Alebrije Neveria

It’s easy to miss Alebrije Neveria, an unsuspecting strip mall spot on 19th Avenue north of Dunlap Avenue. The outside may be forgettable, but the inside is chic, with a blue-and-gold accent wall and long, inviting table for lingering and getting a great drink shot (these raspados are photogenic). Their menu goes beyond standard strawberry […]

Angel Sweet

Twenty-four types of Italian gelato, made fresh daily, in a small store the size of your normal ice cream shop. They’re big on flavor, though, probably the closest thing to real Italian gelato you’ll get short of hopping the next plane to Milan. Try the coconut and the pistachio – they’re out of this world. […]

Arizona Bread Company

Since 2004, owner Carol Phillips has been satisfying breakfast, lunch and take-home bread needs in the Tempe branch of AZ Bread Company. The menu includes healthy options for the morning and afternoon crowds such as eggs, waffles, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads. And of course there is the wide selection of artisan breads, with 20+ […]

Asi Es La Vida

The cuisine at this casual-upscale Mexican restaurant in Central Phoenix is nearly as gratifying now as it was over 20 years ago, when then-owner and founder Moises Treves first brought his gourmet dishes celebrating the regions of Mexico to the Valley. Given its age, the building may seem a bit frayed, but inside, its softly […]

Barb’s Bakery

We can’t think of a single reason to keep heading back to this popular, locally-owned bakery. But we can think of thirty-two reasons, among them Barb’s signature carrot cake, spicy and moist and loaded with nuts. And the Devil’s Food Chocolate, rich and dark and a real sweet-tooth favorite. Or the Pink Champagne cake, light […]

Bubbleology

Unlike other bubble waffles piled with ice cream, the London-based Bubbleology comes with gelato (or sorbet, if you’re vegan), and rotates six flavors, like strawberry cheesecake and cookies and cream. If you’re a fruit lover, order the Summer Crunch, which has fresh strawberries and strawberry Pocky. Chocolate lover? Go for The Nutty Professor, which includes […]

The Capital Grille

This ultra-luxe steakhouse features classic prime-grade meat, veal chops and fresh seafood, served in huge a la carte portions with huge traditional side dishes (the mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms are magnificent). Come dressed for a power meal, and be prepared to leave quite a bit poorer, but happy.

Chocolate Star Bakery

Our sweet tooth is grateful for this gourmet cookie house, which specializes in irresistible cookies for every sophisticated taste and occasion. Made from scratch daily with the finest ingredients, Chocolate Star’s cookies are baked with premium chocolate, pure vanilla, farm fresh butter and eggs, and Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate. Once they’re out of the oven, each […]

Chompie’s Deli Restaurant, Bagels, Bakery & Catering

Fresh off the plane from Gotham, just started your long-distance subscription to the New York Times, and in desperate need of a bialy with a schmear? Perhaps you’re peckish for a knish or a toasted bagel with a side of chopped liver? Chompie’s has got you covered, pallie, like the isle of Manny-hanny with concrete. […]

Chompie’s Deli Restaurant, Bagels, Bakery & Catering

Fresh off the plane from Gotham, just started your long-distance subscription to the New York Times, and in desperate need of a bialy with a schmear? Perhaps you’re peckish for a knish or a toasted bagel with a side of chopped liver? Chompie’s has got you covered, pallie, like the isle of Manny-hanny with concrete. […]

The Coffee Shop

This upscale coffee joint is housed inside a re-purposed maintenance garage. It sounds a little random but its really not considering that The Coffee Shop sits on the grounds of Agritopia, the urban farm oasis in Gilbert. Inside the coffee house you’ll find a spacious place with great natural lighting. Order up one of their […]

Cold Stone Creamery

Phoenix diners who have never managed to master Starbucks’ sizing system will find Cold Stone Creamery’s similarly challenging; the ice-cream chain eschews small, medium, and large in favor of “Like It,” “Love It,” and “Gotta Have It” sizes. Once the portion is picked, patrons can concoct their own creations from super-premium ice cream flavors like […]

Cold Stone Creamery

Phoenix diners who have never managed to master Starbucks’ sizing system will find Cold Stone Creamery’s similarly challenging; the ice-cream chain eschews small, medium, and large in favor of “Like It,” “Love It,” and “Gotta Have It” sizes. Once the portion is picked, patrons can concoct their own creations from super-premium ice cream flavors like […]

Cold Stone Creamery

Phoenix diners who have never managed to master Starbucks’ sizing system will find Cold Stone Creamery’s similarly challenging; the ice-cream chain eschews small, medium, and large in favor of “Like It,” “Love It,” and “Gotta Have It” sizes. Once the portion is picked, patrons can concoct their own creations from super-premium ice cream flavors like […]

Cold Stone Creamery

Phoenix diners who have never managed to master Starbucks’ sizing system will find Cold Stone Creamery’s similarly challenging; the ice-cream chain eschews small, medium, and large in favor of “Like It,” “Love It,” and “Gotta Have It” sizes. Once the portion is picked, patrons can concoct their own creations from super-premium ice cream flavors like […]

Coup Des Tartes

Coup des Tartes may be in a new location, but the French-styled neighborhood bistro retains much of the spirit of the original. Now located in a historic 1922 brick bungalow, the restaurant has retained much of its cozy appeal. The menu specializes in old-school bistro classics, including a fine take on filet mignon served with […]