5 Best Restaurants in Arcadia Right Now

There are plenty of reasons for food lovers to like the Arcadia neighborhood -- the central location, the ranch-style homes, the plentiful citrus trees, and, of course, the plethora of dining and drinking options. There's no shortage of places to grab a bite or a cocktail in this Phoenix neighborhood...

By Lauren Saria

April 22, 2014

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There are plenty of reasons for food lovers to like the Arcadia neighborhood -- the central location, the ranch-style homes, the plentiful citrus trees, and, of course, the plethora of dining and drinking options.

There's no shortage of places to grab a bite or a cocktail in this Phoenix neighborhood and our list of the very best right now includes everything from one of the nation's best bars to a trendy new spot for burgers and more.

Crudo

At Crudo, chef Cullen Campbell, who has cooked at the James Beard House in New York, creates modern Italian cuisine that's unlike anything else in this city. The restaurant specializes in raw seafood dishes called crudo and offers a nice selection of housemade cheeses. One of the restaurant's most popular dishes, the Crispy Pig Ears, can be enjoyed at the bar or as a side dish and makes for one of the more unique dining experiences around. The dish is a serving of fried strips of porky cartilage that get dressed up with olive oil and spicy pickled Fresno chiles. Oh, and don't dismiss the restaurant's charming bar, which was named one of the nation's best by Food & Wine magazine.

Jewel's Bakery and Cafe

There are those who say the anti-gluten train has gone too far, but at Jewel's Bakery and Cafe, we're happy to hop aboard for sweet and savory gluten-free eats. Baker Julie Moreno's restaurant and bakery serves gluten-less flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads that will please diners with or without dietary restrictions. There are also gluten-free waffles, cupcakes, doughnuts, and more, making this a must-eat destination for those who can't always enjoy such bakery treats. The brunch spread is respectable as well, with options like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and chilaquiles.

O.H.S.O. Eatery and nanoBrewery

There are few places that feel as much like a community gathering place as O.H.S.O. Eatery and nanoBrewery. Maybe it's because they let customer brews their own beers and get them on tap. Or maybe it's because you can bring all your friends and your pooches to enjoy their Sunday Back Yard BBQ on the giant back patio. Either way, there's clearly a lot to love about the beer-centric spot. We also love the Beer Brunch, which gives diners brunch dishes like Green Chile Pork Carnitas and Sockeye Smoked Salmon plus a favorite Arizona-brewed beer for just $10.

Ingo's Tasty Food

The newest restaurant concept to join the dining hub at Campbell and 40th Street (that's where you'll also find La Grande Orange Grocery and Postino Wine Cafe) looks like something from the future -- and in a way it is. Ingo's Tasty Food offers a tight selection of burgers, sandwiches, and salads as well as beer, wine, and a very enjoyable sangria. The best of bunch might be the namesake Ingo Burger, which features grass-fed beef, sauerkraut, and housemade dijon sauce to make for a beefy version of a classic Reuben sandwich. Whether enjoyed on the restaurant's round patio or inside at the burger bar, there's really no way to go wrong at this new spot.

Essence Bakery

Though this French bakery and cafe originates from Tempe, it's quickly become a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch in the Arcadia neighborhood. Essence Bakery in Phoenix serves longtime favorite dishes like the Lemon Basil Chicken Salad Sandwich, as well as a rotating selection of daily specials crafted by French-trained chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos. Don't miss her perfectly buttery and flaky croissants or the brightly colored macarons. They come in a variety of flavors including French Chocolate, Caramel Cream, Espresso, Raspberry Rose, and our personal favorite, the Pumpkin Spice.

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