Locations in Phoenix: Essentials

4900 N. Litchfield Rd., Building B Litchfield Park

623-526-1881

Plan ahead, and leave plenty of time for your meal at Alebrijes. This Litchfield Park restaurant is popular and often requires a wait. But the food is oh so worth it. The kitchen focuses on Oaxacan-style Mexican cuisine, with many of the dishes smothered in sweet, rich black mole or the slightly spicy red version. Stop by for brunch and order the chilaquiles and a coffee-infused cocktail. Or, stay a little later and enjoy a hearty burrito drenched in mole and paired with a fresh fruit-filled margarita. Make sure to check out the specials boards posted in multiple locations around the colorful dining room, which sometimes features spicy and satisfying bowls of pozole or sweet creations such as concha French toast.

1 article

All Pierogi Kitchen

1245 W. Baseline Rd. Mesa

480-262-3349

Ukrainian, Best Of, Essentials

All Pierogi Kitchen was always good, but this is a place that gets better and better with each passing year. Though officially a Ukrainian restaurant, All Pierogi Kitchen is a charming family joint that acts more like a repository of pan-Eastern European comfort food, less concerned with precise borders than with capturing the meat-and-potatoes essence of the region. The namesake pierogi shine — thick and buttery and stuffed with myriad fillings — and they sing when paired with sausage griddled to a fresh, juicy snap. Meaty mains such as a hefty beef goulash or the beef plov piled atop cumin-scented rice are enough to fill your belly for days. The chicken Kiev, predictably, is a revelation, rich and buttery and loaded with dill; and the pork schnitzel puts our local German restaurants to shame. And if that wasn’t enough, the attached market offers a panoply of frozen pierogi and plenty of chilled soups to go.

1 article

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

Authentic EthioAfrican

1740 E. McDowell Rd. Central Phoenix

602-252-2286

African, Ethiopian, Best Of, Essentials

During the pandemic, most restaurants switched from full service to takeout. At Authentic EthioAfrican on McDowell Road, the team did just the opposite. During the downtime, the restaurant transformed from a takeout-only spot into a sit-down destination complete with wooden furniture and decor brought directly from Ethiopia, a new cocktail list and a traditional coffee service. Individual meals are offered, but we recommend bringing some friends as sharing is the way to go. Combinations are served with an array of colorful dollops on a massive round plate and include meat and vegetarian options with tangy, rich stews. Try the spicy chicken doro wot, aromatic collard green gomen or garlic-laden lentil meser wot. A salty and creamy homemade cheese adds a cool bite to the hot entrees, and everything is served with fluffy, slightly sour, bubbly injera, a flatbread that is at the center of Ethiopian cuisine.

8 articles

Bacanora

1301 Grand Ave., #1 Downtown Phoenix

Mexican, Best Of, Essentials

One man. One grill. One of our most fun places to eat, period. Bacanora has fast become one of Phoenix’s signature Mexican restaurants thanks to the skills of Rene Andrade who has cooked in well-regarded fine dining restaurants throughout the Valley. Bacanora is his sizzling, mesquite-touched, chiltepin-dusted return to the food of his home region, Sonora, Mexico. On any given night (or Sunday brunch morning), the menu offers just a handful of items, many rotating. One night there might be grilled octopus. On another, a version of the shrimp aguachiles Andrade sold in his youth. Beef is a Bacanora cornerstone, whether brick-thick steaks crusted on the grill or shards of carne asada — among the best in our carne asada-crazed town. Masterfully, seemingly effortlessly, Andrade adds the touches of an accomplished chef with diverse experience to Sonoran food, slightly elevating dishes yet somehow keeping them as humble as those of trucks and family-run taquerias. His radish-and-cucumber salad is clean and light, lifted by olive oil and queso fresco. His beans are plump and stewy; they make you marvel at how much flavor beans can contain. His caramelo is phenomenal. Built on a crisp, fragrant flour tortilla, slicked with melted cheese and heaped with shreds of wildly rich grilled beef, it’s the kind of plate that might haunt your hungry daydreams forever.

7 articles

Bad Jimmy's

108 E Pierce St Downtown Phoenix

480-386-0129

American, Burgers, Essentials

Part casual burger shop, part cocktail bar and all hipster hangout, Bad Jimmy’s has left its glowing red neon mark on downtown Phoenix. What started as a pop-up that served smash burgers is now a brick-and-mortar destination. In the former home of The Breadfruit and Rum Bar on Pierce Street, the team serves a tight menu of classic burgers and waffle fries. Specials rotate and are worth trying each time. The wings are a hot commodity, as are swirls of vanilla soft serve topped with shiny verdant drips of olive oil. Whether you’re stopping in for a greasy meal after a night spent at the surrounding bars or grabbing a quick burger and a soda for lunch, this downtown Phoenix spot is sure to satisfy.

Barley & Smoke

10144 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway, #1130 Peoria

623-572-2816

Bars and Clubs, Essentials

The West Valley is becoming less starved for elevated dining experiences thanks to resident restaurateurs like Matt and Kristina Frosch. The couple’s Peoria Artisan Brewery is a go-to for happy hour or hanging on the patio with a pint. At Barley & Smoke, the glitzy chef’s table-meets-speakasy concept tucked behind the brewpub’s kitchen, chef Michael Mahalick has more runway to flex his creativity. Barley & Smoke’s menu features shareable small plates, including tender pork belly and an eye-catching beef tallow candle served with housemade bread. You can make a meal of the small plates alone, but don’t miss the expertly grilled ribeye — a popular entree. Pair your dinner with one of Barley & Smoke’s craft cocktails. We’re partial to the El Jefe Grande, a fresh, balanced riff on a margarita that uses bacanora in lieu of tequila and charred lemon juice instead of lime. The intimate 30-seat bar and dining area is perfect for a date night, but with limited space, reservations are strongly encouraged.

Beckett's Table

3717 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-954-1700

Contemporary, New American, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

This Arcadia eatery has been open for more than a decade, a feat accomplished thanks to the efforts of double husband-and-wife team owners: sommeliers Katie and Scott Stephens and Justin and Michelle Beckett. There's something about Beckett's Table that raises the profile of the dining scene along Indian School Road in this specific part of Phoenix. Maybe it's the actual community table, which can't be missed upon entering the restaurant. The multi-seat high-top is best enjoyed during social hour, when a number of Beckett's signature dishes, such as the deviled egg of the day, are on special. Many menu items demonstrate the fact that Justin Beckett has been in the kitchen since he was 9 or 10 years old. Favorites include the signature fork-tender short ribs and the city-famous fig and pecan pie.

75 articles

Board & Batten

4012 E Palm St Mesa

480-641-4148

American, Contemporary, Essentials

One of Mesa’s most unexpected special occasion restaurants is hidden down a lane, through an office park and next to a wedding venue. There, tucked behind the trees, you’ll find Board & Batten. This small restaurant with a large patio blends cozy farmhouse vibes with modern touches and the feel of an elegant garden party. Sit outside under the string lights to take it all in. Start with a craft cocktail or ask your server for their wine recommendation. Then, dig into shareable plates such as the tender, braised Italian meatballs before picking an entree. The options rotate throughout the seasons, but expect fresh seafood dishes, handmade pastas and steaks. Leave room for dessert. We recommend the warm date cake topped with homemade date swirl ice cream and crunchy honeycomb.

Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante

19420 N. 59th Ave. Glendale

623-777-1868

Italian, Essentials

It’s not every day that a wedding expert who has done everything from owning bridal boutiques to planning receptions winds up opening a pizzeria. But that’s where owner Nick DiLello’s Italian heritage takes over. Born in Milan, DiLello shares his love for all things Italy with his customers in Glendale. The experience starts with a bread basket bursting with a selection of freshly baked slices. The large menu includes soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, fish and veggie dishes. But the star is the pizza. The supple dough gets a kiss of char as it cooks in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. And the toppings explode with flavor — from the cheese on the Speck & Brie, to the Kalamata olives on the Capricciosa, to the capers on the Napoli. This spot also offers a selection of white pizzas, and we’re partial to the La Pergola topped with crumbled Italian sausage, red onion and Yukon Gold potatoes.

Buck & Rider

4225 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-346-0110

Seafood, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Buck & Rider has opened multiple locations in recent years, but we’re partial to the Camelback Road classic. Make a reservation for a booth in the comfortable yet elevated dining room, or grab a seat at the bar for happy hour. Whatever you decide to order, the name of the game at this seafood spot is fresh. Whether it's Maryland crab or Alaskan oysters, everything is flown in daily from sustainably minded producers. Start your meal with a spicy tuna or crunchy shrimp sushi roll or some savory smoked trout dip before digging into your entree. Opt for the Shrimp Scampi Risotto topped with enormous shrimp from the Sea of Cortez, or pair a steak with your choice of seafood for a customized surf and turf. Make sure to check out the perfectly curated cocktail list, as well, at this swanky locale.

14 articles

Cafe Lalibela

849 W. University Dr. Tempe

480-829-1939

Ethiopian, African, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow, Essentials

No one lives in Tempe for long without hearing, "You've got to try Cafe Lalibela." The husband-and-wife-run Ethiopian restaurant has occupied a strip mall suite for decades. Serving some of the best African food in all of metropolitan Phoenix, the eatery specializes in vegetarian dishes (though several meat items are on the menu) and is known for teaching many Arizona State University students about the importance of injera and wat. Injera, or a flat sourdough bread made with teff, is served with most orders. And wait till you try this wat. The Ethiopian stew comes spicy or not, meatless or not, but we recommend the key sega wat (spicy beef stew). Do not fear, possibly unadventurous eaters: The menu comes with a glossary. The cozy, carpeted dining room welcomes customers, and Cafe Lalibela also offers curbside pickup.

23 articles

Caldwell County BBQ

18324 E. Nunneley Rd. Gilbert

480-892-0512

Barbecue, American, Essentials

Located in Gilbert, just to the northeast of Mesa Gateway Airport, Caldwell County BBQ offers some of the best barbecue in the Valley. Locate the red weathervane declaring “BBQ,” and you’ll be in for a treat. Park out back, and you’ll walk past giant smokers puffing out mouthwatering aromas as you make your way inside. There, you’ll find a cozy modern-yet-country-style space with wooden picnic tables and tin trays. Slide up to the counter and ask what’s available, as popular items sell out quick. Mesquite-smoked prime brisket showcasing a large-grain peppercorn crust is a must, as is the juicy turkey breast marinated in apple juice and butter. Meats are served by the pound — in sandwiches such as the monster El General Patton that includes brisket, pulled pork, and sausage all on one roll, and on sampler platters that allow customers to try a little of everything.

CC's on Central

2800 N. Central Ave. Central Phoenix

602-253-9220

Soul Food, Southern, Best Of, Essentials

Don’t spend too much time trying to categorize CC’s on Central. Whether you call it Southern, Creole or soul food (or, more accurately, all three) matters a whole lot less than the fact that it tastes really, really good. Mother and son Sharon and Devan Cunningham have roots in Louisiana and Mississippi, and it shows in dishes such as the gloriously light and bright shrimp étouffée, informed by tradition but not beholden to it. The duo's beef debris — stewed until tender and rich with just a touch of sourness — is outstanding when ladled over smooth, creamy grits. Excellent renditions of breakfast basics share menu space with wild concoctions such as Hong Kong-style praline French toast spiced with cardamom and fennel. You can get some knockout fried catfish on Fridays, Devan’s bizarre and wildly delicious wings on Wednesdays and Sharon’s soul food on the first Sunday of the month, not to mention whatever they feel like featuring on any given day. But whatever you get, it’s guaranteed to be good.

1 article

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

The Chuckbox

202 E. University Dr. Tempe

480-968-4712

American, Burgers, Recommended, Best Of, Essentials

The Chuckbox isn’t flashy. It’s not high-tech or cutting-edge. Heck, it still requires cash. But all of the things it’s not are why we love this Tempe institution. Housed inside a rustic cabin, it’s a stark contrast to the Miami-style high-rises that tower above it. The menu is tight, focusing on large mesquite-broiled burgers that sizzle and char over the flame that’s inches away from the counter. Options include a classic burger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, bacon burger or chicken sandwich. Bring a little heat to Sun Devil territory with the Tijuana Torpedo, a burger stuffed with jalapeno jack and topped with a whole green chile. Fries, onion rings and fried mushrooms make great old-school sides. Burger toppings, however, require some D.I.Y. Head to the toppings cart to pick up lettuce, tomato, pickles and sauces at this 1970s-era burger joint.

15 articles

Chula Seafood

8015 E. Roosevelt St. South Scottsdale

480-621-5121

Seafood, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

Established in San Diego in 2009, this family-owned operation started selling never-frozen fish by the pound six years later in south Scottsdale (a second location opened in Uptown Plaza in 2019, then a third in north Scottsdale in 2022). Sustainability is a big thing at Chula. The owners have a 68-foot Hoquiam harpoon fishing boat (aptly named Chula) on which they travel the Pacific waters seeking deep-sea buoy swordfish and other California coast species. But the flavors are why you come to Chula Seafood: the poke bowls, the confit tuna sandwich and the lobster roll. Or the grilled oysters, the Mexican wild shrimp, the Thai peanut noodle bowl — we could go on. But trust us, pop in to any of the three locations and you won't be disappointed.

11 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

Course

7366 E Shea Blvd, #106 Central Scottsdale

480-687-0491

Fine Dining, American, Essentials

After years of honing his craft at some of the best dining establishments in the Valley, chef Cory Oppold forged his own path with Course. From the outside, this little restaurant is just another tenant in a Scottsdale strip mall. But inside, the experience is fully fine dining. During the evening, Course offers tasting menus with small bites that rotate throughout the seasons. Tuesday through Thursday, the meal consists of five courses. On Friday and Saturday nights, customers get the full eight-course experience. In January, the chef was named a James Beard Award semifinalist.

Da Vang

4538 N. 19th Ave. Central Phoenix

602-242-3575

Vietnamese, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

The moment you're seated and handed the cracked-laminated menu at Da Vang, relief follows. Good, aromatic, hearty Vietnamese food is on the way. Most dishes are priced around $15 and usually require a to-go container or an afternoon nap — or better yet, an order of café sua nong (hot coffee with sweetened condensed milk). The pho choices are versatile, about a dozen varieties in all, but the pho tai nam may be your best bet. If you really want to go nuts, the com tam dac biet is — get ready — broken steamed rice with barbecue pork, shrimp, a fried shrimp cake, a barbecue pork meatball, a crab-egg cake, shredded pork and a fried egg. Da Vang, in its multi-roomed strip-mall setting south of Christown Spectrum shopping center, also offers banh mi (sandwiches), lau (hot pot) and bun (vermicelli) in a beyond-comfortable setting. Delivery is available through DoorDash.

24 articles

Dahlia Tapas Tequila & Wine

2221 N 7th St Downtown Phoenix

602-582-2157

Tapas, Essentials

Want to impress a date? Take them to Dahlia, one of the most romantic spots in town. Deep purple walls, fresh flowers on each table and candlelight set the tone for a delicious dinner and drinks. The menu is split into three sections: small and large tapas and charcuterie boards. Start with the fresh pan con tomate and make sure to get in an order of the potato croquettes. Dishes such as steaks are available, and there’s a rotation of specials, so make sure to ask. Our favorite way to end the night at this downtown haunt is with a tipple that combines a cocktail with dessert. In the Beso de Noche, cookie dough whiskey is topped with vanilla whip and chocolate shavings.

The Dhaba

1872 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe

480-557-8800

Indian, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

This cozy, contemporary Indian restaurant, specializing in cuisine of the Punjab region of Northern India, is named after India's roadside pit stops, where truck drivers go for a cheap, filling meal. And true to its namesake, The Dhaba is an affordable place to relax and indulge in awesome homemade breads, tandoori meats, deep-fried treats and street snacks called chaat. The menu here is long, but there's a trick to trying it all. Order one of the three Thali options, which include hot masala chai, freshly baked naan and a house dessert. Pick between varieties of veggie curries or meat options to round out this complete meal.

27 articles

Dick's Hideaway

6008 N. 16th St. Central Phoenix

602-241-1881

Southwestern, American, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

The family of New Mexico-leaning eateries and watering holes along 16th Street is a treasured standby of the Phoenix dining scene. But within the Richardson's Restaurants family — which also includes Richardson's itself and The Rokerij — the inconspicuous Dick's Hideaway is a cut above. It's the type of place where you'll need divine intervention to find seats for a party of five or above on a Friday night, but the crowd is due to the excellent menu and bar program. Dinner options include the Taos Tenderloin, the New Mexican Surf & Turf and a green chile burger, while the bar cranks out pristine bloody marys and margaritas, and wine options known citywide. But the best thing about Dick's Hideaway is its size — it is small. (Seated at the bar, you can almost feel the heat from the nearby open-flame grill.) And keep your maps app fired up till you know you're in the right place; there is no sign.

39 articles

Earth Plant Based Cuisine

1325 Grand Ave. #7 Downtown Phoenix

480-465-2110

Vegan, Best Of, Essentials

Mexican food often is heavy on the opposite of vegan food: lots of meat, lots of cheese. Earth Plant Based Cuisine on Grand Avenue has a different vision, though. This small family-owned business packs big flavor into its menu, along with a desire to show customers what going green and being vegan is all about. The tables and ceilings are made from wood pallets, and the countertops and prep tables are from repurposed materials. The friendly staff is eager to guide you, but in our experience, you can't go wrong with the street-style corn, the carnitas made with seasoned mushrooms or the Baja burrito with beer-battered "shrimp." Save room for a milkshake made with soy-based ice cream and almond milk.

8 articles

The Ends

7137 E Stetson Dr Central Scottsdale

480-367-9900

Contemporary, Essentials

In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this new restaurant opened with big aspirations. The Ends was inspired by, and designed to pay homage to, the late chef, television personality and world traveler Anthony Bourdain. His influence guided the decor, where warm lighting and cozy tables are arranged to foster conversation. And, of course, it helped shape the menu. Flavors from around the world come together, allowing customers to enjoy handmade pasta alongside egg yolk nigiri, French onion soup or a Japanese Wagyu sando. The shareable plates include a showstopping rack of lamb with harissa brodo. The drinks menu combines creative flavors with scientific precision in mixing, clarifying and presenting delightful sips. Dare we say, The Ends achieved its goal.

El Chullo Peruvian Restaurant & Bar

2605 N. Seventh St. Central Phoenix

602-279-8425

Peruvian, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Essentials

On the hunt for top-tier Peruvian food? Head to either location of El Chullo. The original is located in the Coronado district, where the family-owned restaurant has been a go-to spot for arroz con mariscos since opening in 2014. A new location, just a few miles away on Seventh Avenue, debuted in the summer of 2023. Menu items include a crispy chicharron de calamar, lomo saltado, ceviche mixto and the arroz chaufa — a Peruvian-meets-Chinese fusion-style dish of fried rice. Another highly recommended dish, actually an appetizer, is the anticuchos — 10 hot, dense, chewy cutlets of marinated grilled beef heart kebabs. Eating beef heart is making use of an organ that would otherwise be discarded, so you can feel fulfillment in your psyche as well as your stomach. The menu also offers vegetarian dishes such as arroz chaufa veggie and veggie saltado. The bar program includes cocktails such as the Pisco Soour and Maracuya Sour, or imported Peruvian beers such as Cerveza Cusqueña and Cerveza Cristal, all of which taste better in El Chullo's cozy, colorful dining rooms.

12 articles

Emilio's Tacos & Hotdogs

13803 N. 19th Ave. North Phoenix

602-810-1468

Mexican, Fast Casual, Best Of, Essentials

A sunny yellow-and-hot pink exterior, a flashing neon open sign and glowing window frames, and bright Loteria-inspired artwork hint at the explosion of flavors on deck at Emilio’s Tacos & Hotdogs on 19th Avenue. Customers on the go can pick up their orders at the drive-thru, but we recommend grabbing a table either inside or on the small patio to soak in the full experience. The Sonoran Hot Dog is the best we’ve found in Phoenix and comes with all the requisite ingredients, including beans, tomatoes and mayo piled high on top of a bacon-wrapped hot dog. The tacos are great, the carne asada fries are a must, and the thick bright pink strawberry horchata is an unusual treat that straddles the line between drink and dessert.

3 articles

Eric's Family Barbecue

12345 W. Indian School Rd. Avondale

623-248-0148

Barbecue, American, Best Of, Essentials

Hungry for 'cue in the West Valley? The meats smoked in salvaged propane tanks behind Eric's are the best you'll find. The chefs at this joint smoke the old-fashioned way, meaning without the assistance of gas, a labor-intensive method that raises the ceiling for how good marquee cuts, such as brisket, can be. Inside the spacious cafeteria-style dining room or out on the homestyle patio, that brisket adorns just about every platter. Slices come thick, broad folds pungent with the deep smoke of mesquite. They almost dissolve on your tongue. This is one of the best briskets and some of the most impressive barbecue in the Valley. At Eric's, smoked turkey (one true test of a pitmaster's skill) is subtly flavored and tender as can be, thanks in part to an infusion of sweet tea. Aggressively dry-rubbed ribs tingle with pleasantly warm spicing. Pulled pork is a more-standard-but-still-admirable version, everything you'd want in a shredded pile. Low-key sides and desserts, such as cheese-dusted elote and banana pudding, call to mind the backyard barbecue fiestas from which this West Valley gem was born.

8 articles

Fabio on Fire

8275 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway Peoria

623-680-5385

Italian, Essentials

Too often, West Valley residents have to be satisfied with second and third locations of restaurants from other parts of the Valley. But Fabio on Fire, born and raised in Peoria, is a rare exception to the rule that can go toe-to-toe with anything on the other side of town. Hailing from Domodossola, near Italy’s border with Switzerland, Fabio Ceschetti comes from a line of Italian bakers, and his pizza sports the kind of developed flavor, blistered char and resilient chew that you only get from a pizzaiolo who is focused on the bread. But Fabio on Fire is as much a neighborhood trattoria as it is a pizzeria. Simple antipasti shine, particularly Ceschetti’s silky, fragrant house-made porchetta. His gnocchi are delicate and light and oft paired with rich, cheese-heavy sauces. And his fresh paste ripiene — such as veal-stuffed tortellaci in bright tomato sauce — or lasagne layered with besciamella and a thick, rich ragu are every bit as excellent as his pizzas.

Fat Ox

6316 N. Scottsdale Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-307-6900

Italian, Contemporary, American, Essentials

Chances are you will have to make reservations to get a spot at Fat Ox. This fine dining experience is curated with special attention to the drinks, appetizers and, of course, entrees. The cocktail (or "oxtail") menu includes creations such as the Desert Rain, made with mezcal, sotol, blood orange, fig leaf and lime, and the Spitfire, which blends tequila with cocchi, pineapple matcha, smoked jalapeño and yuzu. Both complement the house bread that is served with a light ricotta spread. The steamed mussels and veal meatballs make charming appetizers. When it comes to entrees, the Rosso Creste di Gallo is a stunning plate of pasta made with red wine, dandelion greens, duck sausage, mushrooms and huckleberries. Go all out with the 25 Layer Lasagna, or splurge on a steak. We're confident that whatever you try will leave you wanting to taste every item on the menu. Chef Matt Carter pays attention to even the tiniest detail, and it shows.

3 articles

Feringhee

3491 W. Frye Rd. Chandler

480-534-7178

Indian, Best Of, Essentials

One cliche that proves true time and time again is that some of the best dining experiences are in nondescript shopping centers. At Feringhee, which translates to “foreigner,” chefs Sujan Sarkar and Karan Mittal aim to push boundaries with Indian cuisine. Start your flavor-packed experience with a cocktail, such as the Cutting Chai made with masala chai-infused vodka or a Ghee Old Fashioned, with ghee-infused Jack Daniel's' and spiced date syrup. Then get a sampler starter of multiple chutneys or different pani puri to share. The menu is further spit into small and large plates, and we recommend ordering family style to get a taste of it all. The Kashmiri Lamb Chops are a stunner, and don't miss the Black Dairy Dal. Many menu items are vegetarian and/or gluten free, so there's something for everyone. Finish your journey with sweet Galab Jamun Cheesecake with apricot murabba.

3 articles

FnB Restaurant

7125 E. Fifth Ave., Suite 31 Central Scottsdale

480-284-4777

New American, Contemporary, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

We probably don't need to tell you about FnB, the Scottsdale kitchen helmed by culinary sage Charleen Badman. You probably already know she scours local markets for common and arcane ingredients from our state's popular and marginal family farms, about how she plates food braiding gastronomic threads from the Sonoran Desert to South America to the Levant. You might not need us to tell you how into vegetables she is, or how she still cooks in her restaurant kitchen just about every night, years after starting in Old Town. And probably, you don't need us to vouch for FnB, because the James Beard Foundation did just that in 2019. Maybe, too, you don't even need us to tell you about FnB's drink program. Co-owner and beverage guru Pavle Milic curates one of the more interesting wine lists in town. Filled with Arizona options, the list provides a crash course in the wondrous vintages of fermented grape juice our state is making. Maybe, too, you don't need us to tell you that the tucked-away FnB bar might be the restaurant's best spot to drink and eat. Maybe you know about FnB's quirks and lore, its layers of greatness. But we're excited to tell you anyway.

166 articles

Locations in Phoenix: Essentials

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