South American in Phoenix

4909 E. Chandler Blvd. Ahwatukee

480-783-6060

South American, Restaurants, Recommended, Best Of

The best example of Brazilian-style churrascaria in the Valley. Features a salada Brasileiro with some 20 items. These rotate, but cold items include shrimp, octopus, mussels, hearts of palm, and numerous different salads. Hot items might include cod, tilapia in wine sauce, or chicken stroganoff. Then there's the rodizio itself, served by Fogo e Brasa's tie-clad, skewer-bearing wait staff. From the chicken and sausage to the lamb and tri-tip beef, these savory cuts never disappoint. For $5 more, cop something from the dessert cart, our fave being the passion fruit and chocolate mousse. A word to the wide: You might gain 20 pounds while dining here, but it's worth every inch to your waistline.

2 articles

The Capital Grille

2502 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-952-8900

American, Fine Dining, Dessert, Seafood, South American, Recommended

This ultra-luxe steakhouse features classic prime-grade meat, veal chops and fresh seafood, served in huge a la carte portions with huge traditional side dishes (the mashed potatoes and roasted mushrooms are magnificent). Come dressed for a power meal, and be prepared to leave quite a bit poorer, but happy.

9 articles

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

1744 S. Val Vista Mesa

480-633-8226

American, Mexican, South American, Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Best Of, Menu

There are lots of homegrown options for Mexican food in Arizona, but we have to hand it to one Utah-based chain restaurant for serving fresh, healthy food: Costa Vida. There are three locations in Arizona: Mesa, Queen Creek, and the newest location in Goodyear, which has online ordering capability. Costa Vida serves standards like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, nachos, and quesadillas, but we really love the salads, served on a tortilla hand-crafted with stone-ground flour. Top the leafy greens with sweet pork, grilled chicken, shredded beef, raspberry chipotle chicken, mango chicken, or grilled steak to get your protein fix, and then choose tomatillo ranch, cilantro lime vinaigrette, or sweet and smooth mango dressing. The brand is also working to make its food as gluten-free as possible, including sauces, dressings, and meats. It’s easy to avoid wheat gluten; just be sure not to have the flour or whole wheat tortilla or two of the desserts, tres leches cake and key lime pie.

1 article

deseo

6902 E. Greenway Parkway North Scottsdale

480-624-1202

Contemporary, Latin American, South American, Spanish, Recommended, Best Of

Star chef Douglas Rodriguez has made an international name for himself with his Nuevo Latin American cuisine, and now he's in our humble town. Everything is stunning here, such as ceviche with Spanish and Asian influences, arepas (griddled corn cakes) with caviar and quail egg, and plantain-crusted halibut with sliced banana, sautéed spinach, bacon and cherry tomato. Read our review.

7 articles

El Conquistador

16428 N. 32nd St. North Phoenix

602-493-3913

Mexican, South American, Best Of, Menu

Tuesdays are our favorite days at this bright and welcoming North Phoenix restaurant serving Jalisco-style Mexican fare. That's when Maria and Mark Altmaier serve up their luscious chicken mole. Simmered for hours and with a list of ingredients that could fill a page or more, the Altmaier's rich, thick, chocolate-tinged sauce can be had over tender pieces of chicken or as chicken mole enchiladas, which also are available on weekends.

1 article

El Farol

5534 E. Thomas Rd. East Phoenix

602-840-4440

Peruvian, South American, Recommended

There's something uniquely appealing about Peruvian cooking, with its subtle spicing and its celebration of complex, tangy flavors. The menu at El Farol is compact, but you can still get a sense of the native cuisine from offerings such as cebiche de pescado (tilapia marinated in lime juice, cilantro, onion, and garlic) and saltado (beef sautéed with tomatoes and onions) served with homemade fries. The specialty cocktail of the house, the Pisco Sour, is worth a try, too. Read our review.

1 article

Eliana's

1627 N. 24th St. East Phoenix

602-225-2925

Salvadoran, South American, Recommended, Menu

Eliana’s Restaurant was one of the first Valley restaurants to introduce Phoenicians to the flavors of central American cooking, and this family-owned restaurant remains one of the best places to sample pupusas, yucca frita and other Salvadoran specialties on the east side. Try the pastel de carne, a half-moon turnover filled with slightly spicy pork, mashed potato, string beans and carrots. The Salvadoran-style chile relleno, stuffed with savory muddle of pork and veggies, is also delightful. Plus, you’ll find a nice Salvadoran-style carne asada, served with a side of chimol salsa. Don’t skip the drink menu, which is where you’ll find refreshing concoctions like horchata and a traditional refresco de ensalada, a frothy, fruit-filled drink.

2 articles

Fogo De Chao

6300 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-609-8866

Brazilian, Restaurants, South American, Grill, Recommended

Grilled meats are undoubtedly the main attraction at this upscale churrascaria, inspired by the gauchos (that is, cowboys) of southern Brazil. It's the first Arizona location for the international chain, which was founded 30 years ago in Brazil. The all-you-can-eat price of dining here includes up to 15 different cuts of meat served tableside by "gaucho chefs," who roam from table to table wielding sword-like skewers of flame-grilled flesh. When it comes to side dishes and salad bar offerings, though, this place loses its sizzle. Read our review.

2 articles

Fuego Bistro

713 E. Palo Verde Dr. Central Phoenix

602-277-1151

Cuban, South American, Southwestern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Tucked away in the courtyard of Fountain Court, behind Apollo's Lounge on Seventh Street, Fuego Bistro is one of the best-hidden spots in central Phoenix. It's tiny, too (there are only seven tables inside and a handful out on the patio) so it helps to call ahead. Though some of the entrees are more "bistro" than fuego, the menu's mostly Latin-inspired. Try the pernil asado (melt-in-your-mouth, slow-roasted pork) or Patrón-braised blackened prawns, and wash it all down with some homemade sangria. Read our review.

16 articles

Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse

825 N. 54th St. Chandler

480-744-0130

South American, Brazilian, Steakhouse, Menu

Welcome to Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse, an authentic Brazilian steakhouse where the flavors of Brazil come alive. Churrascaria (choo-rah-scah-ree-ah) is the name used to describe a restaurant that serves meat, mostly grilled, and Rodizio is a method of serving different cuts of meat that originated south of Brazil in the early 1800s. Gauchos roam the dining room continuously offering exquisite churrasco of 12 to 14 rotisserie meats including beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausage, perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by our Rodizio Gauchos. Come to visit us to experience an authentic Brazilian churrascaria and share a one-of-a-kind experience with your friends and family.

4 articles

Guanaquito

1434 E. McDowell Rd. Central Phoenix

602-257-9053

Salvadoran, South American, Recommended, Menu

Guanaquito, a tiny Salvadoran joint in central Phoenix, serves scrumptious homemade dishes that are easy on the wallet. Don't miss pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and other goodies), served straight off the griddle, or stick-to-your-ribs entrées like carne asada, fried fish, and pollo encebollado (chicken in a luscious onion cream sauce). A plate of hot, doughy Salvadoran tortillas gives you a good excuse to clean your plate.

5 articles

Que Chevere

142 W. Main St. Mesa

480-474-4954

Venezuelan, South American, Critics' Pick, Slideshow, Essentials

After four years behind the stove of the Venezuelan food truck Que Chevere, Orvid Cutler and Maria Fernanda expanded to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mesa — it's Main Street has become something of a dining destination. The food is classically Venezuelan, with arepas leading the way. The thick griddled corn flatbreads come as sides with plate-style dishes of shredded beef, rice and beans. Loaded with fillings such as shredded chicken and black beans, they come as main dishes. Plenty of sleeper hits fill out the menu. These include the Patacon, a sandwich "bunned" on fried plantains, and the Cachapa, a corn pancake packing hauntingly nuanced sweetness. A bar mixes tropical drinks. The kitchen rolls out hot, stretchy tequenos, Venezuelan cheese sticks, every morning. Curbside pickup is available. Call for takeout orders. And yes, there is still a Que Chevere at various outdoor events.

4 articles

Salvadoreño Restaurant #3

8911 N. Central Ave. #101 North Phoenix

602-870-2955

Salvadoran, South American, Best Of, Menu

When you’re tired of Mexican tortilla-based meals like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, mix it up with a specialty from El Salvador called pupusas. Somewhat of a combo between a burrito and a stuffed pita sandwich, the pupusa is made with thick corn masa patties filled with cheese and other flavorful ingredients. Carnivores will enjoy the chicarron, revuelta (pork with cheese and beans), carne asada, chicken, and shrimp varieties. But everyone, especially vegetarians, should order at least one pupusa con loroco. Stuffed with the edible flower native to El Salvador and Guatemala, they have a delicate flavor similar to broccoli that’s balanced with rich queso. Two pupusas could easily make a meal, but Restaurante Salvadoreño also has entrées like ceviche de camaron, mojara frita (fried tilapia), tamales, bistec encebollado (steak with sautéed onions), lengua guisada (saucy stew of beef tongue), and salpicon con sopita (chopped beef with radish, mint, and onion).

5 articles

Salvadoreno Restaurant

7333 W. Thomas Rd., #88 West Phoenix

623-846-6100

Salvadoran, South American

When you’re tired of Mexican tortilla-based meals like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, mix it up with a specialty from El Salvador called pupusas. Somewhat of a combo between a burrito and a stuffed pita sandwich, the pupusa is made with thick corn masa patties filled with cheese and other flavorful ingredients. Carnivores will enjoy the chicarron, revuelta (pork with cheese and beans), carne asada, chicken, and shrimp varieties. But everyone, especially vegetarians, should order at least one pupusa con loroco. Stuffed with the edible flower native to El Salvador and Guatemala, they have a delicate flavor similar to broccoli that’s balanced with rich queso. Two pupusas could easily make a meal, but Restaurante Salvadoreño also has entrées like ceviche de camaron, mojara frita (fried tilapia), tamales, bistec encebollado (steak with sautéed onions), lengua guisada (saucy stew of beef tongue), and salpicon con sopita (chopped beef with radish, mint, and onion).

3 articles

South American in Phoenix

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