Dinner

Yasu Sushi Bistro

Address: 4316 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032
Yasu Sushi Bistro
$$
If you’re looking for a little hidden treasure among Phoenix’s fine dining options, you might have to search in unexpected places to find what you’re looking for. Tucked away in a strip mall, Yasu Sushi Bistro is a little taste of Japan right here in Phoenix. Yasu is known for a few of their specialties, including Bacon-wrapped Scallops, Shrimp Fondue and Foie Gras with Japanese Eggplant. Alongside a tempting cocktail menu, Yasu also specializes in sumibiyaki, grilled fish, meats, and vegetarian options. Though the interior is small, this attributes to a cozy but intimate dining environment. Yasu is open seven …

Tomaso's

Address: 3225 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
Tomaso's
$$ Top 10
Be seated among authentic Tuscan country brickwork columns and gaze at original artwork by Aldo Luongo, as you are skillfully and eloquently served genuine regional Italian cuisine. Tomaso’s has been indulging its guests for over 30 years and that experience shines through in the food as well as the service. With our ever-changing tastes, it is not often that a restaurant excels for 30 plus years, but Tomaso’s has remained steadfast in their commitment to serve fine Italian cuisine and they have been rewarded for their efforts. Along with a James Beard Award, Tomaso’s has been given 4.7 out of …

The Capital Grille

Address: 2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
$$ Top 10
Classic mahogany furnishings and refined touches in the Capital Grille’s décor complement the equally refined and welcoming menu of rich dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and a proud array of side dishes. Located in Baltimore Fashion Park, this meat-centric eatery boasts a club-like atmosphere in the main dining room and a patio by which to savor balmy Phoenix nights. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio is seductive, the Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin is captivating, and the Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon is simply invigorating. And while dishes like these demand attention, the thoughtful selection of side offerings has earned its own fan …

True Food Kitchen

Address: 2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
True Food Kitchen
$$$
Health nuts never fear—there’s a restaurant in town that has everyone talking at yoga practice. It’s called True Food Kitchen, and this organic, fine-dining eatery has a modern, nature-inspired interior with a menu full of premium, healthy options for any diet. To become the most popular restaurant of the Fox Restaurant Concept, owner Sam Fox teamed up with health specialist and best-selling author Dr. Andrew Weil to create a menu that is both health-conscious and satisfying. Dishes here show the more nutritious side of fine dining, but the quality, presentation and flavor are not cut short. True Food Kitchen offers …

FEZ

Address: 3815 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
FEZ
$$ New
In the heart of central Phoenix lies FEZ, an ultra sleek and urban center for Mediterranean and Moroccan infused American cuisine. FEZ, an Award Winning restaurant in Phoenix, combines one-of-a-kind spices and fresh ingredients to create tempting and flavorful selections that can satisfy your cravings. In addition, FEZ hosts special events for both music and food, complete with a life DJ for late night parties. Fans rave about their signature Pomegranate Martini and FEZ burger, and alongside their full bar, lustrous lounge and spacious outdoor patio, FEZ is the ideal place for trendy, upscale bar food with a Middle Eastern …

1130: The Restaurant

Address: 455 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
1130: The Restaurant
$$ New
1130: The Restaurant, named for the suite it occupies in the Downtown Arizona Center, offers casual elegance at affordable prices. Owned and operated by the same group as longtime favorite Sam’s Café, the restaurant seeks to provide diners with diversity coupled with health conscious preparation. 1130 boasts Downtown Phoenix’s largest private dining room as well as contemporary patio dining, complete with outdoor sofas. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, 1130’s menu offers an assortment of menu options. Whether you’re enjoying a mouthwatering burger or a juicy Ribeye with one of 1130’s complimentary Phoenix Style rubs, the staff at 1130: The …

noca

Address: 3118 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
noca
$$$ New
Named for its north of Camelback location, NOCA is owner Eliot Wexler and Chef Chris Curtiss’ adventurous brainchild. Serving unpretentious American fare with flair, they are steadily building a reputation among foodies and non-foodies alike as innovators in creative cuisine. Meals commence with a crafty amuse bouche, and a puff of cotton candy serves to cleanse the palate between entrees and dessert. Curtiss is an expert at using the freshest ingredients on the market in a harmonious fusion of the senses. Coupled with a sparse yet comfortable dining room and impeccable service, this experience is not to be missed.

Pasta Bar

Address: 705 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Pasta Bar
$$
The Pasta Bar not only has a simple name but the restaurant’s concept is simple as well: to feature handmade pastas that serve as the centerpiece of every dish. The Pasta Bar places all the emphasis on its main attraction by offering a modest menu that features meat as an accompaniment to their authentic Italian pasta. The finest ingredients are paired with the immense talent of Chef Wade Moises to create unique and flavorful dishes. Located in the cultural and arts center of Downtown Phoenix, the Pasta Bar is classic Italian cuisine with distinct modern touches.

The Turf Restaurant and Pub

Address: 705 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
The Turf Restaurant and Pub
$$
There’s no need to cross The Pond for authentic Irish fare and hospitality when The Turf Restaurant serves up hearty helpings of both each day. The rich pub culture is preserved through fitting artifacts of watering holes of old, and sport enthusiasts are rewarded with The Turf’s steadfast commitment to Ireland’s love of horse racing and golf. Old friends unite and new friendships form around the welcoming menu that warms the tummy and soul. The Traditional Irish Breakfast starts the day off right, while the Bangers and Mash keeps one fueled for good times. And the Guinness keeps smiles wide.

District American Kitchen and Wine Bar

Address: 320 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
District American Kitchen and Wine Bar
$$
Hoping to serve as the proverbial watering hole for locals and visitors alike, District offers a communal gathering place to indulge on good company, and great food and drink. Chef Nathan Crouser specially selects his produce from local farmers who care as much about what they grow as he cares about what goes on the plate. Small plates like the Steamed Mussels and Cheeseburger Sliders go down nicely with some fine conversation and a glass of wine from the thoughtful drink menu; and entrée dishes like the Chicken Pot Pie and the Organic Berkshire Pork Tenderloin beg to be selfishly …

Sens Asian Tapas and Sake Bar

Address: 705 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Sens Asian Tapas and Sake Bar
$$
Downtown Phoenix, once painfully devoid of personable eateries, is seeing a reemergence of fine and expressive dining options largely through the efforts of Chef Johnny Chu. Chef Chu is responsible for opening more than one Cinderella-story restaurant in the neighborhood, and continues to wow patrons with his latest endeavor, Sens. This chic Pan-Asian eatery serves up healthy helpings of style with a small plate menu that invites visitors to share and indulge alike. Home-style dishes like the Soup Gyoza and claypot favorites like the Lemongrass Clams keep diners’ appetites satisfied, while the extensive sake and shochu selection keeps our interest …

Pizzeria Bianco

Address: 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Pizzeria Bianco
$$
Notorious for their long lines and long wait, customers keep coming back to Pizzeria Bianco for their famous pizzas, salads and brews. All pizzas are oven roasted, and even though there are only 6 selections to choose from, each option is eager to please, more notably their popular Rosa Pizza with red onion, parmigiano reggiano, rosemary and Arizona pistachios. Pistachios on a pizza? Full of surprises, the modestly simply Pizzeria Bianco will leave your belly satisfied.

Posh

Address: 7167 E. Rancho Vista Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Posh
$$
As is the case with most artistic endeavors, improvisational cooking can be incredibly challenging, and wildly rewarding. Chef and Owner Joshua Hebert knows firsthand how involved the task is to create a unique daily menu for his restaurant, Posh, and gladly accepts the challenge. The availability of seasonal local produce and meat largely dictate what ends up on the plate, and Chef Hebert crafts intriguing flavor combinations from every ingredient he touches to infuse each dish with a “one-of-a-kind” touch. Past favorites have included the Mushroom Braised Veal and the Red Wine Poached Salmon.

Rancho Pinot

Address: 6208 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Rancho Pinot
$$
Comfort food is celebrated by Chef Chrysa Kaufman and the patrons of Rancho Pinot, where seasonal regional ingredients grace the contemporary bistro-style American cuisine menu. Chef Chrysa heads the Phoenix chapter of Slow Food, and infuses her food with the value of the dining table as the center of pleasure, culture, and community. The menu balances rustic elegance with refined technique in dishes like the Nonni’s Sunday Chicken and the Hand-Made Pasta. An extensive and thoughtful wine list accompanies the heart-warming menu, and entices the palate with selections that promise to both challenge and reward the taste buds.

Elements

Address: 5700 E. McDonald Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Elements
$$$
The five senses are held captive by the memorial dining experience this restaurant hopes to plate daily. The stunning mountain views and stylishly refined décor of the dining space entice the eyes, while the sense of taste and smell are entertained by Executive Chef Beau MacMillan’s American cuisine menu. Guests of the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, and visitors exclusively to this fine dining spot, may savor flavors of the season all day. Sunday Brunch selections include the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Old Fashioned Irish Oatmeal. Dinner guests may revel in the backdrop of an awe-inspiring sunset while …

Bourbon Steak

Address: 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Bourbon Steak
$$$
Desert rusticity melds with classic sophistication to create the finely balanced décor and cuisine of famed Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Visitors to this Scottsdale oasis may be struck first by how seamlessly the architecture and décor marries natural elements like cacti and budding shrubbery with the sleek and contemporary lines of minimalist design. And diners will certainly notice how artfully Executive Chef Sean Griffin combines comfort food classics with refined technique. Dishes like the The Whole Fried Chicken For Two and the Maine Lobster Pot Pie are reassuringly familiar, yet intriguingly polished.

Houston's

Address: 2425 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Houston's
$$
Regarded as a popular place to go see and be seen, this contemporary American chain does what so few restaurants of its kind manage: it keeps people coming back. With a strict philosophy of using the freshest ingredients from local farms and purveyors, they serve up gracefully presented dishes in a modern setting. Stained wood, burnished brass, dim lighting, and a trendy crowd reel people in, but it’s the friendly service and delicious meat, fish, and chicken that has people returning. And if you happen to chance into one of this location—don’t forget to try their famous shoestring fries!

The Greene House

Address: 15024 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254
The Greene House
$$ New
For a taste of California with Arizona style, The Greene House is the place to go. Known for using farm-fresh, seasonal and premium ingredients, the menu options here are well priced and cleverly crafted for a taste that has elements of both Southwestern styles with contemporary, Californian flare. Named after architects Charles and Henry Greene, who designed this restaurant, The Greene House takes the form of a California bungalow, providing an intimate, one-of-a-kind dining experience. What draws people back is the simplicity in design and décor, the flavor of each individual dish, and the extensive list of high-quality wines. For …

Sophie's French Bistro

Address: 2320 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Sophie's French Bistro
$$$
A relaxing, enjoyable eating experience can be found at Sophie’s French Bistro. The interior is reminiscent of a classic French countryside while the food is innovative and flavorful. Ideal for a romantic date, Sophie’s uses premium ingredients for their classic French dishes, presented elegantly and served on a simple white table cloth. Don’t expect a quick turnaround, though—Sophie’s cuisine is meant to be enjoyed and savored slowly, just as classic French meals are meant to be. If food is pleasure, then this is a place to appreciate.

Rustler's Rooste

Address: 8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044
Rustler's Rooste
$$
A western-themed attraction and restaurant all in one can be found at Rustler’s Rooste, a kid-friendly, novelty steakhouse and brewery straight out of the Wild Wild West. Opened in 1971, Rustler’s Rooste is Arizona’s Legendary Cowboy Steakhouse, complete with 2 stories, live country music and a general store. They serve only the finest, choice-cut steaks as well as ribs, chicken, and seafood. With a large food and drink menu, this “beef and brew with a view” was named “Best Special-Occasion Restaurant” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by Phoenix Magazine. Open every day from 5PM-10PM.