The Americano

Known for Neapolitan-style pizzas at Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, Stefano Fabbri’s early 2020 opening marks a stark departure. The Americano is a high-end steakhouse that exists somewhere between America and Italy and isn’t quite a steakhouse. There’s a whole lot of beef on the menu, much from Niman Ranch, but the feeling and food travel in […]

Anhelo Restaurant

The old Rose & Crown building in Heritage Square recently morphed into Anhelo, a playful restaurant helmed by 28-year-old Chef Ivan Jacobo. Until he rewired the lighting and relaid the floors of this spot, refreshing the structure while preserving the old charm, Jacobo helmed a cult pop-up called Hidden Kitchen. The whimsical vibe of that […]

Arrivederci Ristorante

Don’t let the storefront location fool you: This is one of the better Italian restaurants in the city, featuring gorgeous pasta, like ravioli stuffed with lobster in a saffron-cream sauce, as well as deftly fashioned veal, chicken, and seafood dishes. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the ricotta cheesecake.

Artizen Crafted American Kitchen and Bar

Artizen Crafted American Kitchen & Bar is a stylish New American restaurant situated inside the hip Camby Hotel, aka The Camby, in Phoenix’s upscale Biltmore district. Chef Dushyant Singh, whose official title is Director of Culinary Experiences, has put together a New American menu that occasionally diverts from fine dining standards – cheese boards and […]

Atlas Bistro

Atlas Bistro is located inside the Arizona Wine Company in Scottsdale, tucked away in a small room with white tablecloths. The bring-your-own-bottle, dinner-only restaurant has been around since 2001, with Chef Cory Oppold presenting ever-changing modern dishes that originate from his French-driven cooking style. Diners may experience a $65, three-course, prix-fixe meal powered by keywords […]

Avalon

At stylish Avalon – located in an unlikely part of south Scottsdale — executive chef Travis Watson caters to guests at the adjacent 3 Palms Oasis Resort with standards like steak and Caesar salad, but adds a few twists to his California-meets-Mediterranean menu, like calamari “frites,” polenta-stuffed prawns, and lovely desserts that reflect his pastry […]

AZ/88

Did someone say martinis? At this off-the-beaten-path bar in Scottsdale, you can get a London favorite Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a shot of Champagne. If that’s too fruity for your taste, there are always the classics, such as the espresso martini and Manhattan. But AZ/88 is not your regular neighborhood […]

Bandera

This is the perfect spot for a quick, high-quality meal on a busy Saturday night. Excellent salads, rotisserie chicken, first-rate prime rib and grilled fish are the featured items.

Barrio Cafe

Knockoffs and ripoffs are an unavoidable hazard of the restaurant industry, but if there’s a silver lining to this phenomenon, it’s that all the impostors only make it easier to spot a true original. Barrio Café — established in 2002 by Wendy Gruber and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and located along the Calle 16 restaurant […]

Beckett’s Table

This Arcadia eatery has been open for more than a decade, a feat accomplished thanks to the efforts of double husband-and-wife team owners: sommeliers Katie and Scott Stephens and Justin and Michelle Beckett. There’s something about Beckett’s Table that raises the profile of the dining scene along Indian School Road in this specific part of […]

Binkley’s Restaurant

If you’d like to put on a helmet and launch yourself to the outer possibilities of eating in Phoenix, book a reservation at Binkley’s. Entering Binkley’s is like entering Rivendell. Your meal unfolds over roughly three hours in a house on Osborn Road, the 12-plus courses and river of beer, wine and sake steadily flowing […]

Blanco Tacos & Tequila

Don’t fill up on the tasty chips or the better-then-most margaritas, because you’ll want to save room for classic Mexican fare that’s been souped up with new flavors and unique ingredients. Poblano Chile Cheese Crisps are a great starter, and the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche is one of the most authentic we’ve tasted. For Dessert, […]

Board & Batten

One of Mesa’s most unexpected special occasion restaurants is hidden down a lane, through an office park and next to a wedding venue. There, tucked behind the trees, you’ll find Board & Batten. This small restaurant with a large patio blends cozy farmhouse vibes with modern touches and the feel of an elegant garden party. […]

Buck & Rider

Buck & Rider has opened multiple locations in recent years, but we’re partial to the Camelback Road classic. Make a reservation for a booth in the comfortable yet elevated dining room, or grab a seat at the bar for happy hour. Whatever you decide to order, the name of the game at this seafood spot […]

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine

Upscale surf ‘n’ turf joint wrapped in a Sonoran ranch house theme. The place does a few things right other than atmosphere: spicy house sausage made from beef, elk and buffalo; ahi nachos with Manchego cheese; and a chocolate cowboy s’more that’ll give diabetics a death wish. Is it worth driving all the way out […]

Cask 63

The latest fine-dining addition to the Scottsdale scene is sleek and attractive, with a bustling dining room done up in a cool slate blue, gray, and beige color palette. Top-notch servers and a notable wine list are the highlights at Cask 63. The contemporary American menu features steak, chicken, and numerous seafood dishes, including the […]

Century Grand

For years, Jason Asher and Rich Furnari have defined the cutting edge of local cocktail culture, and Century Grand and the three bars housed inside are the culmination of their efforts. Highly stylized and themed, Century Grand is home to UnderTow, The Grey Hen, and Platform 18. All immersive experiences, the first makes customers feel […]