Despite the name, this is no generic pan-Asian fast food joint. Not even close. Its exceptionally tasty, unbelievably cheap, authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine. Behind it all is chef Michael Leung, former owner of central Phoenixs Gourmet House of Hong Kong. Be prepared to spend some... More >>
At its heart, Cork is a neighborhood wine bar that just happens to serve inventive, beautifully presented food. Owned by three alumni of Lons at the Hermosa sommelier Robert Morris, his wife Danielle (whos the pastry chef), and executive chef Brian Peterson the... More >>
One of the few Valley Chinese restaurants that could hold its own in New York's or San Francisco's Chinatown. C-Fu specializes in seafood so fresh, most of it is still swimming when you order it. Don't miss the chrysanthemum-steamed fish, Marco Polo lobster or Dungeness crab. Non-seafood dishes... More >>
This food is Chinatown-good. Or better, since China Kings no grungy hole-in-the-wall, but a sunny, clean, spacious restaurant that stands separate from its strip mall neighbors. Theres a traditional menu, but we go for the dim sum, available daily. The place is a madhouse on weekends... More >>
The perfect combination: authentic, brilliantly flavored Vietnamese food in a clean, contemporary setting. Prices are the same as typical holes-in-the-wall (huge portions for $6 to $9), but ingredients are always topnotch, and it's pretty enough to take the most timid first-time Asian diner.... More >>
Dragonfly Vietnamese Kitchen is worth seeking out. Youll find authentic ethnic cuisine and a surprisingly pleasant café-style atmosphere, plus a lengthy menu of traditional specialties that are as delicious and beautifully presented as they are wallet-friendly. With nothing over... More >>
Clean, spacious, and minimalistic, Hodori occupies a spot on one of the East Valleys busiest corners for Asian food. (Among other neighbors, theres a Vietnamese café and a Korean market in the same strip mall.) Theres none of the cook-it-yourself Korean barbecue that... More >>
Its quite a hike to this retro-futuristic burger stand in east Gilbert, but theres nothing like it in the Valley. The building is a converted farm home, where owner Joe Johnston grew up, and its situated in a new master-planned community called Agritopia, where a 12-acre urban... More >>
Ribs: Think of them as meat lollipops thick with tangy barbecue sauce, tender from being lovingly slow-smoked over pecan logs, and served up with mac 'n' cheese, sweet corn, coleslaw, and/or any of a number of other sides. At least, thats how youll be chowin down on Porky Pig... More >>
Kais current creative triumvirate - consulting chef Janos Wilder (a James Beard Award-winner), executive chef Michael ODowd, and chef de cuisine Jack Strong - deserves to bask in the attention that comes with being Arizonas newest AAA Five Diamond Award-winner. Strong is Native... More >>
Mother-son team Nicha Jithchamnonk and David Fliger serve classic Thai cooking in this stylish spot in historic downtown Chandler. The menu is a well-edited list of greatest hits with an upscale twist and a lovely presentation, from scrumptious seared Thai beef salad to luscious tom kha soup.... More >>
The brainchild of restaurateur Joe Johnston, Liberty Market
is the East Valleys answer to La Grande Orange in Phoenix. Like his
other eateries, Joes Real BBQ and Joes Farm Grill, the vibe here
mixes wholesome vintage Americana with a hip, modern sensibility.
Open all... More >>
Attractive, 8,000-square-foot hacienda-style eatery devoted to a more healthful take on Mexican grub, mixing in elements of Baja style and California cuisines. The bright, airy interior includes a fantasia of Mexican tile, artwork and furniture. Menu faves include the rich, flavorful chicken... More >>
Sometimes it feels as if Scottsdale has a monopoly on dining
hotspots, but SanTan Brewing Company, part of Chandlers San Marcos
Plaza, proves theres other life in the East Valley. The vibe here is
distinctive -- its Gen X and Y mix is more grown up than Tempes ... More >>
Sleek, sophisticated Japanese restaurant with many items unique to Japanese restaurants in Phoenix, though not to Japanese restaurants in Japan or larger American cities. The place was designed by its owner, himself a fussy Japanese eater, so you know its good. And even if you cant... More >>
The former proprietors of Tucsons Sushi Ten have opened a new eatery in Ahwatukee, and fans of authentic Japanese cuisine have been quick to pick up on it. The spare dining rooms bright and open, with plenty of seating at the sushi bar and tables scattered throughout the room. As for... More >>
Everything in Zur Kate has a German flair, not just the authentic cuisine. The walls are covered with paintings, flags, and other memorabilia from the Old Country, and theres always German music, whether on the stereo or from a live band. Expect a selection of imported German beer on tap... More >>