Must-see restaurants in Arizona

  • Tito & Pep

    Tucson

    A mid-20th-century-modern throwback in Tucson's midtown, Tito & Pep features John Martinez' chef-driven fare hot off the mesquite-fired grill: think lamb…

  • The Cafe

    Southern Arizona

    This cafe east of the Hwy 82/83 junction is a breezy place to nosh after a day of wine tasting, bird-watching or scenic driving. Salads, sandwiches and…

  • Boca Tacos & Tequila

    Tucson

    While Boca looks divey from the outside, the cuisine leans gourmet, with fillings like lime-and-chipotle shrimp, curried cauliflower and chicken mole all…

  • La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

    Phoenix

    Buzzing from daybreak until well after sundown, this bustling gourmet market, bakery, cafe and pizzeria is good for a muffin and coffee at breakfast, a…

  • Haunted Hamburger

    Arizona

    This beloved hamburger joint, perched high on a hill and often packed, has only grown in popularity over the years. Come here for awesome views, solid…

  • Fresh Mint

    Scottsdale

    What? Never had kosher Vietnamese vegan? Well, there's always a first time – and if it tastes anything like the food at Fresh Mint, you'll want to get…

  • Windsor

    Phoenix

    With buzzy energy spilling from its central bar, relaxed, efficient staff, craft beers, $5 'pitchas' till 5pm daily and a great take on upscale comfort…

  • Shelby's Bistro

    Southern Arizona

    The patio at Shelby's is a friendly place to relax after a hard day of shopping and museum hopping. Serving mainly salads, wraps and gourmet pizzas, it's…

  • Mesa Grill

    Sedona

    Yes, it's a bit odd to choose to eat at an airport, on a patio next to airplanes, but 'airport' is a misnomer – it's really more of a landing strip for…

  • Local Juicery

    Sedona

    This contemporary spot in West Sedona offers salads, quinoa bowls and tantalizing cold-pressed juices to cure what ails you. Try the Super Human (with…

  • Blazin' M Ranch

    Arizona

    Near Dead Horse Ranch State Park, here you can yee-haw with the rest of them at chuckwagon suppers – in the dinner barn – paired with rootin' tootin'…

  • Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink

    Tucson

    This gourmet pizza and wine bar has big ideas and mostly manages to deliver on them. Housed in a former funeral parlour (note the chapel-like arches in…

  • Andreoli

    Scottsdale

    Opened by Calabria-born Giovanni Scorzo, this Italian deli has a perpetual line out the door, and for good reason. Whether you grab a panino to go or one…

  • Grand Canyon Coffee & Café

    Kaibab National Forest

    Inside the Red Garter Inn, this cafe slings classic breakfasts, sandwiches and a smattering of Mexican dishes. The canyon burrito includes scrambled eggs…

  • Wildflower Bread Company

    Sedona

    The line seems to be perpetually out the door at this Arizona chain, easily Sedona's best choice for an inexpensive meal at any time of day. Buffalo…

  • Bright Angel Bicycles & Cafe at Mather Point

    Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

    Grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, snacks and coffee drinks from the bike-shop cafe – the best spot to pick up a last-minute lunch to throw in your…

  • Karma Sushi Bar

    Flagstaff

    A slick sushi bar with low lights and black lacquer, Karma is known for its tasty, reasonably priced rolls – try the Lucy, a signature concoction of…

  • Nana's Sandwich Shoppe

    Arizona

    Order at the counter of this busy sandwich shop in the heart of Wickenburg. The God-fearing folks here load ’em up right, from the Mustang (hot pastrami,…

  • Churchill

    Phoenix

    Repurposed shipping containers set the scene for this outdoor food hall and hangout space. Get in line at one of the food truck–style eateries …

  • Red Onion

    Arizona

    This diner in Havasu's 'uptown district' is great for breakfast – omelets such as the Sonoran (chorizo, olives, red onion, mushrooms and cheddar) deliver…

  • River City Grill

    Arizona

    Chic, funky and gourmet, with a shaded outdoor patio in back, the River City Grill does a good take on bouillabaisse, and scores points with vegetarians…

  • Gathering Grounds Cafe

    Southern Arizona

    Did somebody say breakfast bowl? This baby comes with green chili, cheddar and two eggs atop grilled potatoes, plus meat if ya' want it. At lunch look for…

  • Los Dos Molinos

    Phoenix

    Near the foot of South Mountain in a Spanish Mission–style house is this far-flung outpost of New Mexican cuisine. The menu sticks to the basics – tacos,…

  • Farm Provisions

    Arizona

    Charred cauliflower with red-pepper hummus, smoked chili tacos drizzled with cilantro aioli, and grilled portobello and asparagus are just some of the…

  • Da Boyz Italian Cuisine

    Arizona

    This popular downtown Italian eatery with big burgundy booths works well for a variety of travelers: solos, couples and girlfriends on getaways. It's also…

  • Flower Child

    Phoenix

    It may be a chain, but it’s healthy, inexpensive and so, so good – veg out on salads, ancient grain bowls, pho and delectable small plates, plus kombucha…

  • Red Raven Restaurant

    Kaibab National Forest

    The most upscale dining experience you'll find in Williams. There's a fair amount of meat on the menu (the lamb brochette with chimichurri and broiled rib…

  • Essence

    Phoenix

    Look for French toast and egg dishes at breakfast, and salads, gourmet sandwiches and a few Mediterranean specialties at lunch. The eco-minded cafe…

  • Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In

    Arizona

    The Snow Cap is a Route 66 institution. The crazy decor is only the beginning. Wait until you see the menu featuring cheeseburgers with ‘dead chicken.’…

  • Diablo Burger

    Tucson

    This satellite of Flagstaff's popular burger joint does a mean patty of open-range, locally sourced beef. Try the Big Daddy Kane, with sharp cheddar,…

  • Darbi's Cafe

    Arizona

    This might be the most popular restaurant along the Mogollon Rim. It's hard to tell what locals love more: the yummy, stylized American food, or owner…

  • Pane Bianco

    Phoenix

    Part of the Pizzeria Bianco empire, Pane is a top spot for an artisan sandwich. Enjoy salads and sandwiches (the housemade mozzarella with wood-roasted…

  • Bisbee Breakfast Club

    Southern Arizona

    The breakfasts at this longtime favorite are super-hearty and served with unfussy solicitude. The house-corned beef hash with two eggs, home fries,…

  • ¡Dos!

    Southern Arizona

    Quick and easy, this branch of Wisdom's Café features street tacos, Sonoran dogs, burritos, tamales, margaritas and homemade ice cream. Good selection of…

  • Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge

    Grand Canyon Region

    Not the best sushi or maki rolls you'll ever have, but this blue-hued, ultra-cool hideaway will hit the spot after a hot and dusty day of exploring…

  • India Spice N Bar

    Arizona

    No trip to London Bridge would be complete without some curry – come to India Spice to catch up on all those Bollywood videos you’ve been missing, paired…

  • Cameron Trading Post Dining Room

    Arizona

    A good place to try the Navajo taco (frybread topped with whole beans, ground beef, green chili and cheese), the Cameron Trading Post Dining Room also…

  • Westside Lilo's Cafe

    Arizona

    Come here for superfriendly service and good American grub, plus German options that reflect Lilo's heritage. You'll be in trouble the minute you spy the…

  • Plaza Bonita

    Kaibab National Forest

    Part of a small chain, this colorful spot serves up thoroughly satisfying plates of Mexican food, with smothered burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and combo…

  • Sugar Bowl

    Scottsdale

    Get your ice-cream fix at this pink-and-white Valley institution, serving house-made flavors in cones, cups and sundaes since 1958. There's also a full…