The extraordinary growth of our city and state is measurable on a national scale. In 2024, the James Beard Foundation recognized a striking 12 Arizona chefs and restaurants as semifinalists for its highly competitive culinary awards. This January, we bested ourselves, with 15 semifinalist nominations.
Eating in Phoenix has never been better. And given the 14,600 square miles covered by the metro area sprawl, the options can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
Each year, Phoenix New Times publishes a list of the top 100 restaurants. The list includes a mix of Valley staples, essential eats and exciting newcomers. Many tried-and-true restaurants return to the list year after year as they continue to delight diners. Each time around, new spots ready to tantalize tastebuds land on the list.
To help you narrow down your next dinner reservation or casual lunch date, we've split the list into five categories, ranging from splurge-worthy to counter-service. One thing is true for every spot on this list – we can't wait for our next visit.
Here are the top 100 restaurants in Phoenix.
New and noteworthy Phoenix restaurants
The top spots to open between Dec. 1, 2023 and Dec. 1, 2024 include some restaurants that made a splash, such as Uchi in Scottsdale or the modern Mexican standout Santo Arcadia. But some dishes at more under-the-radar eateries also made their way into our hearts, like the funky papaya salad at Thai Boat Noodle.PS and the fiery salsas at Taco Viva.
- Barley & Smoke, a speakeasy-style gem in Peoria
- The Ends, Anthony Bourdain-inspired eats in Old Town Scottsdale
- Huarachis Taqueria, trendy taco spot with craft cocktails in downtown Phoenix
- The Larder & The Delta, a fine dining, tasting menu experience in Phoenix
- LeDu Thai, a new neighborhood favorite in downtown Phoenix
- Mensho, revolutionary ramen in Mesa
- Mister Pio, Peruvian rotisserie in East Phoenix
- Pretty Penny, elevated eats and scientific cocktails in downtown Phoenix
- Santo Arcadia, a modern Mexican date-night destination in East Phoenix
- Taco Viva, fun and colorful Mexican counter-service spot in East Phoenix
- Tambayan Filipino Food, shareable Filipino food in uptown Phoenix
- Tesota, an internationally inspired menu in uptown Phoenix
- Thai Boat Noodle.PS, a unique taste of Thailand in Gilbert
- Uchi, swanky sushi in Scottsdale
- Vayal's Indian Kitchen, flavor-packed Indian cuisine in central Phoenix
- Yuzu Omakase, chef's selection of sushi in North Phoenix
Classic Phoenix restaurants
As metro Phoenix has expanded over the decades, a handful of its restaurants have stood the test of time. All of these spots have been open for at least 15 years. Some, including Pho Thanh, Beckett's Table and Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, hit that milestone this year. Others have been serving hungry customers since the 1970s and '80s. The oldest spot on this list, The Stockyards Steakhouse, has been home to giant steaks, and maybe a few ghosts, since 1947.
- Andreoli Italian Grocer, a staple Italian market and restaurant in North Scottsdale
- Beckett's Table, the perfect spot for a special family dinner in Phoenix
- Cafe Lalibela, a welcoming Ethiopian eatery in Tempe
- The Chuckbox, a cash-only time capsule in Tempe
- Cibo Pizzeria, a romantic date-night destination in downtown Phoenix
- Da Vang, a casual Vietnamese cafe in Phoenix
- The Dhaba, indulgent Indian eats in Tempe
- Dick's Hideaway, rustic haunt for cocktails and New Mexican food in Phoenix
- FnB Restaurant, a veggie-focused favorite in Scottsdale
- Fry Bread House, an Arizona essential in the Melrose District, Phoenix
- Hana Japanese Eatery, sushi and hard-to-find Japanese fare in Phoenix
- Lon's at the Hermosa, the perfect brunch destination in Paradise Valley
- Los Reyes De La Torta, a cafe serving mountainous sandwiches in North Phoenix
- Mariscos Playa Hermosa, fresh seafood served in colorful digs in central Phoenix
- Pho Thanh Restaurant, a cafeteria-style Vietnamese eatery in uptown Phoenix
- Pizzeria Bianco, the most famous pizzeria in Phoenix
- Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, thin pizza and decadent cocktails in North Scottsdale
- Princess Pita Mediterranean Restaurant & Market, a store, restaurant and bakery in Mesa
- The Stockyards Steakhouse, a historic haunt in Phoenix
- Ta'Carbon, the spot for carne asada in West Phoenix
Special-occasion spots
If you're in the mood to celebrate, the Valley has plenty of spots worth a big spend. Some offer classic Italian romance or traditional steak and seafood. Others offer something unique. Feringhee in Chandler puts a fine-dining spin on familiar Indian flavors, Valentine celebrates all things Arizona and Lom Wong offers a regional taste of Thailand that transports you far from Phoenix.
- Bacanora, a buzzy Sonoran spot in downtown Phoenix
- Board & Batten, a hidden date-night destination in Mesa
- Buck & Rider, fresh seafood and swanky digs in East Phoenix
- Chilte, a fresh twist on Mexican food in downtown Phoenix
- Citizen Public House, familiar food done exceptionally well in Scottsdale
- Course, a multi-course tasting experience in Scottsdale
- Dahlia Tapas Tequila & Wine, a romantic spot to share in Phoenix
- Fat Ox, an elegant Italian eatery in central Scottsdale
- Feringhee, elevated Indian eats in Chandler
- Francine, coastal French elegance in central Scottsdale
- Geordie's at Wrigley Mansion, fine dining in a historic landmark in Phoenix
- The Hidden House, an enchanting cottage in Chandler
- Lom Wong, regional Thai cuisine in downtown Phoenix
- Pa'La, wood-fired cooking in central Phoenix
- Progress, small plates and exceptional wine in the Melrose District, Phoenix
- Rough Rider, an underground experience in downtown Phoenix
- Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant, an exacting sushi counter in Chandler
- Sizzle Korean BBQ, table-top cooking in Old Town Scottsdale
- Sottise, French farmhouse meets bistro dining in downtown Phoenix
- Tia Carmen, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort centerpiece in North Phoenix
- Tratto, rustic Italian cooking with a Southwest influence in central Phoenix
- Valentine, a trendy space highlighting the flavors of Arizona in the Melrose District, Phoenix
Casual, counter-service and budget-friendly
Reservation-required elegant dinners are wonderful. But they're not always what the evening — or the budget — calls for. That's where Phoenix's exceptional casual restaurants come in. Slide up to the counter, order a tray of food and tuck in with your hands. When you want to get sticky with barbecue sauce, head to Caldwell County in the East Valley, Eric's Family BBQ in the West, or Little Miss BBQ if you're somewhere between. Tacos Veganos and Earth Plant Based Cusine offer meat-free alternatives and Kabob Grill N' Go will leave you pondering how food this good can come out of a takeout container.
- Bad Jimmy's, hip burger bar in downtown Phoenix
- Caldwell County BBQ, terrific Texas-style 'cue in Gilbert
- CC's on Central, soul and Southern food with a chef's touch in central Phoenix
- Earth Plant Based Cuisine, casual vegan Mexican food in downtown Phoenix
- Emilio's Tacos & Hotdogs, a vibrant drive-thru serving Sonoran hot dogs in North Phoenix
- Eric's Family Barbecue, the West Valley's top 'cue in Avondale
- Happy Baos, a casual dumpling house in Mesa
- Kabob Grill N' Go, Armenian takeout to dream about in central Phoenix
- Little Miss BBQ, a staple for standout barbecue in Phoenix
- Myke's Pizza, unique pies inside a cider taproom in Mesa
- Noble Eatery, elevated sandwiches in Phoenix
- Seydi’s Pupuseria & Grill, a Salvadorian standout in Phoenix
- Tacos Chiwas, craveable Chihuahuan cooking in central Phoenix
- Tacos Veganos, plant-based Mexican streetfood staples in East Phoenix
- Testal Mexican Kitchen, rolled burritos and Chihuahuan flavor in central Phoenix
- Worth Takeaway, an elevated lunch staple in Mesa
Neighborhood favorites
At these Phoenix restaurants, half of the customers are regulars, the bartender probably knows your name and the neighborhood simply wouldn't be the same without it. From Mimi Forno Italiano and its consistently packed dining room in Laveen to SugarJam's blend of party brunch and seriously good Southern staples in North Scottsdale, we hope these spots continue serving neighbors and friends for years to come.
- Alebrijes Cafe & Grill, an airy restaurant serving Oaxacan brunch in Litchfield Park
- All Pierogi Kitchen, a taste of Eastern Europe in Mesa
- Authentic EthioAfrican, Ethiopian veggie and meat dishes in central Phoenix
- Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante, classic Italian pies in Glendale
- Chula Seafood, a fresh seafood counter and cafe in South Scottsdale
- El Chullo Peruvian Restaurant & Bar, a colorful Peruvian eatery in central Phoenix
- Fabio on Fire, transportive Italian eats in Peoria
- Glai Baan, Thai street food in central Phoenix
- Haru Sushi & Grill, standout sushi in Glendale
- Hola Cabrito, birria done right in South Phoenix
- Hush Public House, an elevated neighborhood staple in North Scottsdale
- Las 15 Salsas Restaurant Oaxaqueno, memorable moles in Sunnyslope, Phoenix
- Mimi Forno Italiano, a buzzy pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Laveen
- Old Town Taste, Sichuan specialties in Tempe
- Origami Ramen Bar, rich ramen in casual digs in Ahwatukee
- Otro Cafe, casual Mexican brunch, lunch and dinner in uptown Phoenix
- Pizzeria Virtu, an elevated spot for pizza and wine in Scottsdale
- Presidio Cocina Mexicana, Michoacán-inspired cuisine in Central Phoenix
- Que Chevere, massive Venezuelan plates in Mesa
- Rayoog Cafe, Middle Eastern breakfast and brunch in Gilbert
- Shaanxi Chinese Restaurant, noodles to write home about in Mesa
- Source, Mediterranean cooking at its best in Gilbert
- The Stone Tofu House, Korean cuisine and handmade tofu in Mesa
- SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, party brunch with culinary chops in North Scottsdale
- Sushi Nakano, carefully crafted sushi in Ahwatukee
- Vecina, elevated Latin American eats in East Phoenix
