3 Stars

Homey, comfort, and traditional Italian eating is the name of the game at La Fontanella. Guests are welcomed by open arms of Chef and Owner Isabella who was born in Italy and opened the Phoenix branch in 1982 after her family’s success with the Chicago location. Italian music is in the air, Italian art adorns the walls, and Tuscany and Sicily influence is throughout the family recipes that make up the menu. Healthful and delicious dishes with are the main focus of Isabella’s kitchen and the product is unique to other Italian restaurants.

Zest is a unique gem of a neighborhood restaurant, a cross between upscale elegance and casual friendliness. Husband-and-wife team Charles Seo and Lee Jun offer an innovative menu peppered with truly unique, eclectic, and flavorful dishes. Grilled scallops are prepared with Jerk seasoning and tomatillo chipotle tartar sauce, a lamb shank is wrapped in grape leaves and braised in a Syrah tomato sauce with goat-cheese cream sauce, and a consistently raved-about pork chop is flattened, breaded with Panko and served with a cranberry orange chutney. The setting is as refreshingly eclectic as the cuisine, with a laid-back loft-like vibe that …

As part of the Wigman Golf Resort and Spa, Red’s Steakhouse was named after the property’s honorable longest tenured golf professional, Red Allen, whose photos grace the walls, as well as historic memorabilia. The restaurant follows the classy yet comfortable them of the dreamy resort. Chef De Cuisine, Michael Scott prepares authentic Arizona style American cuisine, from southwestern skillets to prime rib, seafood, steaks, chops and burgers. Ample seating options, live entertainment, happy hour, and special offers like Prime Rib Night buffet and Martinis & Manicures keep locals and guests intrigued and coming back for more!

Latitude 30 Pacific Rim Cuisine mixes Asian cooking with ingredients from the Pacific coast. This fusion cuisine is served within a mariner- themed and nautical ambiance located in the Arizona Grand Resort. The menu offers creative and unique dishes like Chinese BBQ Fired Double Lamb Chop with Pan Flashed Lup Chong Potato Cake and Fresh Herb Infused Lamb Jus. Latitude 30 focuses on using garden-fresh produce, farm-raised meats, and native seafood in their eclectic culinary style. On the upper level of the restaurant, guests can find the fusion lounge which stays open later than the dining area. Latitude 30 is …

The Arizona Kitchen at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa faithfully embodies the essence of local Southwestern culture, history, and cuisine. With a menu informed by the chef’s consultation with a Native American food historian, the Arizona Kitchen pays homage to the rich diversity of Arizona’s past while simultaneously capturing its contemporary spirit through culinary reinterpretation of traditional dishes. Its inviting décor, characterized by Saltillo-tiled floors, Native American pottery, and an adobe fireplace, completes the Southwestern ambience. The exhibition-style kitchen reinforces the warm, intimate, homey feel of the restaurant, while the masterful dishes created within are indicative of the skillful …

Portland’s proverbial mantel has been stacked high with awards for years: “Best Upscale Casual Dining 2005” and Phoenix Magazine’s “Best 50 Dishes” are only a couple of the distinctions it has received. This contemporary American cuisine hot-spot shines with the sophistication and charm of its smart décor, and the refined imagination of its menu. Most French fries are simply cut potato wedges – Portland’s are award-winning reasons to visit. Similarly, dishes like the Salmon Salad and the Eggplant Napoleon are savory reminders that truly wonderful and unpretentious food still exists. The icing on this culinary cake may just be Portland’s …

Traditional Greek fare and revelry are celebrated nightly at Bacchanal. Family-friendly belly dancers demonstrate their exquisite craft while diners feast on a delightfully classic menu of Greek favorites. Lamb, veal, beef, chicken, and seafood are balanced nicely on the menu to offer something for almost any palate. The equally comprehensive selection of Greek spirits inspires all with a taste of the Meditteranean – Metaxa, Ouzo, Tsipouro do wonders to get the festivities going. And this truly authentic celebration of a dining experience even provides dishes for the iconic breaking-of-the-plate ritual. Opa, indeed!