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As late as the 1980s, the Valley of the Sun was considered more a culinary wasteland than a capital of cuisine. Outside of a few upscale resort eateries, dining options for desert dwellers were mainly of the steak and potatoes variety. In 1986, a revolutionary restaurant, Vincent Guerithault on Camelback, started an evolution in eating in Greater Phoenix. The work of local chefs, including the classic techniques of Vincent Guerithault, Eddie Matney's Middle Eastern signature dishes and Lenard Rubin's medley of Mediterranean and Arizona flavors at Medizona, have transformed the city into a unique dining haven.
Downtown
The Arizona Center, in downtown's Copper Square, offers everything from a fast food court and clubs to more upscale offerings at Lombardi's and A League Of Our Own. For a pint of porter, pop into downtown's original Irish pub, Seamus McCaffrey's, at the Hotel San Carlos. Phoenix Suns fans, and sometimes players, often frequent Majerle's Sports Grill, opened by former Suns star Dan Majerle. Alice Cooper'stown is a mind-blowing mix of rock 'n roll revelry and sports bar, and features regular live concerts.
Midtown Phoenix
In Midtown, you'll find a super selection of comfortable neighborhood places to dine. Among them are Norman's Arizona, Chef Norman Fierros' latest concept, Convivo, a contemporary American cafe with a super wine selection and Richardson's, both an award-winning New Mexican restaurant and a hip hot spot.
Downtown Scottsdale
Scattered among the galleries in the downtown arts district are some true dining treasures. Mr. C's Chinese fine dining has long been a neighborhood fixture, as have Pischke's Paradise, the Pink Pony and Don & Charlie's.
Some of the hottest clubs can be found here too, including the glitzy, high energy Axis/Radius, Madison's and Martini Ranch. Go back to the big band era at the Famous Door or catch a live musical act at Cajun House.
Along the main drag of Scottsdale Road you'll find a "parkway for the palate." Scottsdale Fashion Square offers several fine restaurants including P.F. Chang's popular Chinese. Cosmopolitan cowboys seek out Rancho Pinot Grill, hidden away in a plaza at Lincoln and Scottsdale Road. At the Bastille-like Borgata, award-winning Chef Donna Nordin serves up Arizona edibles at Cafe Terra Cotta. Right across the street is the ultimate upscale steakhouse, Fleming's Prime. La Locanda, touted as one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Scottsdale, and Seasons is a find for its ever-changing menu and super selection of Sonoma wines.
New restaurants springing up at Bell and Scottsdale roads include a second helping of Carlos O'Brien's popular Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and Coyote Grill, an attractive and appetizing southwestern cafe. Ambling on, plan to spend a few hours at Rawhide Western Town and try the rattlesnake (yes, it's really rattlesnake) at the Golden Belle Steakhouse & Saloon. Further north, new and exciting eating establishments include Restaurant Oceana, which offers fresh fish to eager desert dwellers. Michael Monti's specializes in top quality steaks and seafood and the Cantina del Pedregal offers dramatic views and a lively atmosphere.
Downtown Tempe
You can always count on a college town to have an active party scene and Tempe is no exception. Mill Avenue and University Drive are ground zero for the East Valley's nightlife. The subterranean Beeloe's is a combination cafe, gallery and concert venue with live music. Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, named the 1998 Valley's Best Brew Pub by the Phoenix New Times, is as popular for its people-watching as its microbrews. True to its name, The Bash on Ash is a warehouse-sized "animal house." Nutrition and environment conscious noshers will find a variety of eats available, including macrobiotic munchies at In Season Deli, Israeli at Sabuddy and Ethiopian at Cafe Lalibela.
East Valley
Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert form the "bedroom communities" of the East Valley, but in terms of dining they are by no means sleepy. A whole world of ethnic cuisines awaits visitors, including Arisoo Korean, Zur Kate German cuisine and more appetizing options. For fine dining, Mahogany Run in Gilbert has quickly become an acclaimed destination.
Centered at 24th Street and Camelback, this could be called the culinary vortex of the Valley. Many of the area's top restaurants are located here. Biltmore Fashion Park is home to the renowned Bamboo Club and Che Bella. As you head east, several standout steakhouses—Ruth's Chris, Omaha Steakhouse and Harris'—can be found. Marco Polo and Havana Café will take you on a whirl-wind world tour of upscale ethnic food.
West Valley
This is the place where you'll find simple, satisfying food at bargain prices. Try triple-decker sandwiches at the New Yorker or aromatic dolmathes at the Golden Greek. Dillon's, one of the Valley's younger restaurants with an already huge following, serves up fine Iowa corn-fed pork.
Country cooking and country music go hand in hand. Kick up yer heels and "Electric Slide" on over to Mr. Lucky's, one of the Valley's authentic cowboy dance clubs. Mr. Lucky's even has live bull riding in an outdoor rodeo arena.
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