TOP 10

These are my favorite restaurants in Phoenix!

1. Bacanora - homerun by James Beard finalist chef Rene Andrade (who is an amazing chef and an even more amazing human). Sonoran Mex on one of the few curvy road in Phoenix. Food is amazing, tomahawk steak meal is spectacular. Drinks are on point, Oaxacan Old Fashion! Tiny spot so get your resy early or pray you can walk in! Heard he is working on another concept in the East Valley
2. FNB - tucked away in the hustle and bustle of old town Scottsdale is one of the best restaurants in the state run by James Bears finalist and bad(ass)woman Charleen Badman. The menu changes seasonally but is creative, fresh, local and amazing. One of my colleagues turned me onto it whenI first moved here, and it was the first meal I took my family to when they all arrived. Great vegeterian choices.
3. Cafe Monarch - Napa style multi course meal is delicious. I wish I could swim in the cauliflower soup. Great vegeterian choices. Expect to spend a couple hours for the experience but it is well worth it, great for special occassions, but if I had the bank roll, I'd eat there every week!
4. Tratto - Chris Bianco is well known, and his Pizzeria Bianco catches all the fame, best pizza in the country etc, but his Italian spot on the edge of downtown is excellent. House made pastas, changing menu, great vegeterian options!
5. Restaurant Progress - I guess I have a thing for restaurants on curvy roads lol, not many in Phoenix, this one in the Melrose neighborhood is excellent. Small outdoor patio and service is impeccable. Food is incredible and the cocktail bar (and wine selection with cool wine shop next door) in excellent as well.
6. Oceans 44 - Beautiful setting near Fashion Square. Seafood selection is excellent, fresh and creative, or you can enjoy a steak from their sister property Steak 44. Great wine list. Veggie options are mostly sides, but that list is extensive!!
7. Toca Madera - experience dining, its like a club in here with music and fire eating dancers floating from the ceiling, but remember I like to eat and I'm from Texas. The mexican cuisine is excellent, the tequila list is epic!
8. Little Miss BBQ - best BBQ in the state, and I'm from Texas! Bekke and Scott have perfected the grilling, smoking, all of it. Their outpost this year at Waste Management Open was packed! The big location on 7th St always has a line! Can't wait for the new spot on Central and Thomas. The pulled pork and brisket are to die for! Lots of Wren House brews available too.
9. Buck and Rider - best seafood in the Valley, supply flown in daily, oysters are amazing. Cocktails are excellent, one of the best happy hours in town if you can get a seat!
10. Uchi is now open in old town Scottsdale, was able to eat there during the soft opening. It's amazing sushi and Asian themed dishes with unique takes, cocktails are amazing. Some of my all time favorites include the shishitos, kabocha, brussels sprouts, hama chili, kinoko nabe, and the hot rock. The vegeterian tasting menu is excellent! Favorite drink this visit was the Suburashi. Get the fried milk for desert....you're welcome.