Eat Like a Local When Visiting Phoenix
Phoenix is in its prime right now, as visitors converge to soak up the sun and experience a whirlwind of events — from the Super Bowl in Glendale to the WM Phoenix Open and the Barrett-Jackson car show in Scottsdale. The local food community is ready to cook up mouthwatering dishes that deliver a taste of Phoenix’s tantalizing food scene and will send visitors home wishing they could stay for a second helping.
With award-winning destinations and critically-acclaimed chefs, Phoenix has come into its own, as a food destination, in a way that is unique to this massive metropolitan city known for its non-native transplants. The local food scene is bustling with vibrant, authentic choices from restaurateurs who value fresh, local ingredients and are carving out their own space in a bustling culinary scene.
Phoenix offers an abundance of opportunities to explore regional favorites, eat local, and experience new flavors and delights. We’re pleased to share this “where the locals eat” guide of locally owned destinations that serve up some of the best in Phoenix’s local food community:
COFFEE
La Grande Orange La Grande Orange is an East Phoenix neighborhood and community favorite known for its bohemian vibe, curated general store, pizzeria, grab-and-go breakfasts, and more. La Grande is a local gem that has something for everyone.
Provision Coffee PROVISION is a specialty coffee roaster, cocktail lounge, and restaurant wrapped into one, with locations in Arcadia and Phoenix. Swing by and enjoy the amazing ambiance with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
Kahvi Inspired by Tulum and Scandinavia, Kahvi Coffee in Downtown Phoenix brings an urban, relaxed approach with a premium coffee and light eats.
Lola Lola Coffee is a family-owned coffee shop nestled in a cozy brick building in Downtown Phoenix. You'll find organic and fair trade coffee and teas, delicious baked goods, and a classic coffeehouse vibe!
Giant Coffee Walking distance from the Phoenix Public Library and the Phoenix Art Museum, Giant Coffee keeps their approach simple with their organic, single origin coffee, and high quality ingredients. Bonus points for the art infused space and local pastries that make Giant coffee extra special.
Dark Hall Coffee Located in the heart of Phoenix, Dark Hall offers a 100% plant-based menu of food, fresh baked pastries, and delicious customizable drinks.
Esso Coffee Looking for a midday break? Swing by Esso and enjoy their cozy interior, inviting shady outdoor patio, freshly roasted beans, creative drinks, a variety of pastries, and even locally made tamales! What else makes Esso so special? All of their espresso drinks are made on a 1972 refurbished espresso machine!
BREAKFAST
Phoenix
Matt’s Big Breakfast A diner-style atmosphere that features from-scratch cooking and breakfast favorites made with fresh, local ingredients.
Fame This farm-to-table inspired restaurant offers a busy brunch ambiance and the perfect breakfast menu.
Essence Bakery and Cafe Essence Bakery and cafe infuses local flavors with a touch of European flare.
Gold Rule Cafe This Valley institution is a family-owned gem serving up the BEST homestyle Southern & soul food seven days a week since the 1960s.
Lolo’s Be prepared to wait to experience chicken and waffles. The juiciest, most flavorful fried chicken and the fluffiest, most melt-in- your-mouth waffles in Scottsdale and Phoenix!
West Phoenix
Hash Kitchen Build your own bloody mary at the Hash Kitchen bar and prepare for a craft breakfast unlike anything else — starting with the menu’s The Best F#*%ING Birria Hash.
Coldwater Bakery & Coffeeshop This farm-to-table cafe in Old Town Avondale serves coffee, espresso drinks, fresh-made pastries, bread, sandwiches, salads, and more with garden-grown produce and locally sourced ingredients grown in the back of the cafe on their urban farm.
Mesa/Tempe
Daily Jam Offering breakfast staples and some indulgences (the red velvet waffles being one), Daily Jam does breakfast and brunch right with specialty cocktails that can round out any dish.
Scottsdale
Kaleidoscope Need a natural energy boost? Grab a nourishing cold pressed juice form Kalediscope!
Berdena’s Swing by this hip coffee shop for specialty coffees (like lavender lattes) and pick up a tasty on-the-go breakfast.
LUNCH
Phoenix
Pizzeria Bianco Recognized as the best pizza nation, chef Chris Bianco’s trademark style is one that can’t be missed, featuring local ingredients from our farms. Trust us when we say it is definitely worth the wait to get a table.
Trapp Haus BBQ Voted the best wings in downtown Phoenix, this gem specializes in Hickory Smoked Brisket, Apple-Smoked Rib & Hand Pulled Pork, and Homemade Cured Pastrami.
The Parlor Awarded one of America’s top 25 pizza joints, The Parlor dishes up pastas, award-winning wood fire pizzas, and more made fresh daily.
Testal Inspired by indigenous communities and flavors from Chihuahua, Mexico, Testal Kitchen brings a unique cultural experience to your taste buds!
Fry Bread House Award winning Native American food. The Fry Bread House is Tohono O’odham owned and operated since 1992. Swing by the Fry Bread House to experience classic Indigenous dishes ranging from fry bread tacos, stews, burros, and desserts.
Little Miss BBQ A local bbq staple with two current locations in Sunnyslope and Phoenix. Their award winning, slow cooked, smoked, brisket is not to be missed!
Chula Seafood Fresh Fish Market + Restaurant Features never-frozen, sustainable fish-by-the-pound, including poke, house-smoked fish and daily specials.
Carolina’s Mexican Food Home to the Valley’s best tortillas that are made fresh daily. Carolina’s is a Phoenix institution for Mexican food.
La Piazza Al Forno An unsuspecting award-winning pizza stop, known for its classic wood-fired pizzas and pasta, that was featured on TV’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Mesa/Tempe
Spinato’s Pizzeria This family-owned restaurant, with six locations, uses artisanal ingredients in its Chicago-style pizza pies and mixes in a little Arizona flavor along the way.
Tacos Chiwas Chihuahua-style tacos in an unpretentious setting. Featured on Netflix and every best taco list in the region, Tacos Chiwas is sure to please. Be sure to try the “Taco Chiwas” with beef, ham, jalapeño, Anaheim chiles, and asadero cheese.
Worth Takeaway An East Valley mainstay, their sandwiches are legendary. Their weekly features and “Monday Night Suppers” have portions sizes sure to fill up even the hungriest visitors.
Backyard Taco A restaurant that began in the owners’ backyard now has several locations, and are still cooking up homestyle tacos with deliciously fresh salsa.
Scottsdale
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana Here’s the place to go for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Pomo has received the coveted Versace Pizza Napoletana accreditation.
Tacos Jalisco This no-frills, taqueria-style establishment is family-owned and loved for its flavorful carne asada offerings.
Los Sombreros Los Sombreros brings you elevated contemporary Oaxacan cuisine in a casual atmosphere. This local favorite features an amazing patio dining area and the best margaritas!
DINNER
Phoenix
Belly Phx. A confluence of Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese eating and drinking culture served on small plates for sharing.
Lom Wongs Lom Wongs serves up real thai food that would be found in villages and small towns across the regions of Thailand. Their food celebrates the diverse people and cultures that make up different regions of the country.
CIBO As if their eye-catching salads, antipasto, artisanal wood-fired pizzas, and fresh pasta weren’t enough, the ambiance of the restored 1913 bungalow with exposed brick, stained glass and fireplace sets the mood for an amazing culinary experience.
Kai Kai is the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Arizona. The menu at Kai, which is part of the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, explores the creativity and history of Indigenous culture. Chef de Cuisine Ryan Swanson infuses the flavors of the Pima and Maricopa tribes with locally grown food and ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.
Glai Baan Looking for Thai street food and snacks that you'd typically find in Thailand? This is the place to go to enjoy spicy, shareable dishes that are inspired from the Isan region of Thailand.
George Yang’s Here you’ll find a fusion and a vast menu of Thai, Vietnamese, and Burmese award winning dishes that highlight the delicious food from different regions in Asia.
China Chili Craving Chinese food? This is the spot for authentic award-winning Chinese cuisine in Cantonese, Szechuan, and Hong Kong styles.
Durant’s For over 70 years, Durant’s has been Phoenix's number one place to go for celebrations, serving steak, seafood, specialty salads, and a variety of wines and drinks. Enter through the famous kitchen back door!
Hula’s Modern Tiki HULA'S is a modern, urban twist on the classic tiki bars and restaurants of the 1950s and 60s. Breathe in some cool, tropical air, enjoy their signature cocktails, and take in the indoor/outdoor vibe while enjoying a fusion of Polynesian and American flavors.
The Gladly A contemporary eatery serving up flavorful new-American cuisine, alongside an extensive beverage menu featuring 300+ whiskies and table-side ice balls.
Mesa/Tempe
Mesa Asian District With more than 70 Asian-themed restaurants, markets and businesses, the Asian District in Mesa has fresh flavors for every craving.
Café Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine Authentic Ethiopian coffee and cuisine in the heart of Tempe, with many vegan and vegetarian options.
Hope’s Fry Bread Tasty traditional Navajo fry bread made with love!
Espiritu Cocktails and Comida! They have a cocktail for everyone…check out their menu and you’ll see!
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
Green New American Cuisine If you love vegan comfort food this is the spot to check out. Their best seller is the Big Wac that tastes great with their West Coast fries.
Nami Green’s sister spot offers vegan pastries, tsoynami shakes, and breakfast. Be sure to order their belly filling burritos that are delicious.
Verdura A hip spot with a robust vegan menu, a good selection of local beers and wine, and great music!
The Coronado A hot spot in the local scene. Everything on the menu is great but their cauliflower tacos are simply amazing. A must try.
Earth Plant Based Cuisine Craving some plant-based fish tacos, chimichangas, bbq sandwiches, or burgers? Check out this vegan restaurant treasure where the dishes are made with love!
Dilla Libre This award winning restaurant and food truck group specializes in quesadillas, tacos, and margaritas with a 100% vegan menu! Try the vegan mac daddy dilla!
Pizza Heaven Bistro An award winning Phoenix favorite for over 35 years! Specializing in brick oven pizzas and other Italian classics like lasagna, calzones, meatballs, alfredo and a 100% vegan menu…it’s pizza heaven!
LATE NIGHT
Welcome Diner This late night diner knows how to handle those late night munchies! Come here for classic American fare that emphasizes local ingredients.
Cocina 10 at Crescent Ballroom Known as a live music destination, the restaurant at Crescent Ballroom shouldn’t be missed. Cocina 10 is a scratch kitchen that serves up amazing dishes with many vegetarian/vegan options.
Ziggy's Magic Pizza Shop Ziggy’s is the spot for $2 slices and weekly speciality pizzas. Grab a magic pizza by the slice, or by the pie!
5 & Diner Transport back in time at 5 & Diner! This dining destination is a class go-to with all the offerings to fulfill those late night cravings. Don't forget to try their famous malts and shakes, too!
Cornish Pasty Co Enjoy a variety of Pasties from meat and cheese to lamb and mint. They also have a fully vegan pasty menu too!
FARM TO TABLE/LOCALLY SOURCED
Phoenix
The Farm at South Mountain Counter-style service with an emphasis on local food grown right at the farm. A perfect spot to bring the kiddos and eat outdoors among the pecan trees.
Valentine This must-visit dining destination sources from local farmers and ranchers and offers an eclectic menu that offers an Arizona spin on coffee, cocktails, natural wines, and eats.
Beckett’s Table Sophisticated comfort food that brings the comfort of a home cooked meal with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Southern Rail A casual, warm, and rustic restaurant serving New American classics with a southern twist and proudly sources local.
the larder + the delta Looking for a culinary experience that boasts fresh, Arizona-grown ingredients in distinctly creative ways? The larder + the delta offers diverse dishes made with seasonal, local Arizona produce and highlights how one ingredient can be presented in various ways—taking the unfamiliar and making it enjoyable, and most importantly, evolving the rustic and making it new.
West Phoenix
Litchfield’s at the Wigwam Resort A West Valley food destination where the menu changes based on the seasonality of local ingredients.
Mesa/Tempe
Board and Batten New American cuisine prepared from scratch with fresh locally grown ingredients served in the groves of the north East Valley.
Scottsdale
Arcadia Farms What began 30 years ago as a carryout market and bakery has become a farm-to-table mainstay offering signature omelets, gourmet sandwiches, organic salads and seasonal specialties.
FnB A multiple award winning scottsdale gem tucked inside the charming and historic Craftsman Court, showcasing the best of Arizona's abundant farming and agricultural community and flavorful Arizona cuisine. Charleen Badman, chef and co-owner is one of Arizona’s most celebrated chefs and is a James Beard winner for Best Chef of the Southwest 2019.
BARS & BREWERIES
Phoenix
Greenwood Brewery This woman-owned brewery offers a “powerful and purposeful pint.”
Pedal Haus Brewery Winner of best brewery in the United States! Pedal Haus is a happening spot in Phoenix. After all, what’s better than good food and craft beers in a beer garden or vibey patio?
The Womack Get your groove and cocktail hour on at this Historic 1960s cocktail lounge.
Century Grand Century Grand houses three cocktail bars with a turn-of-the-century theme that serve specialty artisan cocktails in an immersive setting. Enjoy a crafted cocktail in the pullman train car, New Orleans apothecary inspired cocktail bar, or take an adventure to the exotic nautical inspired bar.
So Far So Good A trendy cocktail bar that oozes a distinct mix of 1990s skate and 1970s rock. Come for delicious drinks and groove to songs of your youth.
The Brill Line at The Churchill Expansive elegant quality cocktails, 24 rotating taps, and knowledgeable bartenders makes the Brill your neighborhood go to that boasts a ‘dive bar chic’ vibe.
West Phoenix
Mother’s Bar & Grill Celebrated for its French Dip and its outdoor horseshoe pit, Mother’s Bar & Grill is a low-key dive bar with loads of western spirit.
Mesa/Tempe
Arizona Wilderness Brewpub With multiple locations, this homegrown brewery and pub uses local, natural ingredients for its beers and its food to celebrate all that makes Arizona beautiful — including the landscape.
Scottsdale
AZ/88 Classy cocktails in a chic setting with a fashionable menu rounds out the entire experience at AZ/88, a longtime local gathering spot with indoor and outdoor seating.