The Best Restaurants in Phoenix
The best restaurants in Phoenix are not necessarily the most expensive. You’ll be able to explore a wide range of cuisine, from regional Mexican food at Barrio Café, to upscale elegance at Arizona-favorite Steak 44. Best of all, each of Phoenix’s restaurants authentically represent a particular tradition, or fusion, bringing together unexpected tastes from several cultures.
1. Kai Restaurant
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan
2. Steak 44
Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, Gluten-free, Seafood
3. Pizzeria Bianco
Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian
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.
4. Barrio Café
Cafe, Restaurant, Mexican
5. Binkley's
Restaurant, American
6. Lon's at the Hermosa Inn
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Fusion, American, Mexican
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.
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