The Best Restaurants in Phoenix

Founder of Pizzeria Bianco, Chris Bianco, won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2003 and is in the running for Best Restaurant 2020. Bianco was a leader in the farm-to-table artisanal pizza movement and has received rave reviews from all over the US. He prides himself on personal relationships with growers and local purveyors. This small restaurant in a historic brick building in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square has thus become a top destination for pizza lovers. All the recipes are original and most ingredients are made in-house. Meat lovers will enjoy the Wise Guy featuring wood-roasted onion, house-smoked Mozzarella and fennel sausage while cheese lovers will be wowed by the Biancoverde topped with fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, ricotta cheese and fresh arugula. Love mushrooms? Add in wood-roasted mushrooms for $3 extra. Casual seating is available both inside and outside.

Lon’s is known for global cuisine with an Arizona twist. Located adjacent to the Hermosa Inn, a beautiful adobe-walled boutique hotel in a hacienda setting, Lon’s was once the retreat of famed western artist Lon Megargee. Whether you dine outdoors next to the flickering fireplace or inside the lovely ranch-style dining room, you’ll look forward to the creativity of each course. Specialties include the Himalayan salt-seared Ahi tuna, served with cilantro, pickled onion and ceviche sauce. For something more traditional try the wood-fired filet mignon. For dessert, there are over-the-top specialty items such as Lon’s Signature Candy Bar made with chili-spiced ganache, Marcona nougatine and salted caramel sauce over brown-butter ice cream. Guests and locals can look forward to special events like wine dinners – Lon’s has a resident sommelier – and the new Chef’s Tasting Menu each week. For those with a lighter appetite, it’s fun to gather at Lon’s Last Drop Bar for a cocktail and small plates.