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I've lived in Phoenix for more than 10 years — here are 8 of the best places where you should actually eat
I've lived in Phoenix for more than 10 years — here are 8 of the best places where you should actually eat
Wendy Rose GouldJan 31, 2023, 18:26 IST
The dining hall at Steak 44, a fine-dining steakhouse in central Phoenix.Steak 44.
Phoenix's dining scene has something for everyone, from cocktail bars to Mexican and Italian cuisine.
Here are a local's favorite places to eat and drink in town, including the latest local openings.
One of the biggest misconceptions I've heard from visitors in Phoenix is that they expect the majority of the good restaurants in the city to put some a spin on traditional Mexican or Southwestern fare, thanks to the city's destination in the American Southwest. And while I think we nail both of those categories with flying colors, I know that my home city also features may more cuisines from across the globe.
As a resident, it's been exciting to eat at new openings around town, which run the gamut from award-winning pizza parlors to quirky cocktail bars. Nine Phoenix restaurants and chefs were semifinalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards, and one included on my list of favorites won for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Another thing I love about dining in Phoenix is that our restaurants seem to have mastered the art of ambiance. Al fresco dining is popular year-round thanks to outdoor misters in the summer and outdoor heaters in the winter.
I'm always game to try a new restaurant, but the real test for a favorite for me is if I want to visit the same place over and over again. These eight places pass that test and set the bar with delicious dishes and enchanting spaces, and I think they're must-tries for every visitor.
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Palma
Dining outside at Palma in downtown Phoenix.Wendy Rose Gould
Pizzeria Bianco
Classic margherita pizzas from Pizzeria Bianco.Wendy Rose Gould
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Bacanora
Bacanora is another restaurant that's new to the Phoenix scene. It received a lot of buzz after opening in early 2021, and was nominated for the 2022 James Beard Foundation Awards.
It's a small venue on the west side of downtown on Grand Street, located in a unique triangular-shaped space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sonoran native chef Roberto Centeno whips up dishes over an open flame, and keeps the menu centered on Mexican comfort eats like pollo asado, tostadas and burritos with carne asada, and rotating daily specials.
I recommend a classic burrito, and think it'd be a bad move to skip ordering a side of the elote, corn on the cob which comes hot and topped with crema, lime, and spices.
Steak 44
Steak 44 is an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant.Steak 44
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Bitter & Twisted
The 'Tropic Like It's Hot' cocktail at Bitter & Twisted.Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
Lux Central
Lux is a hip coffee house and wine and cocktail bar in a large, industrial building in midtown Phoenix. I used to spend a lot of time here when I lived in the area, thanks to its large menu, free Wi-Fi, and long hours.
It's open from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends. In my experience, it's buzzy all day long, with shifting crowds for early morning coffee, brunch, and late-night drinks. The meals are simple American fare like steak and eggs, tomato soup, and grilled cheese, and they also sell house-roasted coffee beans sourced from around the world.
I also appreciate how Lux brings together an eclectic clientele. When I've been, in one corner there's always a group of students working on a project, in another an entrepreneur working away on a laptop, and across the room a meetup of local creatives. It has a welcoming, communal energy that I think every coffee shop should strive for.
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Ocotillo
The crispy falafel dish from Ocotillo.Ocotillo
The Mission Old Town
If I'm looking for a place to eat in Old Town Scottsdale with good character and tasty dishes, I go to The Mission. This restaurant is located next to the historic Old Adobe Mission, built in 1933, and I think it perfectly nails the laidback but sophisticated atmosphere that Phoenix is known for.
The interior is dimly lit by candlelight and a wall of Himalayan salt blocks, and outside there's a cozy beehive fireplace. The pan-Latin menu includes chilaquiles and pozole for brunch, and tacos and Peruvian fried rice for dinner. I'm a huge fan of the fish tacos and margaritas, and every time I visit I order the table-side guac, which is made in front of you so you can customize additions like onion, pepper, and seasonings.