13 of the Best Places to Eat in Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix boasts a diverse and award-winning food scene.

From Nationally acclaimed restaurants, neighborhood eateries, and local hole-in-the-wall joints, you are bound to find something for everyone’s taste buds.

While there is an extensive list of incredible restaurants, this guide helps narrow down 13 of the best places to eat in Phoenix!

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*Updated January 2023

13 of the Best Places to Eat in Phoenix

Table of Contents

• Pizzeria Bianco
• The Henry
• Palma
• Casa Corazon
• Welcome Diner
• The Churchill
• The Vintage Arcadia
• Luci’s at The Orchard
• Federal Pizza
• Cocina Madrigal
• The Farm at South Mountain
• Chelsea’s Kitchen
• La Grande Orange

Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco is a cute neighborhood pizzeria located at Heritage Square in the old historic Baird Machine Shop.

What many people don’t know, is that their pizza has been rated as the best pizza in America by Rachel Ray, Vogue, and Bon Appetit!

Pizzeria Bianco has also been featured on the Food Network, Oprah, and Martha Stewart.

Jimmy Kimmel even loves the pizza so much that he had chef Chris Bianco on his late-night show to demonstrate how he makes his legendary pizza.

While it can be pretty hard to rate the best pizza in America, there’s no arguing that the perfectly charred and chewy wood-fired crust, fresh mozzarella, and housemade sauce are a winning combination!

And be sure to save room for dessert. The Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream is divine and rich enough to share!

The Henry

The Henry is one of the most photogenic restaurants in Phoenix with the perfect mix of sophistication and modern industrial elements.

You’ll find floor-to-ceiling damask curtains, brass table lamps, crushed velvet banquets, textured plaid wallpaper, and Tiffany Blue wainscotting.

It almost makes you feel as if you stepped inside a posh London library.

The rich furnishings are set against exposed ductwork and pipes, cinderblock walls, and a lofted ceiling which give it a modern industrial vibe.

The Henry is part of the Fox Restaurant Concept, a “Creative Culinary Community”, that includes some of the best restaurants in Phoenix, so you know the food will be good too!

For breakfast, order the Rancheros Breakfast Bowl or Caramel Apple French Toast.

If you are visiting for lunch, try the Sprouts & Squash Salad or Roasted Turkey French Dip Sandwich.

For dinner, order the Spicy Tuna & Crispy Rice appetizer and Braised Short Rib.

While the dining room is spacious, this is one of the best places to eat in Phoenix so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

They also offer a small coffee shop to the right with walk-up ordering if there are no tables available.

Palma

Palma is the newest hot spot that just opened in March 2022 and is already one of the best places to eat in Phoenix.

This hidden oasis is located on a nondescript street in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. As you enter through the wooden gates, you’ll feel like you just discovered a secret garden.

Just steps from Phoenix’s concrete jungle is an “urban botanical sanctuary” with a nursery of swaying palm trees filling the restaurant’s breezy courtyard.

Time slows down as you enjoy the laid-back vibe with the large outdoor bar, lounge chairs, and tables shaded with sun umbrellas.

Large glass doors open up to the patio, revealing a sophisticated indoor space.

With cozy sage-colored banquettes, an indoor-outdoor bar running the length of the space, and the coolest hologram wall that changes to a night sky once the sun goes down.

There is even a chic walkway that leads to the bathrooms and a secret entrance to the neighboring Châm Pang Lanes retro bowling alley, one of Phoenix’s best hidden gems.

And for more hidden gems, check out our guide 10 Secret Spots in Phoenix!

Now that we’ve established that the space is ultra-aesthetic, let’s discuss the food.

The Asian-infused dishes are packed with flavor and the presentation will have your mouth watering before you even take a bite.

We ordered the Chili Garlic Noodles, Popcorn Chicken with Thai-lime Curry, and Thai-curry Fries with Chili Mayo and everything was amazing!

Be sure to save room for dessert, the Butterscotch Ube Banana Split was mind-blowing! Who would have guessed that ice cream made from a purple yam would taste so good?!

And for more of the best places to get a sweet treat, check out these 13 Best Desserts in Phoenix East Valley!

Casa Corazon

Casa Corazon made the list of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2022 and it lives up to the hype! It is located in Central Phoenix inside a warm and welcoming space.

The interior of the restaurant is cozy and intimate, you’ll feel like you’re pulling up a seat at the family kitchen table.

Not only is the ambiance on point, but the food is amazing! Casa Corazon takes pride in serving authentic Mexican dishes using fresh locally sourced ingredients.

You HAVE to order the enchiladas, the sauce is so good you’ll want to drink it.

The sizzling fajita plate with homemade tortillas is also delicious. Be sure to also sample the variety of fresh salsas available at the salsa bar.

The dining room is small and there can be a long wait on the weekends. They do not take reservations so plan to arrive early.

They also have outdoor seating when the weather is nice.

Welcome Diner

Welcome Diner is a darling 1940s-inspired diner in Phoenix’s historic Garfield neighborhood.

They offer a true farm-to-table experience with all their ingredients locally sourced.

The dishes are made from scratch and offer a delicious twist on traditional American favorites.

For breakfast, channel your inner child and order the Pebbles French Toast drizzled with a condensed milk glaze and topped with Fruity Pebbles.

Or if you are having decision paralysis, you can’t go wrong with the classic Welcome Breakfast consisting of a buttermilk biscuit, eggs, and country potatoes.

For lunch or dinner, the Welcome Burger is always a good choice, but step out of your comfort zone and try an order of Jackfruit Fries on the side.

They also take a delicious twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich.

Three different kinds of cheese are smothered in a southwest tomato jam and grilled to perfection between two slices of sourdough bread. It is unbelievably delicious!

If you have dietary restrictions, the Tofu Scram-bowl and vegan chocolate chip cookies just may be the best you’ve ever had.

Enjoy your meal inside the trendy diner, or you can eat outside on the spacious patio.

The Churchill

The Churchill is an open-air urban food court. What makes it especially unique is that the vendors serve food and drinks from repurposed industrial shipping containers.

Here you’ll find a collection of ten restaurants, bars, and shops for a fun dining alternative in Phoenix.

The Brill Line is a neighborhood bar named after one of Phoenix’s old streetcar lines.

If you’re craving something fresh, Foxy Fruit serves up organic acai bowls and smoothies.

Freak Brothers Pizza specializes in hand-crafted wood-fired pizza made from fresh dough daily.

So Far, So Good is a 90s grunge-inspired cocktail bar with a hint of 70s groove.

Provecho brings the taste of Central Mexico to the streets of Phoenix with fresh traditional dishes like ceviche, shrimp tacos, and chips with homemade guacamole.

And Stoop Kid keeps it simple with mostly just bagels, burgers, and coffee on their menu. But these are some of the best bagels and burgers in Phoenix!

The Churchill also provides a space for the community to host events throughout the month, so be sure to check the calendar!

You’ll also find some cool murals in the alley behind Churchill, known as the 1 1/2 St Mural Project.

If you are interested, there is a fun Street Art Tour that you can take in the Roosevelt Row Arts District for only $26.

The Vintage Arcadia

The Vintage Arcadia is the cutest neighborhood market and diner.

The marketplace serves as a brick-and-mortar store for the popular Junk in the Trunk boutique.

You’ll find curated collections of home decor, clothing, and artisan jewelry, as well as vintage antiques.

The Chestnut, which used to be on 44th and Camelback, has now moved into this space and serves fresh dishes using local ingredients.

For lunch, try the Bacon Avocado Burger, or Chicken Salad Sandwich. For breakfast, the Lemon Ricotta Waffles or Banana Pancakes are a must!

Live music is often playing and there is an outdoor space with a giant Jenga set.

The Chestnut is open daily from 8 am-4 pm with extended dinner hours Wednesday through Saturday until 9 pm.

Luci’s at The Orchard

If you’re looking for delicious food served in a beautiful setting, then head to Luci’s at The Orchard.

This cafe and marketplace are located inside one of Phoenix’s original historic ranch houses.

It opens up to a beautiful garden patio surrounded by a citrus orchard. There is even a splash pad and the original canal that once irrigated the central Phoenix farmlands.

You’ll find that the food and ambiance are both top-notch at this urban cafe.

The menu consists of traditional dishes like salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and all-day breakfast. The locally-sourced ingredients are fresh and produce an elevated quality in the dishes.

The marketplace is filled with unique gifts and local goods, along with fresh pastries.

You’ll even find a vintage ice cream shop selling Italian gelato if you want to grab a sweet treat after you eat!

The patio is also dog friendly and they even have free dog treats for your pup at the register.

Luci’s at The Orchard is the sister restaurant to Luci’s at The Grove, one of the Best Places to Eat in Scottsdale!

Federal Pizza

Federal Pizza is a cool restaurant housed inside the old 1950s First Federal Bank building that gives off mid-century modern vibes.

It has a fun atmosphere with the most delicious wood-fired pizza. It even made the list of “Yelp’s Top 100 Best Pizza in the US” in 2024.

In addition to their pizza, they also serve delicious sandwiches, pastas, and salads. For appetizers, we love the Crispy Mozzarella balls, Cheesy Garlic Bread, and Tuscan Panzanella Salad.

You can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas, but the Margherita, Flaming Lips, and Casanova are popular choices. If you like deep-dish pizza, go with Gus’s Straight Up Pan Pizza.

Cocina Madrigal

Each year Yelp comes out with its list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the US, and in 2022 the #1 spot went to Cocina Madrigal in South Phoenix.

The local neighborhood restaurant is owned by Chef Leo Madrigal who first discovered his love for cooking as a teenager growing up in Mexico City.

He brought his culinary passion and skills to Phoenix where over the past 30 years he has served as a corporate chef at Z’tejas Grill and helped develop the menus at several other Valley restaurants.

In 2018 he opened his own restaurant, Cocina Madrigal, and it was an instant success. In 2019 it made the list of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in the country and by 2022 it snagged the #1 spot!

The intimate space isn’t fancy, but it is always packed because the food is THAT good!

Cocina Madrigal specializes in homemade enchiladas and handcrafted tacos. Everything is made from scratch, down to the tortillas and salsa.

You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but a few of our recommendations include the Beef Birria Enchiladas, Wild Mushroom Enchiladas, Barbacoa Green Chili Enchiladas, Pork Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Oaxaca Fundido, and of course the homemade guacamole and salsa.

Be sure to save room for the Bavarian Cream Filled Churros with Anglaise and Caramel Sauce and Coconut Cream Pie for dessert!

The Farm at South Mountain

This working Pecan farm and gardens provide an authentic Farm-to-table experience.

Enjoy a fresh seasonal brunch on the outdoor patio at the Morning Glory Cafe.

Or visit The Farm Kitchen’s walk-up counter. Choose from an assortment of delicious artisan sandwiches, fresh soups, seasonal salads, and made-from-scratch baked goods.

They have outdoor picnic tables, or bring a blanket and set off to explore the Pecan Grove to find the perfect picnic spot.

Be sure to pick up one of the lawn games available at The Farm Kitchen pick-up window to enjoy as well!

The restaurants are closed in the summer, but you can still visit The Shed next to the Soil & Seed Garden every Saturday from 9 am -1:00 pm to purchase fresh produce, herbs, eggs, and flowers.

*Related post: For more recommendations, check out our guide 10 of the Best Restaurants in Mesa!

Chelsea’s Kitchen

Chelsea’s Kitchen is found in the popular Arcadia neighborhood and is owned by the well-respected LGO Hospitality. It is the epitome of delicious food with a great ambiance.

Every dish is handcrafted using only the freshest high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced when possible.

The meats are prepared on a woodburning rotisserie and grill, and they even have their own smoke yard.

You can smell the aroma of the smoked meat as you walk by in the parking lot. It will have you salivating before you even take a seat!

Every dish is over-the-top delicious, but they are known for their taco platters, particularly the short rib and ahi tuna.

For the appetizer, you have to try the skillet cornbread. It is perfectly moist with a crisp buttery edge that will make you swoon.

And don’t skip dessert! Their culinary confections and homemade gelato are made fresh daily in the LGO Bakery just down the road.

The key lime pie and red velvet cake are the two most popular choices.

This six-layer red velvet cake with vanilla bean gelato completely melts in your mouth.

The ingredients are of the highest quality, with no artificial flavorings. You would never guess that the red velvet cake is colored with beet juice instead of red dye!

The restaurant itself is housed in a 1940s adobe brick building that is believed to have once been a dance hall.

The cozy interior features rich wood details, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling draperies.

The outdoor patio has a wood-burning fireplace and string lights overhead for the perfect romantic dining experience.

Just be sure to make reservations as the tables fill up quickly!

La Grande Orange

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria is located in Phoenix’s delightful Arcadia district.

The collection of shops is part of the La Grande Orange Hospitality Group (LGO), which also owns Chelsea’s Kitchen. It includes a curated neighborhood grocery store, bakery, pizzeria, and bar.

Stop in at La Grande Grocery to shop for specialty gifts and food items. They have a great grab-and-go menu and a display case filled with mouthwatering desserts.

You’ll love the Commuter Sandwich or French Pancakes for breakfast, and the Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich with a slice of Key Lime Pie for lunch.

And you can’t leave without purchasing a package of their homemade English muffins. They are the best English muffins you will ever eat!

The La Grande Pizzeria is known for its homemade sourdough crust and locally sourced ingredients. Try the Roasted Corn Pizza or Green Chile Burger.

They have indoor dining at the Pizzeria or limited outdoor seating.

After you eat, pop into the Cake Shop for fresh-baked goodies and pastries.

Their cookies are almost the size of your head and worth every delicious calorie! The French Sea Salt Chocolate Chip is my favorite.

This bake shop is where many of the desserts are made for the previously mentioned Chelsea’s Kitchen. The six-layer red velvet cake is our favorite!

*Related post: Check out our guide 16 Best Restaurants in Gilbert and the East Valley for more recommendations!

There are so many incredible restaurants in the city, but I hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best places to eat in Phoenix!

And if you’re looking for hotel recommendations, check out our guide 13 Best Places to Stay in Phoenix!

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