Eclectic in Phoenix

9160 E. Shea Blvd. North Scottsdale

480-860-4003

Continental, Eclectic, Recommended, Menu

There's a good neighborhood feeling at this Phoenix continental dinner house-cum-California café. 92nd Street Café's menu is eclectic, but the standouts are the sauced items, including the Chicken Jerusalem, a breaded chicken breast sautéed with shallots, mushrooms, artichokes and capers, and garnished with a white wine sauce.

Alice Cooperstown

101 E. Jackson St. Central Phoenix

602-253-7337

American, Barbecue, Brewery, Eclectic, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

School's out forever at this hybrid sports/rock 'n' roll theme eatery where the shock-rocker born Vincent Furnier is worshipped like a demigod. Goth-punk waitresses wear eye makeup à la Cooper, and his ghoulish image stares out at you from nearly every table. Fender guitars signed by such acts as The Police, Eric Clapton, and Black Sabbath line the walls, along with a collection of sports memorabilia. Huge TV screens face you at nearly every angle so you can watch any and every game that might be on. Surprisingly, the food's not bad for bar grub: barbecue, burgers, sammies, chili, wings, etc. Cool spot to eat before or after a game at nearby U.S. Airways Center or Chase Field.

13 articles

Asia

1236 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa

480-892-0688

Asian, Eclectic, Recommended

This tiny, trendy cafe is all about noodles. The skinny pasta hails from Japan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, but don't expect anything too exotic. This is primarily mild-mannered, health-oriented stir-fry. The udon with shrimp and chicken is a must-try.

1 article

Bamboo Club

2596 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-955-1288

Asian, Chinese, Eclectic, International, Pan-Asian, Thai, Vietnamese, Menu

2 articles

Bri

2221 N. Seventh St. Central Phoenix

602-595-8635

Eclectic, Slideshow

Moving through the historic and altogether adorable Coronado District, Seventh Street, just north of downtown, is a regular restaurant row thanks to spots like Green, The Coronado, and the Main Ingredient. But Bri has something extra-special (and you can’t miss that seemingly hand-drawn sign). Bri is the phonetic spelling of its namesake, the braai, a south African-style grill at which the food here is prepared. Opened in spring 2018, the small house restaurant offers a few table-and-chair sets, a patio, and a bar serving up simply beautiful cocktails like the Bri Paloma, the Disco Lemonade, That Thing You Do, and many others you’ll want to try. These are best paired with bar-style snacks like the honey butter-drizzled potato chips. Chef Vince Mellody plates menu items like the pork spareribs, the duck leg, and the wood-roasted veggie plate. Specials also grace the up-to-date Instagram postings, including the crispy, fatty masala with Nelson’s Meat + Fish swordfish.

2 articles

California Pizza Kitchen

3163 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler

480-855-3301

Eclectic, Pizza, Menu

CPK won't be putting indie, gourmet pie joints like Cibo or Pizzeria Bianco out of biz any time soon, but this La-La-Land-based chain is still reliable on many fronts. The service is attentive, and the menu offers many options besides the signature CPK pizzas, though these are by no means terrible. The "Tuscan hummus" appetizer is fairly good, and the Bolognese linguini, passable. You could do a lot worse when it comes to corporate chow: The Cheesecake Factory, for instance.

California Pizza Kitchen

2400 E. Camelback Rd., #112 East Phoenix

602-553-8382

Eclectic, Pizza

CPK won't be putting indie, gourmet pie joints like Cibo or Pizzeria Bianco out of biz any time soon, but this La-La-Land-based chain is still reliable on many fronts. The service is attentive, and the menu offers many options besides the signature CPK pizzas, though these are by no means terrible. The "Tuscan hummus" appetizer is fairly good, and the Bolognese linguini, passable. You could do a lot worse when it comes to corporate chow: The Cheesecake Factory, for instance.

3 articles

Canal

7144 E. Stetson Dr. Central Scottsdale

480-949-9000

American, Eclectic, International, New American, Steakhouse, Bars and Clubs, Menu

1 article

Century Grand

3626 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-739-1388

Eclectic, Contemporary, New American, Best Of, Slideshow

For years, Jason Asher and Rich Furnari have defined the cutting edge of local cocktail culture, and Century Grand and the three bars housed inside are the culmination of their efforts. Highly stylized and themed, Century Grand is home to UnderTow, The Grey Hen, and Platform 18. All immersive experiences, the first makes customers feel as though they're sipping tropical cocktails in the belly of a ship. The Grey Hen is styled as a New Orleans apothecary, where the medicines look more like whiskey, and perhaps the most immersive of all, Platform 18 takes customers on a train ride complete with TV screen-windows showing the world passing by. Reservations are recommended as is taking a glance at the website before showing up to this busy bar, as there are specific rules for each concept.

12 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.

Cork

4991 S. Alma School Rd., Ste. 101, Sun Lakes Chandler

480-883-3773

Contemporary, Eclectic, New American, Recommended, Menu

At its heart, Cork is a neighborhood wine bar that just happens to serve inventive, beautifully presented food. Owned by three alumni of Lon's at the Hermosa - sommelier Robert Morris, his wife Danielle (who's the pastry chef), and executive chef Brian Peterson - the restaurant features tasting-menu-style small plates served à la carte, and an expansive wine list. Stop by for a glass of wine and a light bite, or stay for an adventurous full meal with tastes of such things as barbecued pork belly, ostrich crudo, and tempura-fried Madagascar prawn. Homey-sounding desserts turn out to be just as intesting as the savory stuff.

26 articles

Coronado Café

2201 N. 7th St. Central Phoenix

602-258-5149

Eclectic, New American, Recommended, Menu

Quaint and cozy little house converted into a restaurant. Hardwood floors and local artists' work on the walls are part of the charm. The lunch menu consists mostly of salads, soups, and sammies made with fresh ingredients. For dinner, it's what you might call New American comfort food, like "Kobe" meat loaf, slow-roasted halibut, pork tenderloin, and sockeye salmon. Very consistent, non-greasy fare. Deserving of repeat visits.

9 articles

Coup Des Tartes

1725 E. Osborn Rd. East Phoenix

602-212-1082

Eclectic, French, Bistro, Dessert, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Coup des Tartes may be in a new location, but the French-styled neighborhood bistro retains much of the spirit of the original. Now located in a historic 1922 brick bungalow, the restaurant has retained much of its cozy appeal. The menu specializes in old-school bistro classics, including a fine take on filet mignon served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and spinach. A slightly more exotic house specialty, Moroccan lamb shank, served with couscous and stone fruits and veggies, is a bit on the tame side. There’s a pastry chef on duty, so it’s worth leaving room for classic desserts like the house berry tarte and apple butter upside down cake. The restaurant also offers lunch service on Tuesdays through Fridays, where you can enjoy classic Parisian café staples, including a fine croque monsieur.

25 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

Earl's Restaurant

15784 N. Pima Rd. North Scottsdale

480-607-1941

Eclectic, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Menu

The only things Canada usually sends to the Valley are Arctic cold fronts and snowbirds. But now this popular north-of-the-border chain has settled here, and north Scottsdalians will be pleased. The stylish, around-the-globe fare ranges from chicken Hunan to first-rate pizzas and baby-back ribs. Finish up with the apple and raspberry cobbler.

Eddie's House

7042 E. Indian School Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-946-1622

Contemporary, Eclectic, Greek, Mediterranean, New American, Best Of

Chef Eddie Matney has had a namesake place before, but with his latest enterprise, he's amping up his own star power and playing off longtime strengths. The vibe here is expectedly homey but upscale, and somewhere in bustling dining room, you'll probably spot Matney himself, mingling with guests. Fans of Matney's Mediterranean-influenced New American cuisine won't be disappointed here - the menu includes a number of his signature dishes, including juicy mint-pesto grilled lamb chops, Mo'Rockin shrimp, and East-Meets-West, which pairs Asian-style tuna with Parmesan-coated halibut.

13 articles

FEZ

105 W. Portland St. Central Phoenix

602-287-8700

American, Eclectic, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

FEZ, which relocated to the Portland Parkway Park area from its midtown Central Avenue spot years ago, has a lot to offer. There’s a great weekend brunch, lunch daily, two happy hours, and not much beats those garlic and rosemary fries. But what really helps FEZ stand out is its late-night availability. It’s open till midnight on school nights, and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Pair your FEZ burger or honey cashew chicken with a FEZombie or B-Spot well into the night. Plus, the light rail stop is right across the street, waiting to zip you on home.

28 articles

Fusion Restaurant & Lounge

4441 N. Buckboard Trail Central Scottsdale

480-423-9043

American, Bar Food, Eclectic, International, Mexican, New American, Bars and Clubs, Menu

1 article

The Gallery Cafe

2233 W. Dunlap Ave. North Phoenix

602-331-7500

Eclectic, Restaurants, Recommended

This café is the "lab" for the Art Institute's School of Culinary Arts. And the student chefs here know what they're doing. Bargain-priced three-course lunches may include the likes of lobster bisque, beef Wellington, and pear tart in caramel sauce. Youth is not only served, it does the serving, too.

1 article

Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant

420 S. Mill Ave. Tempe

480-736-0033

Brewery, Eclectic, Bars and Clubs, Recommended

Businesses tend to come and go in Downtown Tempe, but brewpub Gordon Biersch, which overlooks the corner of Mill Avenue and Fifth Street, has been a loyal mainstay for more than a decade. It's no surprise, given the bar's lofty view (which is particularly nice at sunset) and the establishment's longstanding dedication to handcrafted beer. Dressed in casual khakis, business folks sample such Biersch standards as Golden Export, Hefeweizen, Czech Pilsner, Märzen brew, and rotating seasonal beers (brewed in-house), with the gleaming stills visible from the dark oak bar. The menu is just as sophisticated as the lagers. Munch on appetizers like crab cakes with Cajun rémoulade and pot stickers, then move on to entrees like the sesame-seared ahi tuna, Cajun pasta and jambalaya. Read our review.

4 articles

Kai

5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler

602-385-5777

Native American, Southwestern, Eclectic, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow

Those wishing to experience the finest of what the Sonoran Desert has to offer — the native saguaro fruit wolfberries, the tepary beans and wild sumac — would be wise to throw down for an upscale evening at Kai Restaurant. For roughly two decades, Kai has taken the best of what the Gila River Community can grow and forage (the tribe owns the restaurant, which is on its grounds) and put those quintessential Sonoran ingredients through global, fine-dining filters. Dishes have included cactus key lime pie, buffalo steak with saguaro syrup, posole with Ramona Farms corn, wolfberry vinegar, chiltepin froth, and a circus of beautiful desert ingredients carried to new places. In 2022, Chef Drew Anderson took over from former head chef Ryan Swanson to lead Kai's efforts. Kai remains as intimate a place-rooted experience as you'll find in metro Phoenix, and even after all these years, is a thoughtful and thrilling place to eat.

46 articles

Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar

7137 E. Stetson Dr. Central Scottsdale

480-946-3004

Eclectic, Wine Bar, Contemporary, Bars and Clubs, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

Kaz Bar was vino-only from its founding in 2001 until original owner Peter Kasperski closed it 17 years later. Enter restaurateur Tommy Plato of Second Story Liquor Bar fame, who reopened the posh lounge in 2019, adding a focus on rare and distinctive whiskeys and a bespoke supper club atmosphere big on leather and wood. Connoisseurs can indulge in any of its curated selection of Scotch, whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes of the high-end, imported, and single-barrel ilk. There are such small-batch favorites and rarities mixed in the selection of over 40 options. Wine lovers needn’t worry, though, as Kaz Bar still has a surfeit of red, white, and sparkling wines, uncorking bliss to pair perfectly with a food menu of snacks and bites with Italian and Asian influences such as a Korean pork belly served in a lobster roll and cacio pepe.

45 articles

Lylo Swim Club

400 W. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

480-536-8899

Eclectic, Mexican, Bars and Clubs, Best Of

Rattan open-weave pendant light shades sway gently in the wind above the bar; behind them, bold wallpaper features a tropical palm leaf print. At Lylo, a pool bar on Camelback Road, it’s easy to imagine you’ve left Phoenix behind for some island oasis. Guests of Rise Uptown Hotel or those with day passes are allowed to sip cocktails in the pool, while the bar and lounge area, stocked with stools and comfy, colorful outdoor couches, is open to the public. Settle in for an evening of elevated fruit-filled classics, such as Lazy Daze, which bursts with mezcal and mango; Solero, a creamy concoction with passionfruit; or the Seasonal Sorbet Belini, which mixes drinks with dessert for the best of both worlds. The food menu offers small plates, tacos and other Mexican- and Southwest-inspired dishes.

10 articles

Medizona

7217 E. 4th Ave. Central Scottsdale

480-947-9500

American, Eclectic, Fine Dining, International, Mediterranean, Southwestern, Bars and Clubs

1 article

The Melting Pot

3626 E. Ray Rd. Central Phoenix

480-704-9206

Dessert, Eclectic, Fondue, Menu

We thought fondue was a campy, retro sort of thing until we discovered this place, a favorite among "date night" couples. (Romance oozes from this place; the waiters will even take your picture and leave it for you in a little picture frame at the door, if you like.) We love going here and ordering tasty bites that we can dip into melted cheese and yummy broth, a la shabu-shabu restaurants we remember from back east. We recommend starting with the Chef Salad rather than the appetizer course, just to make that dunking experience all the more exciting once you start. Entrée courses of either meat or seafood cooked in boullion are tasty, with chicken, two types of beef, shrimp, and ravioli. Tangy and sweet sauces accompany each order, and vegetables are always heaped on as sides. For dessert, don't pass up the basic milk chocolate fondue, served with strawberries, pineapple, brownie bites, and little chunks of cheesecake. What's more romantic (or tasty) than dunking food into pots of yummy stuff?

5 articles

The Melting Pot

8260 N. Hayden Rd. North Scottsdale

480-607-1799

Eclectic, Fondue, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Remember the fondue paraphernalia you got rid of in a garage sale during the Reagan administration? You should have held on to it. Fondue is back. Instead of buying new equipment, let the Melting Pot's kitchen handle the job. Fondue here comes in all its forms -- cheese fondue, fondue bourguignon (meat and veggies dipped in bubbling oil) and chocolate fondue. Dip and swish.

9 articles

Michael's Restaurant-Citadel

8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. North Scottsdale

480-515-2575

American, Brunch, Eclectic, International, Italian, Menu

1 article

Moriah

6160 N. Scottsdale Rd. Paradise Valley

480-389-3447

Breakfast, Eclectic, Greek, Mediterranean, Recommended

Mediterranean with a Sonoran flair; the small menu doesn't give the chef much room to maneuver, but there's some talent in this hotel kitchen. Check out the prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin or the tasty Spanish tapas. You can also get Prime-grade steaks at Choice-grade prices. Read our review.

1 article

The Paisley Violin

1030 Grand Ave. Central Phoenix

602-254-7843

Breakfast/Brunch, Cafe, California, Coffeehouse, Contemporary, Continental, Deli, Dessert, Eclectic, Greek, Health, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian, Bars and Clubs, Coffee Shops, Music Venues, Recommended, Menu

Temporarily closed: Gina and Derrick Suarez's quirky bohemian bistro is a comfortably cool spot that contains creative endeavors of every shape and size. Situated along Grand Avenue, it's a mecca of Mediterranean and Euro-style edibles served up in an ultra-arty atmosphere accented by a constantly revolving collection of photos, paintings, and sculptures. Boutique wines such as Trinity Oaks and Raw Power are on the menu alongside such microbrews as Shipyard Chamberlain and Odell Five Barrel. Paisley's calendar of weekly events is also quite eclectic, ranging from the sci-fi movie night on Mondays to live sessions by street musicians and indie bands on the weekend. "Peace and happiness all in one," it promises, and the Violin delivers, with a lovingly crafted menu of homemade plates like hummus, stuffed vine leaves, Italian panini, a pastrami sandwich, plus lox and capers. Beer, wine and liquor are available.

6 articles

Razz's Restaurant & Bar

10315 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-905-1308

American, Eclectic, International, Menu

This Scottsdale restaurant boasts a truly international menu. Chef Erasmo “Razz” Kamnitzer is a native of Venezuela, attended school in Switzerland, and then studied at New York’s Culinary Institute of America. He has been featured on numerous TV shows, and the restaurant has earned national acclaim from Esquire and Gourmet Magazine. Local influence can be seen in the duck cake appetizer served with nopalito cactus sauce, and Asian cuisine appears as the bah mie goreng, spicy Indonesian-style buckwheat noodles with shrimp, pork, and chicken. Some selections are also eclectic, like veal sweetbreads en croute with truffle red wine sauce and rhubarb compote. Dinner entrées are as varied as twice-roasted duck breast with lingonberry sauce, cashew nut crusted salmon with tropical fruit relish and garlic sauce, and pork tenderloin schnitzel with candied red cabbage. Razz’s Restaurant & Bar also has available a large selection of fine red and white wines, but that’s not why we recommend grabbing a seat at the bar. From there, you’ll have a full view into the bustling kitchen.

14 articles

Romeo's Euro Cafe

207 N. Gilbert Rd. Ste. 105 Gilbert

480-962-4224

Mediterranean, Cafe, Eclectic, Greek, International, Coffee Shops, Recommended, Menu

Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo? In Gilbert, to be exact. And, therefore, so are many local foodies, who flock to Romeo's for a taste of Mediterranean cuisine that can't be found elsewhere in the Valley. One could make an entire meal of just the delicious and unusual appetizers, like the Baked Bleu Tomatoes (layers of fresh tomatoes and crumbled bleu cheese baked on an Italian roll), or the Spanaki Balls (spinach, rice, provolone and mozzarella, battered and deep-fried and served with chilled marinara). But one mustn't linger only on Rome's delicious appetizers, lest one miss out on the Corinthian Salad, a mélange of roasted red peppers, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and a grilled chicken breast. Or the Chicken Omega, a fan favorite that combines strips of grilled chicken with spinach, pine nuts, and garlic in a rich white wine cream sauce. More, please!

7 articles

Roxsand Restaurant

2594 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-381-0444

American, Dessert, Eclectic, International

2 articles

Silvana Bistro

7114 E. Stetson Dr., 105 Central Scottsdale

Contemporary, Eclectic, International, Mexican

Eclectic in Phoenix

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