EVO

Old town Scottsdale has long been a haven to buy kitschy bolo ties and hear about rumored legends of Paris Hilton's time spent clubbing here.  EVO solidifies this area, along with Franco's and Marcellino's as the Valley's "Little Italy".  We welcome back the original 'Cuoco Pazzo', Chef DeRuvo and he brings back many of the dishes that we have loved at his past spots, namely the Raviolo, Arancini, and Focaccia di Recco.


The 'Must Try'- A lot to like but you must get the Focaccia di Recco

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

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

Distrito

Gourmet tapas style Central Mexican cuisine that should be keeping Silvana Salcido Esparza up at nights with nightmares of losing her long held throne atop the Phoenix Mexican experience. 

The 'Must Try'- The Hurache de Hongos

Barrio Queen

While it doesn't quite live up to the reputation of Silvana Esparza, the price/value ratio is off, and the service can be inconsistent it still offers a great menu that takes you well beyond the familiar border.

The 'Must Try'- Get a shrimp and a huitlacoche taco.

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

Cafe Bink

A perfect proving ground to see if you are up to the cost and adventure of the fully immersive experience of Binkley's.  Let the lush Cave Creek desert setting and refined menu take you off the beaten path for lunch.


The 'Must Try'- The Salmon BLT

Essence Bakery Café

A great cafe that offers a sleek setting for some fresh eats, but it is the pastries that justify a trip across town.  Owner/Baker Eugenia Theodosopoulos and her French training is much appreciated and we relish being able to get a world class macaroon without having to put up with French snobbery.

The 'Must Try'- No brainer, it's a couple macaroons

Vincent on Camelback

Once you properly adjust your expectations you will find find out why this is one the long standing dining landmarks in Phoenix.  French food is a lot tastier and less pretentious when it has spent a little time in the Southwest.

The 'Must Try'- Sautéed Veal Sweetbreads with Blue Corn Meal

                                           

St. Francis

Sometimes you go to some fancy place that is all art and no substance, other times you hit the buffet line that is all food and no joy. In Phoenix no one has blended the two as tastefully as St. Francis.   The ambiance is hip without being exclusive.  The wood burning oven is superb, versatile, and its varied output will hook you and ensure return visits.
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The 'Must Try'-  The Pork Chile Verde

   

The Brat Haus

Who knew that you get a beer garden to work in Scottsdale.  While the interior is somewhat cramped the patio is a perfect social gathering spot.  The menu offers a German take on the 'farm to table' concept.  There isn't one item that blows one away but there are several solid options that will complement your evening.

The 'Must Try'- Pick a brat, any brat

                                                   

Centurion

Food almost good enough to 'cross the Rubicon' for.  While a cursory review of the menu reveals that some of the dishes reach far beyond the Mediterranean the restaurant is a perfect and quaint spot to start or cap off an evening down town.

The 'Must Try'- Italian Skillet

                                                         
                                                               

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

                                                    
                                                           

Noca

The fiery Claudio Urciuoli, is the wizard of the Mediterranean Sea...bringing time tested old world techniques to our local ingredients and those pulled from the sort of close sea. Anyone else notice that the Camelback Biltmore corridor is fast turning into Little Italy?  

The 'Must Try'- The Sea Bass Cioppino

                                                   
                                                                 

Barrio Cafe

Chef Silvana Esparza introduced the Phoenix masses to the glorious depth of Mexican cuisine.  While others have since added and improved upon gourmet Mexican, the Barrio is still ground zero for those who want to taste real Mexico.

The 'Must Try'- The Cochinita Pibil