Lux is a coffee lovers' ultimate paradise. Unique, exotic, local and international blends are all available at this coffee bar located at the North Central Avenue. Although coffee is the highlight, enjoy fresh baked goods every morning as well as light bites and savory mains for lunch and dinner. On the walls, find works by local artists that change every week giving the place an art-gallery like feel. Free Wi-Fi allows you to catch up on work while on your coffee break and the friendly staff makes every customer feel at home. They also have an outdoor seating area. Open till the late, Lux is one of the best places in Phoenix for your caffeine fix.
In-the-know locals frequent this unassuming little wine bar in the Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood (there are two others as well, one in Gilbert and the other in Central Phoenix). In a city buzzing with strip mall cuisine, Postino is hidden in a residential neighborhood, where the kitchen serves wonderful helpings of the Italian countryside, the Napa Valley, the South of France, and the Mediterranean coast. The wine selection rotates every few months, but Californian and Italian labels are the most common, with a few French wines and a handful of Argentinian ones added for good measure. Beer lovers can also appreciate the superb selection, including the stellar Hazy Little Thing IPA on draft or a rotating selection of craft beers.
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.
Renowned for its diverse menu and craft cocktails, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap is a go-to destination for those seeking a distinctive dining experience in the city. Since opening its doors in 2011, this family-run establishment has strived to combine locally sourced ingredients with creative flair to deliver delicious American cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here, the dining area is a celebration of space, with a layout that ensures a lovely dining experience while still fostering a sense of community. Thus, come here with friends and family to enjoy a mouthwatering meal.
Located in the posh Kierland Commons shopping district, Press Coffee Roasters needs no introduction among Phoenicians. Here, the art of making coffee is highly valued, where every cup is handcrafted with beans roasted in small batches. You can sign up for the various tasting and coffee-related events held regularly, to get an insight into the whole process. With a variety of African, Espresso, American and decaf coffees, there is ample choice for everyone.
Vegetarians and vegans often get stuck with very few choices when they go out to eat, but at Green they are free to try the entire menu! This restaurant is entirely vegetarian and vegan, but the dishes are so tasty even carnivores won't miss the meat. On any given day diners might find items like jerk tofu salad, BBQ "chicken" sandwich (made with mock chicken), and bowls packed with protiens, veggies and delectable sauces. There's also a gluten free menu, so everyone can make the most of their dining experience. Greens also carries Tsoynami soy-based ice cream so you don't have to miss out on dessert!
The Italian fare plated at Ve Bene mesmerizes in taste, color and texture. Romanticizing Italy in terms of decor and hospitality, Ve Bene produces classics that punctuate each course of meal. From the Gamberoni con Prosciutto or Calamari Fritti as appetizers, the familiar Margherita or decadent Frutti di Mare as pizzas options or Gnocchi alla Vodka and Veal Piccata as hearty main courses, the menu pleases each and everyone. Complementing the food is a handsome selection of wines, paired perfectly by the expert sommelier. The restaurant is the preferred choice for meals with loved ones and special occasions. The unique pillar-less bar is excellent for drinks and a bit of socializing. For more on the food and services, call ahead or check out their website.
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.
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.
If you are looking for ingredients to make hummus, or you need a pound of olives, Haji Baba Restaurant & Grocery is the place to visit. The grocery is full of imported items you can't find anywhere else and the fresh olives are pickled on-site. If you stay to eat, the menu is filled with specialties from the Middle East, from the Arabic coffee to the Chicken Schwarma, everything is top-notch. Service may be slow sometimes due to its popularity, however it is one of Tempe's best restaurants and merits a visit when you're in this college town.
Satisfy your morning cravings with an artfully brewed cup of coffee from Craig Sellman and his staff of friendly baristas. Enjoy a cup with a fresh pastry before you begin your day, or a light quiche or sandwich for lunch. The coffee menu presents beans from around the world, but if you don't know your Yirgacheffe from your Mexican Chiapas Jacinto, the staff will always help you. Open only for breakfast and lunch, since 1996 Village Coffee Roastery has been a mainstay in McCormick Ranch for more than two decades.
Vegetarians and vegans often get stuck with very few choices when they go out to eat, but at Green they are free to try the entire menu! This restaurant is entirely vegetarian and vegan, but the dishes are so tasty even carnivores won't miss the meat. On any given day diners might find items like jerk tofu salad, BBQ "chicken" sandwich (made with mock chicken), and bowls packed with protiens, veggies and delectable sauces. There's also a gluten free menu, so everyone can make the most of their dining experience. Greens also carries Tsoynami soy-based ice cream so you don't have to miss out on dessert!