If you are a fan of green and red chillies sauces, Mexican-style chorizo sausage, hefty burros and sauce-soaked enchiladas, then find your way here. The Mexican comfort cuisine is inexpensive and the service is fast and friendly. It gets extremely busy here at lunch, so come early or plan to wait. Though the decor is simple, it offers a full range of Sonoran-style Mexican dishes such as burros, enchiladas, tacos, plus hand-made tamales and tortillas.
Occupying a historic 1929 building in popular Heritage Square, Pizzeria Bianco is one of the many establishments opened by celebrated chef Chris Bianco. As its name implies, the restaurant's focus is pizza, with pies made from handcrafted mozzarella and topped with the finest produce from local sources. The restaurant has the classic Margherita or the slightly adventurous Rosa, made with onion, parmigiano, rosemary and AZ pistachios. The best time to visit is lunch because dinner service is usually crowded. The pizza at Pizzeria Bianco is outstanding, particularly if you can discern the aroma of fresh ingredients sourced locally, the smoky, woody flavor imparted by wood-fired ovens and the iridescence of the olive oil on the oven-fresh pizza. Rationalizing cost by writing off the intrinsic and ambient specialties of the pizza would not do justice to the chef’s nature, Italy, which is where each variation has a backstory.
Oregano's Pizza Bistro in Old Scottsdale keeps growing by leaps and bounds. A full range of creative pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers are served in a setting that draws people like a magnet. Their oven fresh pizza cookie dressed with vanilla ice cream is a must have when you are here. There is definitely something for everyone here at this inventive pizza bistro.
Located next to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, AZ/88 has some delicious American fare on offer. The menu offers a good selection of entrees, burgers, salads and desserts. Try the Las Brisas burger with jalapenos and avocado, or Elsa's chicken, which is smothered in bell peppers, pecans, and honey/mustard sauce. Salads include Cobb, shrimp, spinach, Caesar or chicken salad varieties. Team these up with their delectable martini. Another intriguing aspect about AZ/88 is that they display bold art pieces which are conversational starters in themselves.
Voted one of the best BBQ joints in the entire United States, anyone looking for a taste of the south should head right over to Bobby Q's. The comfortable interior is full of cushy booths, exposed brick and weathered wood, evoking almost a roadside pit BBQ feel. Diners can indulge on platters of St. Louis or Texas style ribs, smoked beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked sausage. And of course don't forget the sides like mac 'n cheese, mashed potatoes and cole slaw. If a big platter of meat just isn't your thing, don't worry because Bobby Q's also serves all kinds of hot sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish and more.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's nowhere better in the Phoenix Metro area to enjoy that meal than the Original Breakfast House. This diner has a bit of a retro feel, but the food can hold up in any decade. Fuel up for your day with omelettes, raspberry chocolate chip pancakes, chilaquiles and so many more choices. If it's a bit too late for breakfast, OBH also serves a lunch menu with items like burgers, sandwiches, tacos and salads. And for the young ones, there's a kid's menu so they can get their perfectly sized portion.
This little sandwich shop in downtown Mesa has a small menu that features primarily sandwiches, however it also has a small breakfast menu and the kitchen offers whole or half rotisserie chickens. A couple of sandwich options include the rustic Cuban served on Ciabatta bread or the delicious Reuben with Havarti, pickled Mustard Dijonnaise and house-made sauerkraut. To accompany your sandwich, the kitchen provides soup daily with a different recipe or you can add a simple green salad. Additionally, the shop also sells nitro cold-brew coffee which just so happens to go perfectly with your meal.
If you happen to be in Laveen then the best way to begin your day is by making a visit to Sunrise Donuts cafe. They serve some of the best donuts, croissants, sandwiches and boba drinks. All donuts served are big and decorated with a variety of toppings. The must try’s are the Maple bacon donuts and the toasted coconut donuts. All eatables are reasonably priced and the staff is helpful and friendly.
If you are a hot dog fan then Simon’s Hot Dogs is a perfect stop for you. This little eatery is known for serving premium quality hot dogs filled with fresh vegetables and succulent meat varieties. They offer gourmet hot dogs and combos, burger & subway combos, fries, sides and desserts. You can also grab a drink from their beverage menu while relishing on one of your favorite sandwiches at this restaurant. With a casual setting and a helpful staff, Simon’s Hot Dogs is a great stop to enjoy a quick and affordable bite in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Located in the Civic Center Plaza, Cool Gelato Italiano is a hidden gem that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to Old Scottsdale. Owners Letizia di Lucia and Alberto Della Casa have more than 35-years in the food industry and their gelato follows strict standards from the Old Country. The list of flavors is exorbitant and exotic, where guests can choose from Fior di Latte, Pistachio, Cappuccino, Hazelnut, the list is extensive and it changes according to season. The menu also features sorbets which are water-based and some of the flavors include Apple, Banana, Blueberry, Raspberry, etc. Overall, a nice spot to find especially during those sweltering Phoenix summers.
As most people speed down Scottsdale Road, it's hardly surprising that many miss this nondescript Italian eatery in South Scottsdale. Most of the locals inside would like to keep it that way, lest anyone find out how wonderful this place is. For decades, DeFalco's has functioned as a trattoria as well as a mini supermarket. On the menu, guests will find options like sandwiches, cannoli, pasta, pizza, calzones, salads and plenty of Italian vino. They also stock a wide variety of meats, cheese, homemade sausages, sauces, local wine, cannoli, and much more which you can also purchase.
With a mission to provide comfort and nourishment to all, Café Monarch does not have an a la carte menu like many other restaurants. Guests can select their courses as per preferences and allergies, and these will be prepared fresh by the experienced chef. Known for its inviting ambiance, their patio area is a favorite among patrons. Mostly focusing on American soul food, this is one place where taste meets quality. The elegant ambiance makes it an ideal place to celebrate special occasions with your loved ones.