After living in Gilbert, Arizona for the past 20 years, we have gathered a list of our favorite go-to spots to grab a bite to eat.
Whether you’re heading out for a date night, girl’s lunch, or family night this weekend, we’ve rounded up a list of the best restaurants in Gilbert and the Phoenix East Valley.
*Updated July 26, 2024
15 Best Restaurants in Gilbert & the East Valley
Table of Contents
- Joe’s Farm Grill
- Joe’s Real BBQ
- Topo
- Liberty Market
- The Gilbert House
- Queen Creek Olive Mill
- Caldwell County BBQ
- Hash Kitchen
- Chon Thai Food
- The Coffee Shop
- Fire & Brimstone
- Culinary Dropout
- Social Birdie
- Ghost Ranch
- Source
Joe’s Farm Grill
Joe’s Farm Grill was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Gilbert and the one place we always take out-of-town guests.
Most of the ingredients are locally sourced, including fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are grown at The Farm at Agratopia next door.
Meats such as beef, chicken, and other ingredients are sourced from local farmers when possible.
The restaurant is housed in the original Johnston residence. The renovated 60’s era ranch-style home, turned burger joint, still holds the same modern mid-century charm.
We also love the outdoor seating with cafe lights strung over picnic tables. It’s a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
They even offer $12 off your meal on your birthday, just bring in your ID or birth certificate.
Order the Buttermilk Pancakes for breakfast and the Pan Pizza or Southwest Burger with Sweet Potato Fries for lunch. Top it off with the featured seasonal milkshake.
Joe’s Real BBQ
Joe’s Real BBQ is created by the same people behind Joe’s Farm Grill.
They serve the best barbecue and down-home cooking around. The meat is smoked to perfection over Arizona pecan wood.
We also love the location in Gilbert’s charming historic downtown district.
The food is served up cafeteria-style inside the red brick building that used to be a 1920s grocery store.
Head outside where you’ll find picnic tables and a grassy area with lawn games.
Order the pulled pork sandwich or BBQ ribs with homemade mac & cheese or a jumbo baked potato on the side. Save room for a slice of warm cobbler!
Topo
Topo is also located right next door to Joe’s BBQ and has become an iconic spot in Gilbert’s Heritage District.
This small Route 66-inspired roadside food stand has walk-up ordering and outdoor seating.
Topo is known for its burritos, prickly pear ice cream, and the giant gopher that hangs out on the roof.
The menu is simple but delicious. The burritos are bursting with flavor, and their burrito bowls are equally delicious.
And you have to try the prickly pear ice cream, it’s a unique Arizona treat.
If you’ve never tasted it before, it tastes similar to raspberry-flavored ice cream. I would also highly recommend getting your cone dipped in the lime-flavored coating!
They have a few other ice cream flavors to choose from, along with a monthly featured flavor.
Liberty Market
Liberty Market is located right across the street from Joe’s BBQ and features the same historic charm.
This building was once a 1930s grocery store that served the early residents of Gilbert.
Today it is a trendy eatery that has been tastefully designed with both indoor and outdoor patio seating.
Liberty Market’s award-winning chefs take pride in creating one-of-a-kind dishes using the freshest local ingredients.
New dishes are regularly added to the menu so there’s always something different to try. This spot is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Order the Wood-Fired Turkey Sandwich with Roasted Sweet Potato Salad, the Pretzel Twist with White Cheddar-Beer Fondue, or a Wood-Fired Pizza.
The Gilbert House
The Gilbert House is the cutest brunch spot in the heart of historic downtown Gilbert.
This family-owned restaurant is located inside of a charming restored farmhouse and is a fixture in the community. It has been run by Susan Wright and her family for the past 18 years.
Susan grew up on a dairy farm in South Dakota where she learned from her mother and grandmother how to cook from scratch using fresh ingredients.
She has brought her love and talent for making fresh home-cooked meals here to Gilbert.
Each dish on the menu is made with fresh high-quality ingredients that are locally sourced when possible.
The Gilbert house is open for breakfast and lunch, and they also sell a selection of baked goods.
We especially love the Spicy Chorizo Omelet, Green Chile Omelet, Eggs Benedict, Hearty Scramble, and the homemade Cinnamon Rolls.
They also offer seasonal dishes like the Apple Pancakes drenched in homemade apple cider sauce in the Fall!
While you are in downtown Gilbert, check out our guide The Best Things to Do in Gilbert for some fun recommendations!
Queen Creek Olive Mill
This restaurant is located on a working 100-acre family-owned farm that is the only producer of 100% extra virgin olive oil in Arizona.
The Olive Mill provides a farm-to-table experience as they serve up delicious fresh pasta, sandwiches, salads, and pizza.
The food is served out of the old farm shed that has since been transformed into an eclectic restaurant.
They have plenty of outdoor patio seating and you can even play a game of bocce after your meal.
I recommend any of the homemade pasta dishes, Margherita Pizza, or the Antipasto Board.
They also serve some of the most authentic gelato that we’ve found outside of Italy! For more of the best places to get a sweet treat, check out these 13 Best Desserts in Phoenix East Valley.
Be sure to visit their farm store where you can take home some fresh-pressed olive oil.
You can buy a loaf of Italian bread and then use it to taste-test the variety of oils and spreads that they have available to sample before deciding which ones you want to purchase. Our favorite is a combination of strawberry and dark chocolate olive oil.
You can also take a tour to learn more about how the farm works.
Caldwell County BBQ
Caldwell County BBQ has brought authentic Texas barbecue brisket to Arizona.
The once-residential ranch home has been renovated into a charming farmhouse-style restaurant.
We love the food just as much as we love the ambiance!
Everything on the menu is delicious, but we recommend the Brisket with Lemon Poppyseed Cole Slaw, Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich, and homemade Mac & Cheese.
I would also highly recommend checking out their newer restaurant, Caldwell County Mexi-Q for the same delicious BBQ, but with a Mexican twist!
Hash Kitchen
Hash Kitchen is one of our favorite spots for a girl’s brunch.
We love the trendy decor and fun vibe. There is even an in-house DJ booth!
The menu has a fun twist on traditional dishes, like waffles topped with a sugar cone. The portions are huge and can easily be shared.
Our favorite menu items are the Banana Spilt Brioche French Toast or Canoli Pancakes for something sweet, and the Avocado Toast Hash Style for something savory.
And be sure to order the Cannoli Doughnuts!
Chon Thai Food
If you’re craving good authentic Thai food, then Chon Thai will hit the spot!
The location is unassuming inside of a corner strip mall, but the space is simple and clean.
The restaurant may not be fancy, but they do serve flavorful Thai dishes that will keep you coming back for more.
The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly.
Order the Tom Kha Chicken soup, it is some of the best you’ll ever have!
The Green Curry, Pad See Ew, and Pad Thai are also incredible.
The Coffee Shop
The Coffee Shop is a favorite neighborhood hang-out in Gilbert’s Agritopia community.
It has a chic industrial-modern vibe with both indoor and outdoor patio seating.
They are known for their cupcakes that took first place on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.
But all of their pastries and homemade baked goods are mouthwateringly delicious.
In addition to their bakery items, they also have a full breakfast and lunch menu.
The dishes are made using fresh ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from the gardens in Agritopia.
For breakfast, try the Indio Breakfast Sandwich, Papa’s Burrito, or the San Diegan Omelette.
For lunch, order the Southwestern Chicken Sandwich, Chicken and Bacon Panini, or the California Club Sandwich.
Fire & Brimstone
Fire & Brimstone is located inside the trendy Barnone food hall at Agritopia Farm.
They serve up some of the best wood-fired pizza in the East Valley.
The ingredients are locally sourced, with much of the produce coming straight out of the dirt from the Agritopia Farm next door.
The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and desserts. It’s perfect for a date night or girls lunch!
After your meal, be sure to check out the collection of shops at Barnone featuring some of the finest craftsmen and makers in Gilbert.
There is even a vintage photo booth where you can take home a memorable keepsake.
The Agritopia Farm Store is also located next door. Here you can find farm-fresh produce and specialty gifts.
The farmer’s night market is also held every 2nd Wednesday from 5-8 pm during the late fall and winter months.
Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout is located in vibrant downtown Gilbert where you’ll find the perfect marriage of delicious food and a fun environment.
This is one of the best restaurants in Gilbert to meet up with friends for a celebration, or just enjoy a fun date night.
Culinary Dropout is part of the well-known Fox Restaurant Concepts, so you know the food will be top-notch.
For the appetizer, you have to order the pretzel bites with provolone fondue!
For your main dish, the Pub Burger, 36-Hour Pork Ribs, Fried Chicken, and Shaved Prime Rib Dip are all solid choices.
Be sure to save room for the Mississippi Mud Pie or Monkey Bread for dessert!
After your meal, enjoy the lawn games on the covered outdoor patio while listening to live music.
*Related post: Check out our guide for 101 Things to Do in the Phoenix East Valley for a comprehensive list of things to do in the Valley.
Social Birdie
Social Birdie is a newly renovated space that opened in January 2024. It is located at the Las Colinas Golf Club in Queen Creek.
The chic interior is stylish and sophisticated with thoughtful details.
It also has a great outdoor space overlooking the expansive golf course and San Tan Mountain Range. The patio has fire pits and lights strung overhead for the perfect evening ambiance.
You’ll even find live music on the weekends, perfect for a date night or dinner with friends.
The space is still undergoing renovations with pickleball courts, an Airstream food truck, outdoor games, and possibly a swim club in the works.
Not only is the restaurant darling, but the food is delicious and the presentation is beautiful.
For breakfast, try the Belgian Waffle, Organic Avocado Toast, or the Huevos Ranchero.
If you are coming for lunch or dinner, order the Hanger Steak Sandwich, Social Birdie Burger, or the Pappa Bolognese & Burrata.
Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch in Tempe offers an inviting ambiance and warm hospitality with modern Southwest decor and friendly service.
They specialize in modern Southwestern cuisine and their mouthwatering dishes are packed full of flavor.
You’ll find hearty Western favorites on the menu, such as their Cowboy Steak, Chimayo Chile Braised Pork Enchiladas, and Green Chile Burger.
I love the Aztec Cake with layers of tortillas, chipotle chicken, Oaxaca cheese, sweet corn, roasted green chiles, and topped with crema.
If you’re looking for something light, I recommend the Citrus Salad with Salmon. The grilled salmon is placed on a bed of baby arugula with sliced citrus fruit, quinoa, cucumbers, avocado, candied pepitas, and topped with goat choose and a drizzle of citrus vinaigrette.
Save room for dessert and indulge in their Churro Ice Cream Sandwich or Coconut Tres Leches!
Source
Source is a craft kitchen located at Gilbert’s trendy Epicenter. The head chef, Claudio Urciuoli, was nominated for the James Beard Award in 2022 for the Best Chef in the Southwest.
The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch dough. You’ll find a variety of artisan pizzas, salads, bowls, sandwiches, soups, and freshly baked bread.
You must try the Hummus + Flatbread as an appetizer, it’s the best hummus we’ve had in the valley and pairs perfectly with the crispy flatbread.
The housemade pizza is also a favorite. The crust is perfectly chewy and the fresh toppings take it to the next level.
The casual restaurant has walk-up ordering and outdoor patio seating. Be sure to pick up an extra loaf of homemade bread to take home with you!
I hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best restaurants in Gilbert and the East Valley. For more restaurant recommendations, check out these guides:
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