The 10 Best Places to Eat in Phoenix

Planning a stay at my vacation rental? Amazing — Phoenix is a surprise food town. Below is a guest-ready, SEO-packed guide to the 10 must-visit restaurants in Phoenix & Scottsdale: short descriptions, what to order, practical tips, and reservation notes so your guests eat like a local.

1. Pizzeria Bianco — iconic, pilgrimage-worthy pizza

Why go: Chris Bianco’s wood-fired pizzas are a national draw — simple, ingredient-driven pies.
Tip: Heritage Square (downtown) & Town & Country locations (walk-ins at Heritage, check Town & Country hours). Expect lines on weekends. Pizzeria Bianco+1

2. Bitter & Twisted / Platform 18 / Century Grand (cocktail scene)

Why go: Phoenix’s modern cocktail scene — world-class bartenders and immersive bars (Platform 18 in a train car, Bitter & Twisted’s vast menu). Great for nightlife after dinner. (See local listings for hours.)

3. FnB — vegetable-focused, James Beard–caliber

Why go: Charleen Badman’s FnB makes vegetables sing; its seasonal, terroir-focused menu won serious acclaim (James Beard recognition). Perfect for a thoughtful dinner and wine pairings. FnB

4. Bacanora — Sonoran fire & modern Mexican

Why go: Rene Andrade’s Sonoran-driven menu (charred proteins, bold flavors) earned national attention and awards — reservations fill fast. Tip: check Resy for monthly reservation windows. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)

5. Kai — Native American tasting menu & fine dining

Why go: The only restaurant in Arizona honored as a Forbes Five-Star / AAA Five-Diamond experience; a special-occasion spot showcasing foraged & Indigenous ingredients. Reservations required; dress-up suggested. Forbes Travel Guide+1

6. Little Miss BBQ — Central-Texas style BBQ, fan-favorite lines

Why go: Legendary brisket and smoked meats — people line up early. Multiple Phoenix locations; bring patience and appetite. Little Miss BBQ

7. Valentine — New Southwestern, inventive desert ingredients

Why go: A multi-format spot (coffee, bakery, dinner, hidden bar) with creative uses of tepary beans, cactus fruits, and region-forward cocktails. Great for brunch or date night. Condé Nast Traveler

8. Lom Wong — boundary-pushing Thai

Why go: One of Phoenix’s standout Thai kitchens: from hand-pounded curry to house techniques and bold drinks designed for spicy food. Expect vibrant flavors and thoughtful cocktails.

9. Hana Japanese Eatery — neighborhood sushi and community vibe

Why go: Community-loved Japanese spot with excellent sushi and consistent favorites — a comfy go-to for great fish and friendly service.

10. Kid Sister / Sweet Republic / Noble Eatery (honorable mentions)

Why go: Kid Sister for wine-forward small plates, Sweet Republic for artisanal ice cream treats, and Noble for outstanding sandwiches — perfect for lighter outings or family-friendly stops.

Practical tips for guests

• Reservations: For winners like FnB, Bacanora, Kai, and Christopher’s, book early — many open bookings on a set day or use Resy/OpenTable. Bacanora often releases reservations at a specific time each month. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+1

• Walk-ins & lines: Pizzeria Bianco (Heritage) and Little Miss BBQ can have lines — arriving early (or on weekday off-hours) helps. Pizzeria Bianco+1

• Special occasion? Book Kai or Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion for elevated tasting menus and views. Kai is a Forbes/AAA Five-Star experience. Forbes Travel Guide+1

• Local flavors to try: tepary beans, saguaro/ cactus accents, Sonoran-style grilled meats, regional chiles (chiltepin) and agave-forward cocktails. (These are recurring local menu notes across Phoenix’s top restaurants.)

• Transport & parking: Downtown and Scottsdale spots offer paid street/garage parking; for a few (Kai) you’ll be at a resort location — valet recommended.

Addresses & short reservation notes (quick reference)

• Pizzeria Bianco (Heritage Square) — 623 E Adams St, Phoenix. Walk-ins common; expect waits. Pizzeria Bianco

• FnB (Scottsdale) — check FnB website for seasonal menus and booking windows. FnB

• Bacanora — 1301 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix. Reservations on Resy; book when they open monthly blocks. ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)

• Kai (Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass) — 5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Reservations required; formal tasting-menu service. Kai Restaurant+1

• Little Miss BBQ — multiple locations (e.g., 8901 N 7th St.). Arrive early to avoid long lines.