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 exceptional eateries for the traveling foodie. From BBQ restaurants to fine dining and authentic Thai gems, you’ll find an array of great food places in Phoenix that will leave you wanting more.

So, get your cutlery ready as we serve up the top 10 restaurants in Phoenix. Ready? Let’s tuck in!

1. Valentine

4130 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

This James Beard-nominated restaurant serves a delicious selection of wood-fired Sonoran cuisine. Ideally located in Melrose, Valentine is one of more popular restaurants in Central Phoenix 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 savory Danish. For something more filling, head over in the evening and try something from their extensive dinner menu – perhaps the beet salad or smoked chicken.

Find out more

2. 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 celebrates the local landscape, farmers, and Southwest community. Menu dishes include wagyu tomahawk ribeye served with bone marrow butter, and vanilla flan for dessert.

Book a spot

3. 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 melted cheese – or you could have it powdered with sugar and cinnamon or covered with honey or chocolate and butter. 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?

Discover more

4. Little Miss BBQ

4301 East University Drive Phoenix, AZ 85034

Situated less than a five-minute drive from Phoenix Airport, this casual BBQ restaurant is every meat-lover’s 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 smoked pecan pie and banana pudding.

If you fancy a drive further into Phoenix in your rental car, there’s also a branch located in Sunnyslope.

Reserve your table

5. 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 in 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 a berbere waygu flat to smoked awaze chicken, and the much-loved Southern pound cake. To top your meal off, enjoy live music Friday to Sunday.

Learn more

6. Wren and Wolf

2 North Central Avenue, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Another one of the best restaurants in downtown Phoenix, Wren and Wolf, is a sophisticated yet welcoming eatery offering a distinct dining experience. Located in the thick of Renaissance Square, this unique restaurant serves modern American cuisine under a low-lit space filled with taxidermied animals and striking[HL1]  murals.

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. The restaurant also has a brunch menu, with plenty of delicious options, making Wren and Wolf a strong contender for one of our best brunch spots in Phoenix.

Book today

7. Lom Wong

218 East Portland Street, Phoenix AZ 85004

In the mood for something different? Take your Phoenix car rental to Lom Wong restaurant. Celebrating Thai culture, this welcoming restaurant aims to celebrate the diverse people and cultures of Thailand with dishes sourced from villages and small towns across the region. Set in a black bungalow next to the Cambria Hotel, this eatery is owned by a couple, Alex and Yotaka “Sunny” Martin.

Here, you’ll find authentic 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 squid, tomatoes, and a range of vegetables.

Find out more

8. Kai Restaurant

5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona 85226

Kai restaurant is the perfect destination if you’re looking for fine dining. Situated in the prestigious Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, this restaurant has received five stars from Forbes and five diamonds from AAA – making it one of our must-eat restaurants in Phoenix.

Not only can you enjoy exquisite Native American-influenced cuisine, but you can also take in the picturesque views of the Komatke Mountain Range backdrop.  Treat your taste buds to gratifying dishes like the grilled tenderloin of American bison or seared scorpionfish kachk.

Browse the menu

9. The Arrogant Butcher

2 East Jefferson Street #150, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Next on the list is the Arrogant Butcher. Arguably one of the best restaurants in Downtown Phoenix, here you’ll find impeccably crafted American food. Take your pick of a range of delicious appetizers from buffalo chicken wings to crispy brussels sprouts, before the main dining experience.

Entrees include everything from butcher’s meatloaf to battered rock fish and chips. If there’s room for something sweet, the old-fashioned cobbler and sticky caramel cake are a must. Grab your friends, family, or loved ones and reserve a table to enjoy quality food among good company.

Book a table

10. Miel De Agave Phoenix

705 North 1st Street #110, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Last but certainly not least is Miel De Agave Phoenix. Enjoy delicious dishes at this soulful Mexican restaurant in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. A fan favorite among diners seeking an energetic atmosphere, Miel De Agave Phoenix promises a vibrant dining experience.

Chef specials include short rib birria, surf n turf, and 28-oz grilled angus tomahawk steak. A tasty selection of burgers, tacos, and salads can also be found on the menu. Desserts include a classic warm, triple chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and the cheesecake cookie dough with caramel salt sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Discover more

So, there you have it, the top 10 restaurants in Phoenix 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 the top restaurants in Phoenix, 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.