Teres

Let’s get real. You’re never going to get through your list of Pinterest to-dos. Nobody has the time to stencil cat patterns on her walls, make a lampshade from old dishtowels, and paint intricate patterns on her fingernails. And that’s a-okay. Because nobody in town does nail art better than Scottsdale nail bar Ter

Tesoro Ristorante Italiano

Soon after Filomena Di Franco and her husband Anthony sold their popular south Scottsdale restaurant, Molise, they opened Tesoro, a cozy, 45-seat gem tucked out of the way in Ancala Village, on Via Linda just north of Shea. Together with their grown-up children, who cook and wait on tables, they serve specialties from all over […]

Tesota

When Doug Robson first opened Tesota, it was hard to tell what type of restaurant it would shape up to be. The chef and restaurateur is the mastermind behind Gallo Blanco, Otro Cafe and Otro Cafecito, all restaurants that stick to Mexican cuisine. But Robson ventured beyond his roots with Tesota. The menu features poke, […]

Testal Mexican Kitchen

Grand Avenue has gotten a lot of press for Mexican food lately, thanks to Sonoran sweetheart Bacanora. But just up the street sits Testal. This small counter-service spot offers intense flavors and soul-satisfying dishes from Chihuahua – as well as some of the most unusual burritos in town. The first thing to know is that […]

Texaz Grill

Jutting out of the stucco plaza at 16th Street and Bethany Home Road since 1985, Texaz Grill is equal parts roadhouse cliche and serious steakhouse. Upon entering, allow your eyes to adjust as they wander over the dimly lit mounted trucker hats and road signs, framed photos of yesteryear diners, and the buzzing neon of […]

Thai Basil

The folks at Thai Basil dressed up a former sub shop with dark wood tables and chairs, muted gold walls, charming vintage portraits, and Thai woodcarvings to make the simple space welcoming to solo diners and small groups alike. The prices are alluring, too. Hardly anything’s over $10, and at lunch, all but two dishes […]

Thai Basil

Although Thai Basil has many different locations to choose from around the Valley, the Tempe incarnation off University Drive and Farmer Avenue downtown is our favorite. Fast and friendly service makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch on a break between classes or from work. The silver noodle soup is our go-to dish because […]

Thai Basil

The folks at Thai Basil dressed up a former sub shop with dark wood tables and chairs, muted gold walls, charming vintage portraits, and Thai woodcarvings to make the simple space welcoming to solo diners and small groups alike. The prices are alluring, too. Hardly anything?s over $10, and at lunch, all but two dishes […]

Thai Boat Noodle.PS

In a small restaurant in Gilbert, a husband and wife team cooks the flavors of home while making everyone feel like family. The menu includes recipes from the Isaan region of Thailand, which borders Laos. Don’t miss the restaurant’s namesake boat noodle soup, but make sure to try a sampling of the menu as well. […]

Thai E-San

While there is an abundance of Thai spots in Central Phoenix, Thai E-San distinguishes itself with bold, pungent flavors and some unusual items that you don’t find just anywhere, like tangy sausages filled with pork and pork skin. The service is low-key but gracious; they’ve even made the inside of a mundane building feel exotic. […]

Thai Rama Restaurant

Reliable, inexpensive Thai cuisine in a modest, pleasant environment. A statue of a praying Thai lady greets you upon entry, and there are the usual Thai knickknacks on the walls, along with portraits of the Thai king and queen. The menu offers a wide selection of Thai eats, including standards such as laab, Panang curry, […]

That’s Amore Gelato

While That’s Amore specializes in all sorts of Italian confections, the large case of authentic gelatos is the reason this north Scottsdale spot is a must-visit no matter where you live in the Valley. However, our favorite gelato flavor from That’s Amore is a less traditional take. The whiskey flavor has a kick of liquory […]

The Adobe Grille

The flavors of New Mexico have landed in Scottsdale, celebrating the state’s signature Hatch chiles. While a few dishes (carne adovada and red chile posole) pack some serious heat, milder mouths will do just fine with tenderloin rellenos, pork tamales or a beguiling chorizo-stuffed chicken in amaretto-mushroom sauce.

The Beach House

Two Hippies Beach House is the sister restaurant to Two Hippies Magic Mushroom Burgers, a psychedelic burger shack on Indian School, but the food here has a lighter spin – nothing’s fried, and the meats and vegetables are organic. The menu’s streamlined, but everything on it is cheap and filling, from fat fish tacos to […]

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

If environmentally sustainable practices enter into your calculus for choosing where to dine in Phoenix, The Breadfruit should be mighty high on your list. Chef Danielle Leoni has been through so many environmentally focused programs, from those at the James Beard Foundation to others at ASU, that her resume surely spans many pages at this […]