12 Best Restaurants In Arizona To Add To Your To-Do list
If there’s one thing Arizona does as well as breathtaking landscapes, it’s unforgettable food. As someone who’s spent years exploring every corner of this sun-soaked state (and maybe eating one too many tacos along the way), I’ve curated the ultimate hit list for food lovers.
From hidden gem taco stands to high-end dining with panoramic desert views, these 12 restaurants prove that Arizona is a flavor powerhouse. Ready to indulge?
Grab a fork-your culinary bucket list starts here!
1. Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco’s legendary pizzeria has earned national acclaim for transforming simple ingredients into pure magic. Located at 623 E Adams St in Phoenix, this spot has been crafting wood-fired pies since 1988.
The dough is made fresh daily, topped with hand-selected mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and locally sourced produce. Lines form early because everyone knows the wait is worth every minute.
The Biancoverde pizza features ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and arugula that arrives perfectly balanced and aromatic. Each bite delivers crispy edges and a chewy center that defines what pizza should taste like.
Reservations can be tricky, but the downtown Phoenix location offers a more streamlined experience than the original spot. The intimate setting adds charm while you watch skilled pizzaiolos work their craft.
Don’t skip the Rosa pizza with red onion, rosemary, and pistachios if you want something truly unique. This place proves that simple food executed with passion creates unforgettable dining moments.
2. Kai At Sheraton Grand At Wild Horse Pass
Native American cuisine reaches new heights at this award-winning restaurant located at 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd in Chandler. Kai stands as the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Arizona and the only Native American restaurant to achieve this distinction nationwide.
The menu celebrates indigenous ingredients like tepary beans, cholla buds, and mesquite flour prepared with modern techniques. Each dish tells a story rooted in Pima and Maricopa traditions while delivering sophisticated flavors.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the stunning Sonoran Desert, creating an atmosphere as memorable as the food itself. The tasting menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest regional ingredients available.
Service here feels genuinely warm and knowledgeable, with staff eager to explain the cultural significance behind each course. The wild salmon with heirloom squash showcases how traditional foods can shine in contemporary presentations.
Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance for this special occasion destination.
3. Café Monarch
Tucked away at 6939 E 1st Ave in Scottsdale, this intimate restaurant occupies a charming converted house that feels like dining at a friend’s elegant home. The four-course prix fixe menu changes frequently, ensuring each visit brings new surprises.
Only fourteen tables fill the space, creating an exclusive atmosphere without feeling stuffy or pretentious. Soft lighting and thoughtful décor transform dinner into a romantic escape from everyday life.
Chef Erin LaVallée crafts each course with precision, blending French techniques with global influences and seasonal Arizona ingredients. The menu might feature anything from duck confit to perfectly seared scallops depending on what’s fresh.
I visited for an anniversary dinner and still remember the melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin paired with truffle mashed potatoes. The pacing between courses allows genuine conversation without feeling rushed through the experience.
Desserts here deserve special mention, often incorporating unexpected flavors that leave you thinking about them days later. Book ahead because this hidden gem fills up quickly with locals who guard it as their special secret.
4. FnB
Farm-to-table dining gets taken seriously at this Scottsdale favorite located at 7125 E 5th Ave, Suite 31. Chef Charleen Badman has built a reputation for letting seasonal vegetables take center stage rather than playing supporting roles.
The menu reads like a love letter to Arizona farmers, with each ingredient sourced from local purveyors whenever possible. Dishes change constantly based on what’s ripe and ready, making every visit feel fresh.
The charred cauliflower with dates and pistachios has achieved cult status among regulars who order it every time it appears. Simple preparations allow natural flavors to shine without unnecessary fussiness or complicated sauces.
The casual neighborhood vibe makes FnB approachable despite the sophisticated food coming from the kitchen. Seating can be tight, but the communal energy adds to the welcoming atmosphere.
Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of creative options here that feel satisfying rather than like afterthoughts. The commitment to sustainability and quality ingredients makes every bite taste better knowing where it came from.
5. Tumerico
Plant-based Mexican food reaches delicious new territory at this Tucson gem located at 2526 E 6th St. Everything on the menu is completely vegan, proving that Mexican cuisine can thrive without dairy or meat.
The jackfruit carnitas tacos fool even dedicated meat eaters with their savory depth and satisfying texture. Fresh tortillas arrive warm and perfectly tender, ready to cradle flavorful fillings made from scratch daily.
Bright colors and cheerful décor create an upbeat atmosphere that matches the vibrant flavors on every plate. The aguas frescas come in rotating flavors that refresh perfectly in Arizona’s warm climate.
My friend dragged me here skeptically, but the chimichangas won me over completely with their crispy exterior and rich filling. The cashew crema adds creaminess without any dairy, showing how creative substitutions can work beautifully.
Prices remain reasonable despite the quality and care put into each dish, making this a great spot for casual meals. Even if you typically eat meat, Tumerico offers an adventure worth taking that might just change your mind about plant-based dining.
6. The Mission In Old Town Scottsdale
Modern Latin cuisine meets Arizona style at this popular spot located at 3815 N Brown Ave in Scottsdale. The space features stunning architecture with exposed beams and an open kitchen that adds energy to every meal.
Table-side guacamole gets prepared with theatrical flair, allowing you to customize the heat level and ingredients to your preference. The smoky, complex flavors in dishes like the pork carnitas showcase careful attention to traditional cooking methods.
Weekend brunch here has become legendary, with creative takes on classics like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros that keep locals coming back. The patio offers prime people-watching opportunities in the heart of Old Town’s bustling scene.
Bold spices and fresh ingredients create layers of flavor that never overwhelm but always satisfy and excite the palate. Portions are generous enough to share, though you might not want to after tasting how good everything is.
The lively atmosphere makes this perfect for groups celebrating or couples looking for somewhere vibrant rather than quiet. Service stays attentive even when the dining room fills with the weekend crowd.
7. Little Miss BBQ In Sunnyslope
Authentic Texas-style barbecue has found a devoted following at this Phoenix location at 8901 N 7th St. Pitmasters Scott and Bekke Holmes smoke their meats low and slow using traditional methods that produce tender, flavorful results.
The brisket develops a perfect bark on the outside while remaining impossibly moist inside, needing no sauce to shine. Ribs fall off the bone with gentle tugging, revealing meat infused with smoky goodness from hours over the fire.
Lines form before opening because they sell out regularly, proving that quality and patience create something special worth waiting for. The no-frills approach keeps focus squarely on the meat rather than fancy sides or elaborate presentations.
I learned the hard way to arrive early after driving across town only to find everything sold out by noon. The disappointment taught me that serious barbecue fans don’t mess around when Little Miss BBQ is involved.
Simple sides like coleslaw and beans complement without competing, letting the smoked meats remain the star attraction. Cash-only policy and limited hours add to the authentic barbecue joint vibe that fans absolutely love.
8. Durant’s
Classic steakhouse tradition lives on at this Phoenix institution located at 2611 N Central Ave since 1950. Red leather booths, dim lighting, and white-jacketed servers create an atmosphere straight from another era.
The entrance through the kitchen adds old-school charm that modern restaurants can’t replicate, setting the mood before you even reach your table. Steaks arrive perfectly charred outside and cooked exactly as ordered inside, proving that some traditions never need updating.
Generous martinis and a serious menu of prime cuts make this the place for special celebrations or important business dinners. The creamed spinach and hash browns serve as essential sidekicks to the main protein attractions.
Late-night hours mean you can enjoy a proper steak dinner well past when most kitchens have closed for the evening. Politicians, celebrities, and locals have all made Durant’s their go-to spot for decades of memorable meals.
Prices reflect the quality and history, but the experience justifies the splurge for anyone who appreciates timeless steakhouse excellence. Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins can sometimes snag bar seats for the full Durant’s experience.
9. Elote Cafe
Mexican soul food with a creative twist has made this Sedona restaurant at 350 Jordan Rd a must-visit destination. Chef Jeff Smedstad combines traditional recipes with unexpected ingredients that surprise and delight in equal measure.
The namesake elote arrives as a revelation, transforming simple grilled corn into something memorable with cotija cheese and spicy mayo. Small plates encourage sharing and sampling multiple flavors throughout the meal.
Sedona’s red rocks provide a stunning backdrop, though you’ll want reservations because this tiny spot fills up fast with tourists and locals alike. The casual atmosphere keeps things relaxed despite the sophisticated flavors emerging from the kitchen.
Lamb adobo showcases how traditional cooking methods can elevate quality ingredients into something truly special and crave-worthy. Each dish balances heat, acid, and richness in ways that keep you reaching for another bite.
The playlist features Latin music that adds energy without overwhelming conversation, creating the perfect soundtrack for your meal. Don’t sleep on the desserts, which often incorporate Mexican chocolate and other traditional sweets with modern presentations.
10. LON’s At The Hermosa Inn
Southwest elegance reaches its peak at this Paradise Valley treasure located at 5532 N Palo Cristi Rd. The historic hacienda setting creates romance with adobe walls, fireplaces, and a patio surrounded by desert gardens.
Chef Jeremy Pacheco sources ingredients from the property’s own garden when possible, ensuring peak freshness in every dish. The menu celebrates Arizona flavors while incorporating influences from across the Southwest and Mexico.
Sunset dining on the patio ranks among the most beautiful restaurant experiences in the entire state. Hummingbirds dart between flowers while you savor courses that blend tradition with innovation seamlessly.
The prickly pear margarita captures Arizona in a glass, balancing sweet and tart with just the right amount of kick. Service feels genuinely gracious rather than stuffy, making special occasions feel even more memorable.
Brunch here has become a Sunday tradition for many locals who appreciate the peaceful setting and creative menu options. The cowboy ribeye and mesquite-grilled salmon showcase how smoke and fire can enhance already excellent proteins beautifully.
11. The Gladly
Neighborhood comfort meets upscale execution at this Phoenix hotspot located at 2201 E Camelback Rd. The menu offers something for everyone, from burgers to seafood, all prepared with care and quality ingredients.
Fried chicken served on fluffy waffles has become a signature dish that regulars order religiously every visit. The open, airy space features a large bar area perfect for meeting friends or enjoying a casual date night.
My sister celebrates her birthday here every year because the staff remembers her favorite table and always makes her feel special. The patio provides a great escape during Phoenix’s gorgeous winter months when eating outside feels like a luxury.
Happy hour deals make this an excellent value for quality food and drinks without sacrificing taste or presentation. The Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple prove that vegetables can be the highlight of any meal when prepared properly.
Brunch crowds pack the place on weekends, drawn by creative dishes and generous portions that satisfy without overwhelming. The relaxed vibe makes The Gladly perfect for any occasion, from business lunches to family gatherings.
12. Elements At Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Perched at 5700 E McDonald Dr in Paradise Valley, this restaurant offers views that rival the exceptional food on every plate. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix skyline in a breathtaking panorama.
Chef Beau MacMillan creates dishes that reflect Arizona’s landscape while incorporating global techniques and seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu takes diners on a culinary journey that matches the visual drama outside the windows.
Sunset reservations book weeks in advance because watching the sky change colors while enjoying world-class cuisine creates unforgettable memories. The outdoor terrace allows you to dine under the stars with the mountain looming majestically overhead.
Each course demonstrates technical skill without feeling overly fussy or pretentious, striking the perfect balance between art and accessibility. The sommelier can guide you through an impressive list that complements each dish beautifully.
Special occasions deserve special settings, and Elements delivers on every level from service to ambiance to food quality. The drive up the mountain builds anticipation that the restaurant consistently exceeds with its stunning location and exceptional cuisine.