Polynesian in Phoenix

This fast-casual Mesa lunch spot checks a lot of "classic hidden gem" boxes: strip mall location, beachy walls and window murals, several decades in business, super flavorful fare. Aloha Kitchen is, in fact, such a classic hidden gem that it is no longer hidden. It's been on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and has a line out the door almost daily. Fame hasn't gone to the heads of Aloha Kitchen's friendly owners, though. The reasonably priced Hawaiian-style eatery (they throw in a little Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, too) still serves generous, hard-to-resist island food via simple counter service. We've often raved about the fried saimin (island-style noodles in a shrimp soup base). But don't sleep on the mixed plates, particularly the teriyaki chicken — black-edged, charbroiled boneless chicken marinated in special island teriyaki sauce, served with steamed rice and your choice of macaroni-potato salad or a small side salad. Have mercy. New Normal: Seating is limited inside, but we hear the takeout counter is busy but speedy with to-go orders.

A place to see and be seen, and suck down some topnotch sushi while doing so. This glitzy palace is packed with fine young professionals crowding a hip watering hole, but the chefs take their mission seriously. The concept is split into three themes: teppanyaki, Pacific Rim and sushi. With a special chef for each area, the results are outstanding all around. Anything with ahi is excellent, and dishes get creative, with plates like hoisin-glazed barbecue or misoyaki black cod with lobster cognac and kabayokie sauce. However, you can also always just pop in to get one of their refined, light, and fresh cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine or sake from their list.