Best restaurants in Phoenix

If you’re taking a trip to Arizona’s capital city, you won’t want to miss out on the taste experience it has to offer. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the US, and it’s jam-packed with excellent eateries for the travelling foodie to try. From BBQ restaurants to fine dining and authentic Thai gems, you’ll find an array of places to eat in Phoenix that will leave you wanting more.

So, get your cutlery at the ready as we plate up some of the best restaurants in Phoenix to visit. Let’s tuck in!\

Valentine

4130 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

This hybrid Southwestern restaurant serves up everything from pastries to wholesome plates – and your favorite cup of joe. Ideally located in Melrose, Central Phoenix, Valentine is an all-rounder restaurant that’s loved by many. This unique destination is part coffee shop, part restaurant and part lounge, and offers a cozy space for you to tuck into some delectable dishes. Fancy something light? Have your favorite hot drink with a sticky bun or coconut corn cookie. Want something more filling? Head over in the evening and try something from their extensive dinner menu – perhaps the foie gras or bison tartar tostada.

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Tia Carmen

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, 5350 East Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Located in the esteemed JW Marriott hotel, Tia Carmen is a wonderfully elegant restaurant that wows customers as soon as they walk through the door. With Bohemian desert décor and a dazzling menu, this restaurant is a must visit for travelers to Arizona’s capital. The eatery is named after Chef Angelo Sosa's aunt, and the menu is inspired by the lessons she taught him about the values of food and family. Popular dishes include wagyu tomahawk steak crusted with bone marrow butter and the buñuelo de viento dessert.

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The Fry Bread House

4545 North 7th Avenue. Phoenix, Arizona 85013

First opened in the 1990s, this long-time favorite restaurant is a Phoenix staple. The Fry Bread House serves up stews, tamales, and of course their signature hand-stretched, plate-sized fry bread served folded up like a giant taco. They offer both sweet and savory options, so you can have your fry bread with meat, beets, or cheese – or you could have it powdered with sugar and cinnamon or covered with honey or chocolate. This restaurant is so loved in the city and beyond that it’s won the James Beard Award for America’s Classics. What more can you want for an authentic Arizona culinary experience?

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Little Miss BBQ

4301 East University Drive Phoenix, AZ 85034

Situated just a three-minute drive from Phoenix Airport, this casual indoor-outdoor restaurant is every meat-lovers dream. Plating up succulent, finely barbecued chopped brisket, pork ribs, sausage links, tasty sides and much more. You’re sure to enjoy every last bite. They even offer some of America’s favorite desserts like pecan pie and banana pudding. If you fancy a drive further into Phoenix, there’s also a branch located in Sunnyslope.

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Latha

628 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

With a name that means ‘flavor’ in Swahili, you can expect nothing more than tantalizing tastes from Latha restaurant. Arguably one of the best restaurants downtown Phoenix, this Pan-African eatery uses authentic recipes and responsibly sourced seasonal ingredients to make each visit one to remember. Choose from their contemporary menu and select anything from berbere strip steak to turmeric and cumin chicken tajine, and the much-loved southern pound cake. To top your meal off, you could get serenaded by one of the performers at the live music stage on the weekend.

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Wren and Wolf

2 N Central Ave #101, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Another one of downtown Phoenix’s best restaurants, Wren and Wolf is a sophisticated yet welcoming place with fantastic dishes for everyone to indulge in. Located in the thick of Renaissance Square, this low-lit, romantic offering serves up modern American cuisine with an elegant twist that’s sure to make an impression. Order from their bread service menu to start your meal off right, then choose from enticing dishes like wild boar Bolognese, lobster tagliatelle or the 12-hour braised oxtail pappardelle. Compliment your meal with a wholesome side like truffled mac & cheese or German potato dumplings.

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Lom Wong

218 E Portland Street, Phoenix AZ 85004

In the mood for something different? Take a trip to Lom Wong restaurant in central Phoenix. Celebrating Thai culture, this welcoming restaurant aims to showcase authentic south Asian cuisine with dishes sourced from different villages and small towns across the region. Set in historic bungalow on Roosevelt Row, this eatery is owned by couple Alex and Yotaka “Sunny” Martin. Here you’ll find true Thai dishes like Pad Kwang Toon (stir-fried garlic, tofu, bok choy and Thai chili) and Tom Yum Haeng Sen Yai, featuring stir-fried wide rice noodles with langoustine and a range of vegetables.

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Kai Restaurant

5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85226

Last but certainly not least, Kai restaurant is the place to be if you’re looking for fine dining. Situated in the prestigious Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, this is the only restaurant in Phoenix that’s received five stars from Forbes and five diamonds from AAA – making it one of the best places to eat in the city. Not only can you enjoy exquisite Native American-influenced cuisine, but you can also take in the picturesque views of the desert in the background. ‘Kai’ is the Pima word for ‘seed’ which reflects that all the dishes are made with locally grown produce. Treat your tastebuds to gratifying dishes like grilled tenderloin of American bison or seared duck roulade.

Browse the menu

So, there you have it, the best places to eat in Phoenix listed for you to take your pick from. Whether you feel like some hearty, authentic American cuisine or fancy trying something new, each of the restaurants mentioned above will satisfy your cravings.

Get to know more about Phoenix

Now that you know about Phoenix’s best restaurants, why not discover the best places to stay? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Phoenix to ensure your trip is one to remember.