$25 - $50 Restaurants

The flagship restaurant of the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino, the Ahnala Mesquite Room serves bold Native American cuisine in a modern setting. An array of mesquite-grilled dishes such as Mesquite Grilled Rib Eye Steak and Mesquite Smoked Chicken offer a tantalizing renditions of the familiar, while signature dishes such as Yavapai Pecan Trout and Pan-Seared Scallops with prickly pear jelly take diners on a bold and adventurous ride. A meal here is a showcase of the region’s native flavors, many of which, including pecans, citrus, and herbs, are picked straight from the adjacent Fort McDowell Yavapai Farm. Learn More »

With the checkered floors, mirrored ceilings and shameless animal print upholstery, Avanti might seem at first glance to be a '70's movie set of the disco or mobster kind. But the experience at this neighborhood favorite is so rewarding that it has kept customers returning for 35 years. Avanti serves authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on handmade pastas – such as the Portofino Ravioli – made with the freshest ingredients possible. Hosts Angelo and Benito will make sure you feel at home from the minute you walk in the door and you’re sure to be full and satisfied when … Learn More »

Named by Phoenix Magazine as one of the 25 Top New Restaurants, Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar stands out as a hip place to grab a bite and a drink or two. With a menu boasting original, clever and appetizing traditional and signature sushi rolls, such as the Red Hot Chili Pepper roll and the Badda Bing roll, Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar is also known for their cocktail menu, complete with signature drinks, wine by the glass and premium sake, warm or chilled. The interior is dimly lit with a magnificent glass light wall, similar to a … Learn More »

At this Scottsdale restaurant, owner George Yang offers flavorful and authentic renditions of traditional Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes. Guests will find savory creations such as Thai Curry Shrimp, Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken, and Mongolian Beef. Don’t miss the house specialty: George’s Seafood Pocket, a thin scallion pancake stuffed with shrimp, crab meat, scallops, and shallots. Aside from the food, the setting is modern and stylish, the service warm and friendly, and an impressive wine proves wonderfully conducive to the flavors of Asian cuisine. Learn More »

Modern and urban, North brings Scottsdale the best of Italy in a carefree, lighthearted setting. The sleek, loft-like interior plays host to an array of flavor Italian creations including wood fired pizzas, inventive pastas, and savory main courses. While serious Italian staples such as Pasta Bolognese, Grilled Artichokes, and Margherita Pizza pepper the menu, many of the dishes are playful and fun. Take the Marinated Fig, Goat Cheese, & Prosciutto pizza, Fork n’ Knife Meatball & Mozzarella sandwich, and “Not your Typical” Chicken Lasagna. When any of these arrive cooked to perfection, it is impossible not to sit back and … Learn More »

Using California architecture, design and cuisine as the inspiration, The Greene House in Scottsdale will transform you to the coast without having ever left the comforts of Arizona. Driven by seasonal, artisan ingredients, the menu is ever-changing and always evolving. With a simple menu and a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, diners can enjoy ample outdoor seating and an uncomplicated menu. Sip one of the Greene House’s signature drinks, while dining on Spicy grilled Chicken Sandwich or Pacific Cod Fish and Chips, and you will undoubtedly be swept away by the unmistakable California consciousness. Learn More »

The mission of Caffe Boa on Mills is to satisfy guests with fresh, organic ingredients from local farms and bakeries. The food has an European-bistro style with a major influence from Italian cuisine. Their reduction sauces and demis are made without butter, flours, or cornstarch to convey the true flavor of the dish. On the menu, the Cape Cod Ravioli features handmade rosemary ravioli filled with rotisserie chicken, ricotta, and herbs served in a “Cape Cod” sauce of vodka, fresh cranberries, and light cream. Caffe Boa looks like a larger version of a rustic and sophisticated European café. On certain … Learn More »

Rokerij means “smokehouse” in Dutch, and this Richardson Browne restaurant embraces grilled meats in their purest form. Despite its European moniker, the restaurant’s menu is strictly American, with classic steakhouse dishes such as rib eye, filet mignon, and lamb chops, as well as a solid selection of seafood. There are two scenes under this roof—on casual evenings, step into the first floor bar and lounge and surround yourself with a rustic copper bar, flickering fireplace, and cozy booths; when the occasion presents itself, climb the stairs for the second-floor formality of white tablecloths and glistening candlelight. Learn More »

Pappadeaux in Phoenix is a one stop destination for traditional and contemporary Cajun cuisine. Pappadeaux has a loud, fun, and fast-paced environment in a setting similar to a turn-of-the-century jazz bar, and the menu is complete with dishes seasoned in flavorful spices with unbeatable prices. Know for their seafood, Pappadeaux also has a variety of Cajun food that you don’t always find on your typical menu. Fried alligator? Yes indeed. Step inside the French Quarter of flavors and you might find what your taste buds have been looking for. Learn More »

Take a break from daily stress at Acacia Café, the no-hassle bakery, café, and coffee shop where fresh ingredients meet reasonable prices. Located in the Arcadia residence of Phoenix, Acacia Café is a great place to relax and grab breakfast, lunch, or a fresh cup of coffee. They offer fresh-baked rustic breads and morning pastries, breakfast scrambles, deli sandwiches, paninis, fresh salads, and in-house ground New England Coffee. Or, if you’re on the go, Acacia Café will make your order to-go, and even offer catering services for your next party or office meeting. By using local ingredients at innovative recipes, … Learn More »

At Cowboy Ciao, the Old West meets the old world, with a setting and a menu that blends the best of Modern American cuisine with global influences. Executive Chef Bernie Kantak turns out wonderfully inventive dishes like the “Pig n’ Pudding,” featuring pulled pork in a chipotle balsamic barbeque sauce served with creamy polenta, toasted pumpkin seeds, cotija cheese, and dried cranberries. The menu is accompanied by a diverse and intriguing wine selection, with over 3,200 wines to choose from. The warm, rustic setting, gracious hospitality, and overall creative flair make Cowboy Ciao a worthy destination for any occasion. Learn More »

Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House presents eclectic Southwestern cuisine featuring steak, game, and seafood. The fresh seafood is offered with the choice of Asian, European, Southwestern, and Mediterranean preparations. The steak and game options are mesquite wood fired and come with a choice of sides, sauces, and starch. The restaurant also has ranch-style entrees like an Apple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Breast with spinach, crispy garlic, and caramelized onion home fries. The décor is inspired by the Old West and has an earthy feel to it. Guests can dine in the Wine Room or in the Main Dining Room by the fireplace. … Learn More »

Tonto Bar and Grill captures the true essence of the Southwest dining experience. The Fireplace Room looks like a living room out of an old western movie, and the main dining room is decorated in an Old West fashion. This restaurant uses fresh ingredients and their salad dressings, soups, sauces, breads, and desserts are prepared daily. The menu is full of “New American” cuisine options with a southwestern style. Fish, meat, pasta, and vegetarian dishes provide a large range of entrees to choose from. Tonto’s also provides all-natural meats for the majority of their meat entrees. The Sonoran Cowboy Plate … Learn More »

Head south to the land of gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) and churrasco (barbeque) at Brazilian Bull Steakhouse, right here in Phoenix. This authentic churrascaria serves up a bounty of savory delights cooked over open flame and beaming with flavor. Boasting a carnival atmosphere, Brazilian Bull lets its customers orchestrate their own dining experience: Ready for the parade of skewered meats to begin? Simply flip your sign to green. Can’t possibly eat any more? Turn the sign to red and sit back. And laying it on its side signals for the staff to wheel out their 6-foot display of homemade treats. Learn More »

Formerly called the Dirty Drummer, North 51 Grill is a great place for a simple burger and wings, but they have an outstanding breakfast menu to boot. Preferred by locals as a great place to beat the heat, this bar and grill can shut out the hot Arizona heat with ice cold beer and a selection of upscale bar food. With a friendly staff and great prices, North 51 Grill is a great place for a family dinner or a place to watch the game. Learn More »

A western-themed attraction and restaurant all in one can be found at Rustler’s Rooste, a kid-friendly, novelty steakhouse and brewery straight out of the Wild Wild West. Opened in 1971, Rustler’s Rooste is Arizona’s Legendary Cowboy Steakhouse, complete with 2 stories, live country music and a general store. They serve only the finest, choice-cut steaks as well as ribs, chicken, and seafood. With a large food and drink menu, this “beef and brew with a view” was named “Best Special-Occasion Restaurant” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant” by Phoenix Magazine. Open every day from 5PM-10PM. Learn More »

For a taste of California with Arizona style, The Greene House is the place to go. Known for using farm-fresh, seasonal and premium ingredients, the menu options here are well priced and cleverly crafted for a taste that has elements of both Southwestern styles with contemporary, Californian flare. Named after architects Charles and Henry Greene, who designed this restaurant, The Greene House takes the form of a California bungalow, providing an intimate, one-of-a-kind dining experience. What draws people back is the simplicity in design and décor, the flavor of each individual dish, and the extensive list of high-quality wines. For … Learn More »

Regarded as a popular place to go see and be seen, this contemporary American chain does what so few restaurants of its kind manage: it keeps people coming back. With a strict philosophy of using the freshest ingredients from local farms and purveyors, they serve up gracefully presented dishes in a modern setting. Stained wood, burnished brass, dim lighting, and a trendy crowd reel people in, but it’s the friendly service and delicious meat, fish, and chicken that has people returning. And if you happen to chance into one of this location—don’t forget to try their famous shoestring fries! Learn More »

Comfort food is celebrated by Chef Chrysa Kaufman and the patrons of Rancho Pinot, where seasonal regional ingredients grace the contemporary bistro-style American cuisine menu. Chef Chrysa heads the Phoenix chapter of Slow Food, and infuses her food with the value of the dining table as the center of pleasure, culture, and community. The menu balances rustic elegance with refined technique in dishes like the Nonni’s Sunday Chicken and the Hand-Made Pasta. An extensive and thoughtful wine list accompanies the heart-warming menu, and entices the palate with selections that promise to both challenge and reward the taste buds. Learn More »

As is the case with most artistic endeavors, improvisational cooking can be incredibly challenging, and wildly rewarding. Chef and Owner Joshua Hebert knows firsthand how involved the task is to create a unique daily menu for his restaurant, Posh, and gladly accepts the challenge. The availability of seasonal local produce and meat largely dictate what ends up on the plate, and Chef Hebert crafts intriguing flavor combinations from every ingredient he touches to infuse each dish with a “one-of-a-kind” touch. Past favorites have included the Mushroom Braised Veal and the Red Wine Poached Salmon. Learn More »