Locations in Phoenix: Critics' Pick

3133 N. Scottsdale Rd. South Scottsdale

480-945-1920

Fried Chicken, Soul Food, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Menu, Readers' Choice

One of Phoenix's best soul food restaurants, Lo Lo's Chicken and Waffles is bound to make everyone happy (except maybe vegetarians). The Southern-style fried chicken is extra crispy and served with cinnamon-kissed golden brown waffles. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. If the signature combo seems too strange for you, Lo Lo's also has a waffle breakfast sandwich with choice of meat, chorizo and eggs, shrimp and grits, chicken gizzards and rice, and some of the best hot wings in town. Other soul food favorites include the PHAT AZZ Samich (chicken of catfish with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and dressing), old-fashioned chili served with cornbread, and side dishes like fried okra and collard greens. This is definitely not a diet-friendly place, especially when you spot the irresistible red velvet cake slathered in buttery cream cheese icing. Complete the picture with a glass or two of Red Kool Aid Drank and you'll think you're in the Deep South, not Phoenix or Scottsdale.

31 articles

Pizzeria Bianco

4743 N. 20th St. East Phoenix

602-368-3273

Italian, Pizza, Pasta, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Sponsor, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

Chris Bianco, one of Phoenix's best-known chefs and restaurateurs, has expanded his local empire with this cozy bistro in the Town and Country Shopping Center. A small, rotating menu of Italian standards and signature Italian-American creations uses the fresh, locally grown ingredients and hits its mark every time with flavor-packed salads, pasta dishes, and entrées priced usually between $15 and $25. As at other Bianco properties, you can expect to wait on the somewhat secluded patio for one of the handful of tables inside. But most likely, you'll discover that your meal at Pizzeria Bianco was well worth the wait.

52 articles

Amuse Bouche Gourmet Bistro & Catering

17058 W. Bell Rd. Surprise

623-322-8881

Bistro, French, Fusion, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Call it a stroke of culinary good luck that French-trained chefs Snir and Kierstin Mor landed in Surprise, an exurb of Phoenix hammered by chain restaurants, to open Amuse Bouche, their BYOB country-French bistro. Open for lunch, dinner, and offering one of the best Sunday breakfasts in the Valley, the tiny eatery features short and carefully crafted menus that change with the seasons. Be on the lookout for exquisite quiche Lorraine, a mouthwateringly moist Berkshire pork chop, heady cioppino, and noteable desserts like an intensely rich dark chocolate pot de crème and a shareable hunk of spongy bread pudding drizzled in a woozy homemade caramel sauce.

15 articles

Andreoli Italian Grocer

8880 E. Via Linda North Scottsdale

480-614-1980

Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

At his shop-meets-restaurant in north Scottsdale, Giovanni Scorzo has assembled a wide-ranging selection of Italian food, including groceries, pastries and sweets, as well as sit-down-style dishes. Though not cheap, Italian flours, olive oils, canned vegetables and other larder gems beckon from their shelves as you wait in line. Under the glass case up front, you'll find sweets such as chocolate-shaped tools, cannoli, and more regional Italian favorites, including sfogliatelle and torrone, both strong versions and about as good as you can eat in metro Phoenix. Most people come to Andreoli, though, to eat on-site. The dining room that spills away from the ordering counter is casual but retains a formality (and an element of timelessness) you'd experience during meals in Scorzo's native country. Though he hails from Calabria, Scorzo's cooking often reaches from far southern Italy into the north: Orecchiette with broccoli and sausage, Branzino Alle Erbe Fini and Pizza San Francesco di Paola. Salads, sandwiches and a fleet of pastas anchor a menu that prizes tradition. A white board revealing rotating specials tends to delve deep into the annals of Italian gastronomy. As with any Italian restaurant that looks back in time, the kitchen is at its best with regional specialties and plates closest to the earth or sea, such as the simple grilled squid with parsley and lemon.

32 articles

Angry Crab Shack

2808 E. Indian School Rd., Suite D110, Phoeinix Mesa

602-956-3088

Seafood, Cajun/Creole, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Angry Crab Shack is a no-nonsense approach to Cajun seafood. Select from 9 different types of shellfish, choose your heat level and seasoning, and order by the pound. If it sounds similar to Hot N Juicy Crawfish, it is, but it's also better. The seafood is fresh, well prepared and served hot. Service is friendly, efficient and upbeat. The only disappointment was a lackluster bag of clams and gumbo that fell flat. Read our review.

25 articles

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.

721 N. Arizona Ave. Gilbert

480-284-9863

Burgers, Brewery, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

Plenty of praise has been heaped upon the beers over at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. (chef's kiss to that extra-peachy Sonoran Prince), but the food at this "Arizona-inspired scratch kitchen" is top-notch as well. Wild concoctions like the peanut butter and jalapeño jelly burger and the dry-rub chicken drumsticks confit are reason alone to drop in to the original Gilbert location, which opened in 2013. Ditto the duck fat fries, which are memorable, weighty, and served piping-hot, flavored with rosemary and thyme, and paired with garlic aioli; no visit to the brewery should go without a basket for the table. AZ Wilderness opened a beer garden in downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row in 2019, and this location offers a tighter version of the Gilbert flagship's menu. But the fries are available, as are other go-tos like the Downtowner Burger (corn guac, pepper jack, onion strings), the AZ Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich, and the shareable bites of Buffalo cauliflower. New Normal: Both the Gilbert and Phoenix locations have open-air seating options. The downtown spot also doubles as a bird-friendly beer garden.

47 articles

Asadero Norte De Sonora

122 N. 16th St. Central Phoenix

602-253-4010

Mexican, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

Whether entering from the small parking lot or the surrounding neighborhood, you'll smell the kitchen — grilled meat, aromatic onions, some array of spices — before you even reach the doorway to Asadero Norte De Sonora. Asadero may be one of the coziest Mexican restaurants in the Valley. The dining room is homey and brightly lit, with picnic-style benches and tile-top tables. A TV is going, and a server is rushing around trays of water, tall glasses of horchata, Mexican Cokes, and complimentary chips and salsa. It can feel like a casual waiting room — with patrons chewing while checking their phones or eyeing a soap opera — or an ideal date or family dinner spot. But above all, it's the food that draws in all who sit here or glide in for to-go orders. Recommended dishes listed on the laminated menu (always backdropped by a photo of Havasupai Falls) include the barbacoa burrito, baked costilla, and lengua stuffed into tacos, tortas, and/or burros. The best part? Most meals won't run beyond $10 — unless you blow some change at the toy-vending quarter machines. New Normal: Asadero Norte De Sonora's popular picnic-table seating is more spaced out than ever inside. Takeout is always available, too.

23 articles

Asian Cafe Express

1911 W. Main St. #3 Mesa

480-668-5910

Chinese, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Over the years, Mesa has become a mecca for Asian cuisine in a variety of forms — everything from hot pot spots to classic Chinese eateries. Asian Café Express falls in the latter category. Its decor is all strip-mall Chinese restaurant, while the kitchen turns out next-level Hong Kong-style cuisine. This no-frills, award-winning east Valley eatery from master chef Michael Leung (he's also a tai chi master) and his wife, Susan (the heart of the operation) opened in 2005. Standout menu items include stews, sautes, hot pots, congee, fried rice, and a slew of noodles across two separate menus — the Hong Kong style and the Arizona style. Take your time, as there are more than 300 items to choose from. To start, we recommend the raved-over chili salt chicken wings, an essential dish of the Valley. Other favorites include the chili sauce dumplings, Singapore fried noodles, and the mapo tofu. New Normal: Asian Cafe Express is open for carryout only. Delivery via DoorDash.

14 articles

Barb's Bakery

2929 N. 24th St. East Phoenix

602-957-4422

Bakery, Dessert, Retail, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

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 and fluffy and a real nostalgic charmer for those of us who remember eating this at Hobo Joe's. Special icings and fondant make every one of these tasty cakes more delicious, not to mention pretty as a picture. And Barb's makes custom cakes for every occasion.

19 articles

Beaver Choice

745 W. Baseline Rd. Mesa

480-921-3137

Scandinavian, Restaurants, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Get past the giggles at the name and you'll find the food — a little Polish, a little Canadian, and a whole lot Swedish — gets seriously delicious in a hurry. Which makes this quirky and affordable little eatery one of the Valley's most unique and (for now) best-kept secrets. Nestled into a Tempe strip mall just behind Ted's Hot Dogs, the small interior, half fro-yo joint/half Sun City living room, is home to owner and chef Hanna Gabrielsson and her family. Portion sizes and four side options with most dishes eliminate the need for an appetizer section, so plates of buttery haddock fillets, golden schnitzels, chunky Swedish meatballs, or the exotic Flying Jacob are hearty affairs indeed. Save room for equally tasty and snicker-inducing sweet treats like Beaver Balls and a layered creation called Beaver Supreme. Read our review.

19 articles

BLT Steak

5402 E. Lincoln Dr., At: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa Paradise Valley

480-905-7979

American, French, Critics' Pick, Menu

While meat is certainly the main event at BLT Steak, the Scottsdale outpost of French chef Laurent Tourondel's successful empire, eating here is a memorable experience from the first nibble of warm chicken liver paté to the last bite of gooey espresso-chocolate chip cookies (both gratis). It's hip but comfortable, with amiable, attentive service and lots of thoughtful touches - like the famous freebie Gruyére popovers - along with top-notch steaks. Read our review.

26 articles

Bored Baker Pizza Maker

No Address Central Scottsdale

602-748-6918

Food Hall, Pizza, Critics' Pick

Former Binkley’s and Four Seasons baker Guillermo Magaña has turned to a pizza truck. And by truck, we don’t mean a dainty kitchen on wheels but what looks like a full-on U-haul with an entire wood-burning oven inside, a team of two or three employees, and a chimney to eject smoke. The pizza here is Neapolitan style with thin crust, a puffy rim, and a stupendously hot oven. A three-day rise gives dough nice flavor. Crust is soft and light in the classic Neapolitan style This big truck features a big menu, often a dozen or so pizzas — some heaped with meat blends, others topped with kale and heirloom tomatoes.

1 article

Bourbon Steak

7575 E. Princess Dr. North Scottsdale

480-585-2694

Steakhouse, New American, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Let's face it: Upscale steakhouses can tend to be one trick ponies. However, with a chef like Chris Curtiss at the helm, North Scottsdale's Bourbon Steak is elevated to something unique, while still being familiar. Grilled octopus, raw fish crudo dishes, gnocchi with mussels in a white wine sauce, and whiskey-centric classic cocktails are a great place to start at this luxe, dark, and stunning restaurant inside the Fairmont Princess Resort. You also won't be disappointed with sides like crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and black truffle mac and cheese. While you could certainly splurge for a $75 Maine lobster pot pie, you'll feel equally pampered getting a butter poached steak. In particular, the mesquite-grilled filet mignon is as tender and moist as it could possibly be inside, with the smokey, uniquely Southwestern mesquite flavor on the outside. The grill also serves up fish and Wagyu beef options. Read our review.

12 articles

Cafe Ga Hyang

4362 W. Olive Ave. Glendale

623-937-8550

Asian, Chinese, Korean, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

In what may be the only late-night spot serving flavorful Korean cuisine in the West Valley, this Glendale restaurant focuses on fresh-made and affordable traditional Korean cuisine (and a few Chinese-based dishes with a Korean twist) made with natural and housemade ingredients like kimchi, signature sauces, and homemade noodles. Skip the Korean barbecue dishes and go for popular Korean favorites such as the street food, duk boki, seafood pancakes, Korean fried chicken, the stir-fry dish jap chae, or a variety of soups and stews like the spicy and seafood-heavy cham pong, a boiling pot of Korean stew with tofu called haemul soon du bu, or the refreshingly cold noodle dish naeng myun. After 10 p.m., the restaurant feels more like a Koreatown bar, serving up karaoke and soju along with the eats until 2 a.m. every night but Sunday. Read our review.

21 articles

Carolina's

9030 W. Peoria Ave. Peoria

623-487-1400

Mexican, Critics' Pick, Best Of

The Peoria Carolina's is the third location of this Valley favorite and is just as good as its two siblings. Order anything involving a tortilla, especially the Oaxaca Special, a breakfast-minded mix of chorizo, bean, potato, and cheese, wrapped as a burro. Delicious menudo is sold on weekends, and house-blended chorizo is a specialty here. Red beef tamales, either as part of a combination plate or a la carte, are always perfectly prepared. Take home an armload of tortillas, while you're there.

12 articles

Carolina's North

2126 E. Cactus Rd. North Phoenix

602-275-8231

Mexican, Critics' Pick, Best Of

A second location of this legendary Valley restaurant, Carolina's has a cult following for its out-of-this-world homemade tortillas. Folks line up to gorge on green corn tamales, enchiladas, red machaca burros and, on weekends, menudo. Breakfast burros are another delicious treat.

16 articles

Cartel Coffee Lab

810 S. Ash Ave. Tempe

480-432-8237

Coffeehouse, Tea, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

If you live in Phoenix and haven’t heard of Cartel Coffee Lab, you’ve probably been living under a Starbucks-shaped rock. Or maybe you just don’t drink java. This local coffee roaster is the best known in the café scene, and chances are you’ve sipped their coffee somewhere around town without realizing it, like Jobot Coffee Shop, which brews its own custom roast. But true fans go straight to the source – one of Cartel Coffee Lab’s four locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, and Tucson – to get their fix of Black Market Espresso. Cartel sources its four-bean blend from a single high-elevation farm in the Sul de Mina region of Brazil, where it goes through a natural pulping process on-site before leaving for its final destination, your cup. Once Cartel gets its hands on the green beans, they’re roasted to create a bold-flavored coffee with citrus and chocolate notes and a dash of sweetness.

74 articles

Casey Moore's Oyster House

850 S. Ash Ave. Tempe

480-968-9935

Irish, Oysters, Bar Food, American, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, DrinkHere

Casey Moore's Oyster House is a Tempe mainstay, known for its sprawling patio surrounding the former home of William A. and Mary Moeur, built circa 1910. The bar itself is named after an Irish woman who was born even earlier, in 1886, and who was known for singing, playing the piano and hosting frequent gatherings. (She is said to still haunt the place.) The home was rehabilitated in 1973, and a few bars came and went in the space until 1986, when it became Casey’s. The bar attracts students from nearby ASU, as well as neighborhood regulars, cyclists, tourists and service industry types. Indoors, you’ll find neon décor, some seating and a cozy bar; on the patio, you may smoke, bring your dog till 5 p.m. or bend elbows at the always-packed outdoor bar. The beer selection features a mix of local, domestic and imported brews, and the pub fare is above average. Go with the oysters or the neighborhood favorite, French onion soup.

51 articles

Chanpen Thai Cuisine

2727 E. Broadway Rd. South Phoenix

602-276-3778

Thai, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

Possibly the only Thai restaurant in south Phoenix, this tiny, unassuming spot from owner and chef Chanpen Ramonaitis is a hidden gem filled with satisfying, expertly prepared classic Thai dishes as well as a few more unique creations. Start with street food favorites like fried fish cakes and crispy Thai toast, then move on to colorful curries rich with coconut milk, spicy salads kissed with lemon juice, and stir-fried dishes laden with crunchy vegetables and, if you choose, pieces of slick and tender roasted duck. For more unique offerings and improvised dishes of Thai-style favorites, look to the specials board behind the counter. Read our review.

8 articles

Cheese 'n Stuff

5042 N. Central Ave. Central Phoenix

602-266-3636

Deli, Sandwiches, American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

If you haven't been to this cute little neighborhood eatery on Camelback and Central, there's a good chance your parents or your grandparents have -- the delicatessen's been a Valley staple since 1949, and in 2011, owner Stan Zawatski sold its one millionth sandwich. Belly up to the meat and cheese counter and select from dozens of signature sandwiches like the turkey-laden Doughboy, the New Yorker with corned beef, a spicy Sicilian sub, or make one of your own creations. Then, sit down at one of the three covered picnic tables and chat with the regulars or peruse the small selection of hard-to-find grocery items until your order's up.

12 articles

Chennai Chettinaad Palace

2814 W. Bell Rd. #1445 North Phoenix

602-993-0085

Indian, Middle Eastern, Contemporary, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Featuring the hard-to-find cuisine of Chettinad, a dry, remote region of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, this decidedly grand restaurant on the city's west side offers many of the region's meat-centric, highly fragrant, and abundantly spiced food (even to the southern Indian palate) as well as around 200 dishes from both northern and southern India. Reap the rewards of an India rarely tasted in the Valley with dishes like Chettinad pepper lamb, smoky and spicy Chettinad chicken, and the fiery fried anchovies called nethili fish. Read our review.

12 articles

Chicago Hamburger Co.

3749 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-955-4137

American, Burgers, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

We started going for the pinball and video games and ended up returning for the old fashioned milkshakes and the Vienna hot dogs on big, fluffy steamed buns. Chicago Hamburger Co. is home of the Original Windy City Slider, and also offers one of the tastiest triple-cheese subs in town. A real neighborhood restaurant, Chicago Hamburger Co. is an Arcadia tradition -- straight out of Chicago!

9 articles

Chilte

765 Grand Ave. Downtown Phoenix

602-807-5226

Mexican, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Essentials

Chilte continues to garner praise. With humble beginnings as a food truck to opening its brick-and-mortar in the revamped Egyptian Motor Hotel on Grand Avenue in 2023, the modern Mexican restaurant helmed by couple Lawrence "LT" Smith and Aseret Arroyo has captured the attention — and appetites — of local foodies. Try the birria, which is stuffed into hand-pressed squid ink tortillas or a Benny Blanco flour tortilla and served alongside a savory miso consommé, as well as the mole de la casa and quesadilla with grasshoppers. Chilte also has generated lots of buzz outside of the Valley, with accolades from Esquire and Bon Appetit magazines — and in fall 2024, Food and Wine named Smith one of the best new chefs in America. Contrary to the restaurant’s mantra of “Me vale madre,” the care and attention the team brings to their food is evident. Chilte’s menu changes seasonally, and the owners often host collaboration events with other chefs, making it worth a visit, and a revisit, regularly.

3 articles

Chodang

501 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler

480-855-7712

Korean, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

Chodang in Chandler is the ideal spot to get acquainted with Korean food. Their menu of barbecued meats, sizzling bowls of bibimbap, dumplings, and cold noodles will show you the ways of Korean cooking, even if you have to figure out just how to eat it on your own. If you get anything at Chodang, though, make sure it's the soft tofu soup -- a spicy, silky soup with your choice of meat, seafood, or veggies that you just have to taste for yourself. Read our review.

11 articles

Chou's Kitchen

910 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler

480-821-2888

Chinese, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

In the "eight great traditions" of Chinese cuisine, the food of northeastern China doesn't make the cut. Fortunately, the owners of Chou's Kitchen know a good thing when they cook it, and adventurous Valley diners (yes, there can be a language barrier at Chou's) won't be disappointed when sampling the eatery's less-familiar Chinese fare. Northeastern cuisine utilizes dough in many of its dishes, including scallion-flecked pancakes, pork-stuffed dumplings, fried buns, and Chou's crowning achievement, pan-fried meat pies (or "Chinese hamburgers," as the owners refer to them). One trip to Chou's Kitchen, and you may swear off Americanized Chinese food for good. Read our review.

14 articles

Christopher's Restaurant and Crush Lounge

2502 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-522-2344

French, Restaurants, Wine Bar, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Decorated with plush, chocolate-colored suede and embossed leather, James Beard Award-winning chef Christopher Gross' bistro at Biltmore Fashion Park is a chic place to enjoy top-notch cuisine. From your first taste of curried duck fries to your last juicy bite of smoked truffle-infused filet mignon, you'll find lots to love, along with an extensive wine list. Be sure to check out sommelier Paola Embry's wine-centric Crush Lounge, too. Read our review.

80 articles

Cibo Pizzeria

603 N. Fifth Ave. Downtown Phoenix

602-441-2697

Pizza, Italian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

For a desert town, Phoenix has a surprisingly large number of Italian restaurants. Cibo Pizzeria (it's pronounced CHEE-boh) is one of the best. The downtown restaurant serves signature wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, salads, saltimbocca bread and fresh limoncello made from a family recipe by chef Guido Saccone. But aside from the house-made pasta, killer burrata and wine list, Cibo also boasts some next-level atmosphere. The lush garden patio is one of the finest in Phoenix — between the lights and the gentle chatter, it literally twinkles — and the 1913 bungalow, with its exposed brick, creaky hardwood floors, and soft glow from the windows, doesn't hurt the vibe, either. Reservations are highly recommended. Would-be weekend walk-ins take note: It's usually all booked up.

50 articles

Citizen Public House

7111 E. 5th Ave. Ste. E. Central Scottsdale

480-398-4208

New American, Gastro Pub, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Don't let the name and the address fool you. Citizen Public House, founded by former Cowboy Ciao culinary master chef Bernie Kantak, may sound pretentious, but its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere and offerings of classic American fare with a delicious kick are nothing short of modest classiness. From picture-perfect scallops and standout starters like the luscious crispy sesame pork belly to the Original Chopped Salad (so popular it has its own Facebook page) and dreamy desserts, at Citizen Public House, deliciousness is in every detail. Whether it's an evening out, a pairing dinner, happy hour fun, or late-night noshing — all with the added enjoyment of a team that's as comfortable to be around as your dining companions — Citizen Public House deserves to be in heavy rotation on your restaurant playlist, particularly if you find yourself in Scottsdale.

102 articles

Clever Koi

4236 N. Central Ave. #100 Central Phoenix

602-222-3474

Asian, Sushi, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

This sleek midtown restaurant, from former Parlor Pizzeria chefs Jared Porter and Joseph Absolor along with co-owners Joshua James and Nicholas Campisano (who also did time at the pizzeria), is more or less a Chinese-American comfort food head trip. Porter and Absolor's tight selection of reinvented street snacks, rice and noodle dishes, and steamed buns and dumplings are deliciously inauthentic, the two chefs both paying tribute to -- and taking wild liberties with -- each Asian dish. Read our review.

93 articles

Confluence Restaurant

36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree

480-488-9796

Contemporary, Eclectic, Critics' Pick, Menu

This restaurant's riverine name refers to the fluid joining of culinary influences. Chef Brandon Gauthier pulls from traditions across southern Europe, Asia, and North America, combining them with impressive skill and vision. Victoria Gauthier manages the dining room and beverage program. Brandon's food is seasonally sensitive fine-dining New American with technical chops and creative charm. He effortlessly toggles between acoustic (fried chicken, carnitas tacos) and electric (confit wagyu beef cheek, watermelon soup). The electric dishes — characterized by imagination and flavor detonations — can be spectacular. That watermelon soup, yellow, reaches distant realms of fruity flavor with apricot and pickled cherries, spoonfuls cold, bracing, and wildly refreshing come 114 degrees. Brandon also, for instance, poaches pear in sake, fans slivers around angel food cake, adds candied pecans, then jolts the airy desert with small peaks of vibrant yuzu curd. Simple dishes, those of a few experimental touches rather than many, also hit the spot. Sunchoke soup is rich and nutty. Iberico pork shoulder is rich and nutty in a wholly different, more animal way, dissolving on the tongue in a rush. Fennel and lion's mane mushrooms anchor a sandwich that satisfies more than seems possible. Brandon cooked for Kevin Binkley for roughly a decade. In February 2018, mentee bought the space that would become Confluence from mentor. Today, the Gauthiers' Carefree restaurant is one of the most underrated in the Valley. New Normal: Confluence is asking customers to call ahead for reservations. A takeout menu is available on the website.

Cool Gelato Italiano

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, #125 Central Scottsdale

480-941-3100

Gelato, Ice Cream, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Owners Alberto Della Casa and Letizia de Lucia were trained by Italy's champion gelato artisan, so it's no wonder the sweet stuff at Cool Gelato Italiano's Old Town gelateria is some of the best in the Valley. They make 20 varieties fresh daily, each with an outstanding flavor profile.

17 articles

Cornish Pasty Co.

960 W. University Dr., #103 Tempe

480-894-6261

English, Irish, Bars and Clubs, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

This chain of English-focused, somewhat-metal-themed restaurants is either referred to as Cornish or Pasty, depending on which circles you travel in, but never entirely Cornish Pasty Co. (We're in the Cornish camp.) Around since 2005, Cornish has been known for its ... pasties — savory ingredients entombed in a flaky, baked shell with a crimped edging. Popular pasties include lamb and mint, pesto chicken, the Pilgrim, and the Cubano. Pro tip: Select a pasty, but have a backup, too. Some are so popular the kitchen runs out. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, as well as an entire B-side of the menu offering fresh salads, tandoori wings, house-made bread and butter, oven chips, Scotch eggs, and English desserts. Equal to Cornish's impressive menu is the vibe‚ especially at the original Tempe location. Always expect alternative music, a lively patio, and a short wait at the bar. Cornish Pasty Co. has multiple locations around the Valley and statewide.

50 articles

Cowboy Ciao Wine Bar & Grill

7133 E. Stetson Dr. Central Scottsdale

480-946-3111

American, Eclectic, New American, Southwestern, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

The goofy moniker might start spaghetti Westerns playing in your head, and the shabby-chic interior may be designed to appeal to yupper-class Scottsdalians with graying temples, money to burn and the fervent need to see themselves as still cool after all these years. But the food is intriguing, inventive and skillfully prepared, and the wine list is longer than a 19th-century Russian novel, with plenty of offbeat and affordable choices. Menu highlights include starters like the buffalo carpaccio -- paper-thin slices of seared bison rubbed with cumin-espresso -- and entrées such as the elk strip loin with hazelnut pesto and the sumptuous mushroom pan-fry with double-cooked polenta. Can't go wrong with the sticky toffee/chocolate cake for dessert. Read our review.

92 articles

Locations in Phoenix: Critics' Pick

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email