Hiro Sushi

From the outside it looks a typical Scottsdale strip mall.  But open that door and you will be instantly transported to an awesome Izakaya style restaurant you'd likely find tucked away on one of Tokyo's busy side streets.  While they do have menu items that cater to our Western tastes the experience is far more enriching when you leave the familiar script and get a little more adventurous. 

The 'Must Try'- Their Chirashi

Little Miss BBQ

Some of the best BBQ I've had but the wait, location, and inconvenience of the whole experience really test your commitment to those slow cooked meats. Still, the closest you will get to the Austin gold standard of Franklin's. True culinary artists.

The 'Must Try'- Screw it, you've been waiting in line forever...order a bit of everything

  

Matt's Big Breakfast

What else can be said about the near unanimous preferred Phoenix spot for the perfectly presented breakfast?  Forget about the wait or drive and enjoy the how tasty a simple waffle can be when made the right way.

The 'Must Try'- The best Waffle in town

Crudo

Chef Cullen Campbell has created more then another great Italian restaurant, he's given us a stamped passport to further explore the culinary excellence of the famed peninsula .  Each dish is expertly crafted and the menu is set up to allow you the chance to affordably navigate and enjoy his craft.


The 'Must Try'- Many splendid options but you absolutely must get the Squid Ink Risotto

Steak 44

The good folk behind the masterful Mastro's have created a steakhouse for the next generation.  Yes, the meat is all expertly executed but the real treats come when you explore the supporting cast which are a clear step above the traditional steakhouse sides.


The 'Must Try'- The Crispy Shrimp

Short Leash Hot Dogs

One of the founding and prominent players in the now well established local food truck scene.  Perfect marriage of innovation and high quality ingredients as well as one of the best ways to enjoy Naan.

The 'Must Try'- The Bear Dog

Elements

Beau knows the culinary arts...and service and scenery.  The Valley is littered with great resort based dining options but this is the pinnacle.  This is the special occasion place that is down the road but a world away.

The 'Must Try'- The Bacon Wrapped Filet

The Gladly

 Think of it as the Citizen Public House adapted to the more straight laced and corporate Biltmore crowd. Still has an incredible menu with the best salad known to man. The burgeoning Bernie Kantak culinary empire gets our vote for the best contemporary American in our fair city.

The 'Must Try'- The Pan Seared Scallops

Republica Empanada

This might be apocryphal but many in Latin America claim that God didn't rest on the 7th day, he celebrated by creating the empanada. A few visits to Republica Empanada and you will become a true believer to this sentiment.  While the place might have a serious hipster facade the owners behind the scenes are the genuine real article. 

 The 'Must Try'- The Lunch Special, but make sure you save room for a dessert empanada

Beaver Choice

You walk in and it looks like Ikea, You look around at the patrons and you swear you are at a Bingo night in Duluth, You glance at the menu and are captivated at some of the dishes,  You order a few things and you now understand why this gets such high reviews from someone like Howard Seftel.

The 'Must Try'- The Chicken Schnitzel Cordon Bleau

Eddie's House

Eddie goes to great lengths to welcome you to his little nook in the neighborhood.   That is a nice touch for sure but it is the food that ensures regular patronage.  There are just enough things on the menu and the environment is comfortable enough to keep you from trying something new on a Thursday night.

The' Must Try'- Prosciutto-wrapped filet w/lobster risotto, topped w/brussels sprout

Veneto Trattoria

You've got to hand it to the Italians.  What they do love (food, cars, fashion, life) they do well.  This place embodies that impeccable passion.  From the formal and attentive wait staff to the carefully selected old world influenced menu, this place can almost make you forget that you are eating out of a strip mall.


The 'Must Try'-  Ossobuco di Maiale alla Milanese

Gallo Blanco Cafe

All of the best Mexico City inspired street food dressed up with the highest quality locally sourced ingredients.  Doug Robson has given us an authentic 'chilango' experience without having to worry about strangely sourced heartburn or bocho exhaust.


The' Must Try'- The Naco Torta with some Elote

Lucky Boy Burger Shop

A nondescript little place off 16th Street that is light on ambiance but heavy on tasty old- fashioned hamburgers. This is the type of place that cable channel "hole in the wall food showcase shows" are made for.


The 'Must Try'- The Lucky International

The Farm Kitchen at South Mountain

This place is a world away from the urban desert that is Phoenix.  The kind of spot you take the kids to on a Saturday afternoon in November to get some fresh food, kill some time, and picnic in some crisp air.

The 'Must Try'- The Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
        

                                      

Mastro's Steakhouse

Red-blooded bliss.  One of the few places where you can get a steak that actually melts in your mouth. Yes, the meal will set you back a few bucks but between the menu offerings and the sort of distant North Scottsdale location it will provide a nice 'vacation-like' experience that is out of the ordinary.

                                                      
                                                              

Pinos Al Centro

Great neighborhood dining.  Pino really makes the place worth the visit.  His Southern Italian charm and care really shine in the way the food is prepared and guests are served.


The Must Try- Spaghetti Bolognese (Don't eat it all because it is better the next day.)

                                                      
                                                             
                                                                   

Durants

Sure Donovan's or Mastro's might have steaks  that are better; nobody has the history or swagger that Durants has.  The place is a Phoenix institution and that alone is reason enough to visit.

The 'Must Try'- The Durant Delmonico

                                                        
                                                           

Hana Japanese Eatery

Unlike Jiro I don't always dream of sushi.  But with Hana you get something that stands out from the sea of bland rolls that most of us experience. You have to elbow your way through countless hipsters to find a spot but by the time your first tray of flaming Salmon Sashimi arrives all is forgiven and you are well on your way to one of Phoenix's finest sushi experiences.
The 'Must Try'- The Maguro Tuna

                                                       
                                                            

Trattoria Bianco

Only a fool would ever have doubted a Chris Bianco inspired concept.These family inspired recipes will have you wishing you had your own Italian Nonna who could tuck you in with the tastiest comfort food from the Apennine Peninsula.

The 'Must Try'- The Potato Gnocchi