Every time I visit the Valley of the Sun, I am consistently amazed by the enticing restaurants popping up throughout the city. Phoenix is becoming one of the most vibrant foodie communities in the United States, and no matter where in the city you find yourself, there is always something delicious to eat! For anyone spending even a few hours, a few days or an extended vacation in Phoenix, here are some of my favourite spots to eat, no matter the time of day! Enjoy the sunshine, desert views and Sonoran hospitality while dining on the best the city has to offer!
Breakfast
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Matt’s Big Breakfast is a staple of Phoenician breakfast time. After initial success at its first location in Downtown Phoenix, Matt’s Big Breakfast has expanded all over the Valley. So no matter where you find yourself early in the morning, there is a Matt’s not far.
Matt’s Big Breakfast has known for its cage-free eggs made “cracked to order.” Their breakfast is served all day, so there is no need to rush out the door. There is almost always a line, but trust me, it’s worth it. The decor combines hipster cafes and high school cafeterias, making the place warm and homey. But be sure to try the Chop and Chick if you’re feeling extra hungry. It comes with two eggs and an Iowa-seared pork rib chop! The enormous waffles are light and fluffy, and the griddle cakes are topped with sweet cream butter – drooling yet? Don’t wait – head down to Matt’s Big Breakfast for some delicious comfort food.
Vovomena
Located in the heart of downtown, just off McDowell Road, is Vovomeena. Vovomeena is a little bit of a hidden gem, and I’m almost one to keep it secret…But such an amazing place can’t keep secret forever. The staff here are so charming and kind, making the experience exceptional. The food is a mix of different flavours. But all inspired by their Portuguese grandmother (who they named the restaurant after.)
One of my favourite things about this place is their Japanese cold brew which is the perfect pairing to all their dishes. My favourite order has got to be their Mexican benedict with chorizo and hollandaise. But if you have a sweet tooth, go for the banana bread pudding french toast – it’s to die for!
Coffee
Lux Central
Lux Coffee, just off Central Avenue, is one of those spots that screams “good vibes!” Walking in here every day feels like walking into a friend’s house. Their coffee menu is vast, but they don’t sacrifice great beans and well brewed coffee for trendy flavours. Instead, they balance a perfect brew and interesting flavour combinations perfectly to create the most delicious drinks. When it’s not boiling out, you’ll find me o the patio Thankfully their interior is huge, so there is always room inside to sit and relax with your morning brew.
Lola’s Coffee
Lola’s Coffee, just off Roosevelt Road, is a stunning family-owned & operated coffee shop that offers up some of the best brews in the city. Their menu is small and simple, but when the coffee is this good, that’s all you need! This spot is always super busy in the morning, so if you are planning on coming, I would warn you that parking is often full. It’s better to walk over or park nearby and stroll down. Their outdoor patio is so charming, and when its this busy, people watching is at it’s best here!
Dutch Brothers
If you’re in the mood for a drive-thru or quick-stop experience but don’t wanna settle for the standard Starbucks, you should give Dutch Brothers a try. Dutch Brothers have some of the best staff I think you’ll meet anywhere in the USA. Their sweet creations consist of variations like “the Kicker” (a blend of silky Irish cream) and “the Carmelized” ( creamy caramel mixed with mocha.) Or, for the daring, give “the 991” a try. It’s a blend of Irish cream and six shots of espresso! And there’s just no beating their darling Dutch iconography on their storefronts and coffee cups.
Copper Star Coffee
If you have more time to relax, stop downtown at Copper Star Coffee in the charming Melrose District. Copper Star is a hip coffee shop inside a converted gas station and mechanics shop. Inside, there are delightful treasures and artworks all over the walls. The eclectic blend of mix-matched furniture makes for a cozy atmosphere. The drinks are unique, and their Lavender Mocha is my absolute favourite!
Brunch
Windsor
Brunch isn’t just for the big cities. There are many places to go for brunch around the city, but the Windsor is one of the best. I love the midcentury decor; the bright red brick walls feel chic and welcoming. Their Highroad Sandwich, made with eggs, belly bacon, tomato & garlic aioli, is pure perfection and the best hangover cure. Their Matador is my favourite, though; two eggs over easy stacked with griddled cheddar potatoes, a crispy tortilla, salsa verde & avocado relish. It feels like the epitome of Phoenix on a plate, a mix of American, Mexican and southwestern flavours.
HULA’S Modern Tiki
In the fashionable Old Scottsdale downtown, you can find this stylish eatery! I am absolutely obsessed with the design of this hip brunch spot! As the name infers, Hula’s offers up Polynesian-inspired food inside an old-school tiki bar-styled interior. I cannot come here and miss out on their French Toast. Unlike anywhere else I’ve been, their french toast is dipped in a coffee-batter before being cooked and then topped with apples and plantain compote! It’s absolutely magical.
While the food is next level, the drinks make this place the best stop for brunch! If you’re visiting with a group, you’ve got to try the Scorpion Bowl! It’s a huge rum-based cocktail served in a bowl for around 2-4 people!
Snacks
Phoenix Public Market Cafe
The Phoenix Public Market cafe in Downtown Phoenix is one of my favourite places to hop into for a snack. Their pastries are unrivalled, and there is nothing like a cup of their cactus iced tea or cold brew coffee on the side of a mountainous pastry. The Public Market is a program of Community Food Connections which came together to create an excellent storefront and weekly open-air market on Saturdays. Since the foodie community came together to create this place, it is no surprise that the food is so good! Try one of their enormous cinnamon buns or homemade pop tarts if you need a sugar rush to get you through the rest of the day.
Lunch
Queen Creek Olive Mill
One of my favourite places to take new visitors for a relaxing and delicious afternoon is the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The Olive Mill is Arizona’s only operating olive mill that makes its own olive oil and associated products. You can tour the mill and see the trees, learn how olive oil is processed and even how they use all kinds of oils in the kitchen. Tours cost $7/adult or $10 with a glass of Prosecco. The tour lasts 45 minutes and runs from midday to midafternoon on the half hour.
Joyride Taco House
Joyride Taco House is one of the most fantastic restaurants in the city. When you walk in the door, it’s like you stepped back in time. The door and stylings are right out of the 70s. It’s the perfect place for a party as it’s very suitable for big groups. The food is ideal for sharing, and the best idea is to order a little bit of everything on the menu and pass it around. It might not be traditionally authentic Mexican food, but it’s a fresh take on classic dishes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Taco Guild
If you know me, you’ll know I love anything medieval. When I saw a taco restaurant in Phoenix inspired by the gothic period’s art and architecture, set inside a historic church, you better believe I was there in a split second! And thankfully for me, Taco Guild‘s food was just as good as the interior decor! as the name implies, the restaurants serve up innovative tacos inspired by a variety of international cuisine that has tacos as an integral part of their daily life.
America’s Taco Shop
Ok, ok, I know, there are a lot of tacos on this list. But that’s the best thing about a trip to Phoenix. Arizona shares its southern border with Mexico. Over the years, so much of the local cuisine has been influenced by immigrants from the state of Sonora in Mexico. America’s Taco Shop was founded by America Corrales, who first came to the U.S. from her native Mexico. She brought a passion for Mexican cuisine, specifically her mother’s hand-written recipes. After opening her first restaurant, her down-to-earth food immediately caught fire with the locals.
Today, there are more than half a dozen locations across the city. The food here feels as close to the real thing as possible; it’s simple, cheap and absolutely delicious. Don’t miss out on a cold cup of horchata (a rice-based beverage flavoured with cinnamon.) It’s the perfect thing for a hot day or to cool down your mouth after spicy salsa!
Dinner
Cibo Pizzeria
The best place in the city for a romantic evening is Cibo Pizzeria. The restaurant is located in a quaint, circa 1913 bungalow. They feature Italian staples, including red & white wood-fired pizzas. My favourite, for those who like it hot, is the Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella and spicy salami! Their unique and modern white pizzas are also very popular, one of the best being the Tartufata, with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle oil. In the evening, the tree outside is covered in twinkle lights, and from time to time, even a local musician will come to entertain the diners under the setting sun.
Fuego at The Clarendon
Attached to the super trendy and retro chic hotel Clarendon, Fuego is a lively restaurant serving a Cuban and Latin-inspired menu with some of the best margaritas and mojitos in town! The Enchiladas and Chile Relleno are my favourites and make me think of Mexico City. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it will often have live music playing, which adds a wonderful touch to the entire experience. If you want to guarantee a meal with music, you can always call to check.
The Mission
For dinner, head over to the Mission, which is situated right beside the old Spanish Mission site. The decor inside the restaurant is dark and mysterious. A large Himalayan salt block wall and the twinkle of candlelit chandeliers welcome you inside. The Mission serves up a mix of modern and traditional Latin cuisine. Don’t skip their Wagyu pastrami taco; truly a decadent experience.
Dessert
Churn
If there’s one thing people know about Phoenix, having visited or not, it is hot. Scorching, in fact. And there is nothing better to cool you off on a hot summer than a creamy and refreshing ice cream cone. And Churn does it better than anyone else. Their rotating, innovative flavours mean that you can come back all the time and always find something new to try. But they always have the classic on hand, such as; Cookies & Mint, Sweet Cream and Butter Pecan. Rotating flavours you HAVE to try if you get the chance are Whiskey Toffee Pecan, Peaches ‘n Honey, Mexican Chocolate (which has a little spice) and Oatmeal Cookie Dough. All the flavours are made from all-natural ingredients. You can feel a little better when scarfing down on this sweet treat!
Melt
Melt is another one of my favourite ice cream shops. Just off the trendy Roosevelt Row, you’ll find Melt has some of the most interesting and unique flavours found anywhere! Everything from Butterbeer, pina colada sorbet, maple bacon, jolly rancher, apple pie, blueberry, banana nut and Vietnamese coffee can all be found here! Plus, all their ice cream is served inside those classic Chinese take-out containers, which adds to the quirky delights this shop offers!
Shakes & Cones
For dessert in Scottsdale, head over to Shakes & Cones. While Scottsdale is mostly known for its upscale dining, Shakes & Cones still feels like a simple family joint. They make small batches of soft-serve ice cream and even offer non-dairy options for vegetarians. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here, just simple ingredients that highlight the fantastic flavour of their ice cream.
What are your favourite places to visit in Phoenix? There’s always something new to try in this ever-growing foodie city, so take a chance and see if you find yourself eating at the next hot spot.
Happy Travels, Adventurers
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