >>
• Best Sandwiches
  Lee's Sandwiches
  Just when we thought we'd eaten every sandwich under the sun, we discovered the beauty of Lee's Sandwiches' banh mi — and now we're obsessed. What's banh mi, you ask? It's a hefty Vietnamese-style sub, with such fillings as pâté, barbecued pork, or a combination of sliced... More >>
• Best Small Plates (1 Comment)
  Cork
  When restaurant industry veterans Robert and Danielle Morris teamed up with co-owner and executive chef Brian Peterson to open Cork, a stylish restaurant/wine bar in Chandler, they set out to serve food with the whimsy of a tasting menu but the ease of à la carte. And that's... More >>
• Best Place to Take Your Parents
  House of Tricks
  Mom and Dad don't come to town often enough, so you've got to choose wisely when it's time for them to treat you dinner. Whether you're 18 and a college freshman or 42 and a shameless middle-aged freeloader, House of Tricks is a good choice. You don't want to waste a free meal on the likes of... More >>
• Best Restaurant for Kids
  Pita Jungle
  Typically speaking, if you don't see a kids' menu, you don't want to bring your kids. It's like a restaurant with no highchairs. Big hint. Not so at Pita Jungle, where kids are more than welcome, and there's plenty for them on the grownups' menu. It's actually a relief to not have the choice of... More >>
• Best Dining as Theater
  Binkley's Restaurant
  If you really want to appreciate chef Kevin Binkley's food, be sure to bring your sense of humor to dinner. Binkley, who worked for renowned chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, is undoubtedly serving some of the most creative, sophisticated cuisine that Arizona has to offer, incorporating... More >>
• Best Hotel Cafe
  Gallo Blanco Café
  Seems like most hotel eateries fall into one of two categories — the generic, functional spot aimed at people staying there or the fancy fine-dining place geared toward big spenders of any stripe. Gallo Blanco Café, however, is remarkable in that it doesn't feel like it's in a hotel... More >>
• Best Patio Dining
  Local Breeze
  Local Breeze owner Sid Campbell pays homage to the now-defunct Pischke's (where he was a longtime cook) by bringing a laid-back touch of the tropics to the middle of this desert metropolis. Situated in the historic Cavness House, just beyond the heart of downtown, Local Breeze is the perfect... More >>
• Best Calamari
  Andreoli Italian Grocer
  When did fried calamari become so ubiquitous? They're everywhere, practically threatening the dominance of the mighty French fry it seems, served at neighborhood grills and fancy restaurants alike. We're fans, of course, but only when they're done right — and that's the catch. Really fresh... More >>
• Best Cocktail Nibbles
  Trader Vic's
  Classic throwback cocktails like the rum-drenched Mai Tai — invented by Trader Vic's founder Vic Bergeron in the 1940s — deserve to be teamed with retro snacks that are just as stylishly tasty. The Cosmo Tidbits appetizer platter for two is the way to go (unless you're flying solo),... More >>
• Best Nosh Before Nightclubbing
  Pure Sushi
  When the night's just getting started, we like to fuel up at the new south Scottsdale outpost of Pure Sushi (the original location's up north, at Grayhawk), located in the Scottsdale Civic Plaza. From here, it's an easy walking distance to our favorite nightclubs and watering holes, and Pure's... More >>
• Best Bar Food
  The Roosevelt
  Wait, we know what you're thinking: bar food? Who goes out for that? Um, we do — at least when that bar is The Roosevelt. Since they serve only stellar craft brews, imports, and interesting wines here, it makes sense that the eats would be equally top-notch. And considering the impeccable... More >>
• Best Hangover Breakfast
  Daily Dose
  We knew Daily Dose was our kind of restaurant as soon as we saw something called the "Hangover Sandwich" on the menu. Because, honestly, we're usually too busy to indulge in a full breakfast during the workweek. But on our days off, we're all about the most important meal of the day, since it's... More >>
• Best Encore
  Postino Central
  It's no wonder that the new Postino Central seems to be doing bang-up business every time we stop by. Just as the original Postino transformed the former Arcadia Post Office into a high-style wine bar, Postino Central breathes new life into the cool mid-century building that used to house Katz's... More >>
• Best Splurge
  BLT Steak
  Take our word for it, you won't want to rein yourself in at BLT Steak — nor should you. Glorious excess feels oh-so-right at this contemporary steakhouse, where the allure of sizzling prime beef and expertly prepared seafood is bolstered by French bistro touches, including chicken liver... More >>
• Best Splurge on a Shoestring Budget
  TeHaru Sushi
  Most of the time, being impulsive at restaurants — especially sushi restaurants — can have pricey consequences. But not at TeHaru Sushi. You can throw caution to the wind and eat yourself silly at this south Tempe spot, and when the bill comes, we promise your jaw will drop at how... More >>
• Best Place to Take a First Date
  Cibo
  It's easy to fall in love with the charms of Cibo. And who knows? Maybe some of that magic will rub off on your date, too. The building itself is a lovingly restored historic bungalow, with wood floors, a brick fireplace, pretty windows throughout, and an inviting front patio, which twinkles... More >>
• Best Place to Take a Wine Geek
  Caffe Boa
  Caffe Boa is an unexpected delight amid the college-town bustle of Mill Avenue. It's a stylish bistro with a grown-up atmosphere, a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates seasonal, organic ingredients, and a serious attitude about wine. Owners Jay and Christine Wisniewski, both certified... More >>
• Best Place to Meet the Chef
  Café Monarch
  When you visit Café Monarch, you're entering Christopher Van Arsdale's domain. He's the chef-owner of this super-stylish, tucked-away spot, and he's often a one-man show, waiting on tables, chatting up customers, and cooking up a storm in the 558-square-foot space that he single-handedly... More >>
• Best Place to Go When You're Feeling Sad
  Organ Stop Pizza
  It's impossible to feel sorry for yourself in the presence of Organ Stop Pizza's Mighty Wurlitzer. The food at the two-story pizza parlor is an afterthought because the main draw is the 6,000-pipe theater organ, with its orchestra pit of instruments, bells, and whistles. Organists like Charlie... More >>
• Best Psychic Night
  Lisa G Café and Wine Bar
  What are you hungry for? Where should we go to dinner tonight? If it's a Wednesday, the answers should be pizza and Lisa G Café and Wine Bar. Beyond that, we're pretty fuzzy about the future, but that's the best reason to come here for Wednesday Psychic Night, a fun weekly event that's... More >>
• Best Stoner Ambiance
  Cheba Hut
  When you're in a restaurant that serves subs in various sizes called "nugs," "pinners," and "blunts," it only makes sense to be surrounded by cannabis-inspired art. While ordering at the counter, customers can eyeball the plethora of pot-themed stickers and photos taped across the length of the... More >>
• Best Nostalgia
  Sugar Bowl
  We've been hanging around Scottsdale so long that we remember when Fashion Square was an open-air mall. We shopped at the Wigwam, ate at China Lil's, endured countless Parada del Sol parades. So imagine our dismay when two Scottsdale old-timers — Pink Pony and Quilted Bear — bit the... More >>
• Best Makeover
  Liberty Market
  Gilbert's Liberty Market is the talk of the town. A complete renovation of the circa-1935 market and its 1959 addition has resulted in a buzz-worthy hangout that combines contemporary cool with vintage Americana. It's part cafeteria, part coffee bar, and part gourmet boutique, the kind of place... More >>
• Best Import
  Roka Akor
  Need proof that Scottsdale is on the international jet-setter map? Consider Roka Akor, an offshoot of London's chic Roka restaurant, which also has outposts in Macau and Hong Kong. Exotic company, don't you think? The "Akor" in the name here is actually "Roka" backwards, since it's supposed to... More >>
• Best Japanese Tea
  Japanese Friendship Garden
  At the Japanese Friendship Garden, as you pass through a gate on your way toward an authentic Japanese teahouse, you are supposed to shed a little more of your worldly cares in favor of a more serene, calm self. The ancient art of Chanoyu, or Japanese tea ceremony, is performed on the second... More >>
• Best Afternoon Tea
  The Ritz-Carlton
  We've had tea all over town, but no place spoils us like the Ritz. From the sweet valets to the tart lemon curd, every detail of the experience is spot-on, which is what you'd expect when you're paying big bucks for a sip of English Breakfast. It's worth every penny, as far as we're concerned,... More >>
• Best Bite Before (or After) Visiting SMoCA
  The Orange Table
  Even if the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art weren't right next door, The Orange Table would still be Old Town Scottsdale's best neighborhood cafe. But the proximity to SMoCA creates a great synergy — you can fuel up before checking out the latest exhibition, or swing by afterward to... More >>
• Best Chocolate Milkshake (3 Comments)
  Udder Delights
  Step through the door of this Gilbert ice cream shop and you know you are in for a treat. We are here to recommend the chocolate milkshake, but frankly, the shop's case of homemade ice cream is so wowing that you may fill your stomach just by tasting samples. Save some room for a milkshake,... More >>
• Best Chocolates
  Chocolate Surprise
  Last year saw the closing of not a few chocolate shops in Phoenix, which meant we had to cast the net a bit wider for this year's winner. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because we might not otherwise have made the trek to the Northwest Valley and found Chocolate Surprise, a... More >>
• Best Desserts
  Avalon
  Sometimes we don't mind skipping the sweet stuff at the end of the meal, because plenty of restaurants treat dessert like a sugary afterthought. But not Avalon. After a lavish feast of executive chef Travis Watson's "contemporary coastal cuisine" — California-meets-Mediterranean fare with... More >>
• Best Politically Incorrect Dessert
  The Michael Jackson Cupcake
  When we heard there was a bakery in town serving up a cupcake dedicated to Michael Jackson, we knew we had to check it out. When we heard that the cupcake in question was made of vanilla cake with a fudge center, we were on our way in a matter of minutes (with much snickering and several... More >>
• Best Use of Fondant
  Tammie Coe Cakes
  We owe Tammie Coe an apology. For years, we've admired the beauty of her cakes — striped Mad Hatter-esque creations with impossibly smooth icing in vibrant colors. Our favorite is a recent creation — plain white covered perfectly with rainbow sprinkles, with a candy candle on top.... More >>
• Best Snow Cone
  New Orleans Sno Ball
  The snow cone is perfect in its simplicity — ice, bathed in a sweet, flavored syrup. No finer snow cone is found in our hot metropolis than New Orleans Sno Ball. This isn't your ballpark or state fair snow cone, no sirree. Instead of rock-hard chunks of ice, the Sno Ball shaves ice into... More >>
• Best Gelato (3 Comments)
  The Gelato Maker
  Gelato Maker owner Yaron Cohen dispenses samples of gelato like a benevolent judge dispenses justice. He stands behind the counter, confidently presiding over the rainbow of flavors, and sizes up his customers' tastes. Ask to try the coconut gelato and he'll also suggest you taste his favorite,... More >>
• Best Pastries
  Scratch
  Scratch is a bright and airy French cafe — in a strip mall. We promise you'll forget your proximity to Subway as soon as you're in the door. The menu is populated with croque madames and savory crèpes oozing Comte, goat, and Brie cheeses. But the pièce de resistance (sorry,... More >>
• Best Whoopie Pies
  District American Kitchen & Wine Bar
  Because District is situated inside the new downtown Sheraton, it's expected that hotel guests would eat here. But interestingly enough, the restaurant seems to be going after locals, too, with a comfort-food menu that name-drops plenty of local purveyors and gives creative twists to American... More >>
• Best Tiramisu
  Amarone Ristorante Italiano
  It takes true discipline to behave ourselves at Amarone Ristorante Italiano, a north Scottsdale eatery where everything from the grilled calamari to the homemade gnocchi in vodka sauce is clean-your-plate good. Needless to say, we usually indulge ourselves here. Charming owner Maurizio Benforte... More >>
• Best Cupcakes (2 Comments)
  Bertha's Café
  In a sea of trendy cupcake shops, Bertha's Café rises modestly to the top. This casual and unassuming spot serves breakfast, lunch, and a variety of pastries, but the true-blue reason to go to Bertha's is to sample the adorable mini red velvet cupcakes. At 75 cents apiece, they're highly... More >>
• Best Bread
  MJ Bread
  We'll forgive you if you didn't know MJ Bread exists. It's like a cute toy hidden inside a cereal box, but in this case, the cereal box is Tammie Coe Cakes. You may walk into Tammie Coe's looking for a swirly cake, but you're just as likely to walk out with a crunchy baguette, some ciabatta... More >>
• Best Bread for Dessert
  Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread
  Master baker Ben Hershberger has created a monster. His chocolate cherry sourdough bread is a one-pound marvel that has a cult following. Found at The Phoenician and the Scottsdale Farmers Market, it's worth getting up early just to guarantee you'll be able to grab some. Did we mention getting... More >>
• Best Bagels
  Back East Bagels
  We've gotta tell you, we've endured sub-par bagels all over the world, including our own East Coast. So the name alone wasn't enough to sell us on this place. But as soon as we bit into Back East's "everything" bagel — toasted, with tomato slices and cream cheese (the way God intended a... More >>
• Best Jewish Deli
  Scott's Generations
  Scott's Generations is a New York deli that keeps the classics coming, from bagels and lox to chopped liver. Scott's knishes are the size of softballs, and the corned beef hash is tender and, best of all, only delicately salted. They also serve fantastically juicy and lean beef brisket. The... More >>
• Best Italian Deli
  DeFalco's Italian Grocery
  We grew up going to Italian-American delis with our Sicilian grandmother, so we recognize an authentic place like DeFalco's when we see it. The deli counter serves up delicious sausage sandwiches with heaps of pepper and onions. They also offer meatball subs and combo sandwiches stuffed with... More >>
• Best Asian Market
  Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket
  We just can't sing Lee Lee's praises highly enough. It's not simply the best Asian market in the Valley; it's one of the Phoenix area's best grocery stores — bar none. The produce department is bountiful, with towering stacks of jackfruit, Korean daikon, bitter melon, lemongrass, and six... More >>
• Best Middle Eastern Grocery Store
  Baiz Market
  Need to stock up on charcoal squares and apple-flavored tobacco for your hookah? Head to Baiz Market, on 20th Street in Phoenix. The mid-size grocer is your connection for all things Middle Eastern and then some. They sell rose water, fig jam, and halawa. There's a halal meat counter that meets... More >>
• Best Indian Market
  India Plaza
  It's hard not to love India Plaza. Its charming façade is built to resemble the kind of old-fashioned storefront you might find at a railroad station. These days, it's even a bit authentic, since the light rail stops right in front. India Plaza stocks all the goods you'll need for a... More >>
• Best Russian Market
  Yasha from Russia
  We're in love with Yasha from Russia and his lovely wife, Tanya. Who wouldn't be? These charming hosts have stocked their store with wares to satisfy a growing — and hungry — community of Eastern European transplants for several years now. In the process, they've made believers, and... More >>
• Best Market We Wish Would Come to Our Neighborhood
  La Grande Orange
  There's not a thing we can say we really need La Grande Orange, yet there's a lot we want — a fine selection of wine, homemade English muffins, fresh salads, a coffee bar, cute gifts, baked goods. So we couldn't help but be jealous when we heard that our favorite gourmet grocery had opened... More >>
• Best New Farmers Market
  Old Town Farmers Market, Scottsdale
  In less than a year, the Old Town Farmers Market has emerged as a major player in the "eat local" scene. Where once you'd expect to find tourists, Western memorabilia, and the occasional wrought-iron howling coyote, you'll now find organic vegetables, local crafts, and ready-made noshes for home... More >>
• Best Farmers Market for Gourmets
  Vincent's Saturday Market
  While some folks may be surprised that they have a choice of farmers markets in the Valley, we're sure no one is surprised that the best farmers market for the gourmet comes with a French accent. From October to May, this market, now in its 19th year, isn't your typical farmers market. Sure,... More >>
• Best Farmers Market for Grazing
  Ahwatukee Farmers Market
  Frankly, if you drag yourself out at the crack of 8 or 9 on a Sunday morning to scope out what's in season from local produce growers, you deserve all the snacks you can find. Ahwatukee Farmers Market is a low-key place where you'll find a little bit of everything you need, from rare veggies to... More >>
• Best Farmers Market for Produce
  Roadrunner Park Farmers Market
  The Valley's many, many farmers markets employ a canny scheduling strategy to attract scarce growers and busy customers: They're not all held at the same day and time. Saturday mornings are particularly competitive, all the same, and the Paradise Valley area is blessed with a venerable... More >>
• Best Farmers Market for Petting Baby Goats
  Mesa Community Farmers Market
  Among the motley crowd at a farmers market, you'll find organic locavores, indie craft fanatics, and people who just want to get out of the house. Then there are those whose mission is to fondle underage livestock, and Kathryn Marshall is their go-to gal. When the high temp for the day is... More >>
• Best Farmers Market for Dog Flirting
  Downtown Phoenix Community Market
  If you're a big old dog slut — sorry, a dog aficionado — you're familiar with the challenges. First, you need the canine equivalent of a pick-up bar. Downtown Phoenix Community Market fills that bill, 'cause everybody who's anybody is there with their person on a leash. Then you want... More >>
• Best Thing to Ever Happen to Gilbert
  Joe Johnston
  Maybe it's the affordable housing prices or the constant sunshine that attracts transplants from all over the globe, but whatever the reason, Phoenix has become the melting pot of the Southwest. It's rare to find a native Phoenician and even rarer to find one like restaurateur Joe Johnston, who... More >>
• Best Sign of Urban Renewal
  Hanny's
  We think Hanny's deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as ASU's downtown campus, Janet Echelman's mesmerizing mesh sculpture floating above the civic park, and the CityScape development. This restaurant really is a point of pride for the downtown renaissance, for multiple reasons. First... More >>
• Best Renaissance Man
  Martin Antonelli
  For the past eight years, Martin Antonelli has combined his advertising background, passion for family, and love of poetry into a charming French restaurant, Voltaire, in Scottsdale. It's his homage to family and food, instead of a typically trendy faux-French bistro. After an extensive career... More >>
• Best Chip
  Poore Brothers
  Brothers Jay and Don Poore, of Arizona-based snack brand Poore Brothers Potato Chips, are the main characters in one of America's great corporate fairy tales. Once upon a time, the pair worked as engineers for snack food companies, installing and repairing machines in their plants. There they... More >>
• Best Ice Cream
  Sweet Republic
  Talk about a cool idea. When number crunching started to wear thin, globetrotters Helen Yung and Jan Wichayanuparp left the world of finance for the world of ice cream — and the Valley's better for it. Their adorable, citrus-hued ice cream shop, Sweet Republic, opened last year with a... More >>
• Best Brand
  Vincent Guerithault
  In the more than 20 years since French chef Vincent Guerithault established himself in Phoenix, the city's been good to him — he's become one of the most respected, well-known chefs in the region. But he's also been good to us in return, keeping customers well fed with his distinctive,... More >>
• Best Place to Meet a Stranger
  Welcome Diner
  Phoenix is not a serendipitous city. We're stuck in our cars most of the time, deliberately driving from point A to point B in our strip-malled, paved-over landscape. How in the world does anyone make a new acquaintance here? You just have to be more proactive, and places like Welcome Diner go a... More >>
• Best Macarons
  Essence Bakery Café
  When it comes to the latest fad, too often Phoenix is the last to arrive on the scene. So we were pleased this summer when, on a visit to New York City, we noticed that French macarons were all the rage. Ha! Essence has been doing that for years. And doing it oh so well. We bet you'd be... More >>
• Best Hippies
  Andy and Jan Goldstein
  Leave it to the hippies to come up with some of Phoenix's cheekiest eateries. We're not talking about just any peace-and-love throwbacks, though. We mean Jan and Andy Goldstein, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind the burgeoning Two Hippies empire. It started a few years ago, when they... More >>
• Best Late-Night Nosh
  Sens
  Downtown Phoenix's nightlife is picking up momentum. Want proof? Check out Sens, chef Johnny Chu's hip, modern Asian tapas spot, where you can stop by for a snack or a full meal until midnight — and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Chu's small-plates menu is a celebration of... More >>