Does anybody know any good restaurants in Phoenix?

Question

I'm espescially looking for "hidden treasures" off the beaten path.

I'm thinking more along the lines of a little hole in the wall that most people haven't heard of.

Answer 1

I really enjoy this italian restaurant called Molise Cucina Italiana located in a strip mall in South Scottsdale. It's family owned and the service is great.

I also like: Salt Cellar (serious hole in the wall - located underground) but it is a bit pricey - mostly seafood and steak.

For Vietnamese food I enjoy Khai Hoan loacted in Tempe at Apache & between McClintock & Rural - COMPLETE hole in the wall but owned by a husband and wife - great food - but you MIGHT just see a roach run across the tile! Their daughter has her own restaurant in Chandler called Cyclo - it's A LOT cleaner and nicer but not as great of quality and it's a bit pricier.

My favorite Thai restaurant is called Char's Thai in Tempe on University & Rural. This place reeks when you walk in (I think it's their incense) but they have THE BEST pad thai. It's dark and their booths are ripped up but it's incredibly good!

For french cuisine, I really like Vincent's on Camelback. It's this tiny restaurant and if you drive too fast, you'll completely miss it.

Hmm, I hope this is enough and helps!

Answer 2

I moved to Phoenix recently and have found two "hidden treasures" that I don't mind sharing with you :). One is The Rokerij, located at 6335 N 16th St, Phoenix, 85016, phone [phone]. They have this great "Vin Diesel on a Mission to Prague" type lounge/bar downstairs that I love. (See Triple X the movie, and you'll know what I mean). The downstairs lounge has a big (real wood-burning) fireplace and is hardly crowded when you think it should be. They have excellent food at very good prices. Try their burger, and ask for a spinach salad instead of the fries (if you want). They also pass for a fancy restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere in their upstairs dining area. Very good wine list and overall bar selection. Great for dates (definitely), and can be good for friends/groups as well. I don't think I've ever seen kids their, but I'd bring mine on a week night if I had any :).

Another is Brokers Bar & Grill, which is more of a bar, located at 16640 N Scottsdale Rd # 103, Scottsdale, 85254, phone [phone]. Nice bar, can get a bit loud, but once again I think they have very impressive food for the overall value and so far the service there has been quite decent for a bar. Can get loud and crowded on the weekends. Attracts bikers for some reason (I don't mind this, just FYI). Don't get confused and go to Sushi Brokers, which is right down the street. Same owner, never been there, but heard it's good as well.

Answer 3

I lived in Phoenix for many years and there are two places you have to go to..

El Charro Lodge- especially on a winter evening when you can sit outside and put your feet up by the outdoor fireplace. The smell of mesquite wood is hypnotic. Just don't put tyour feet too close. I melted a shoe bottom!

The second place is the Horny Toad Restaurant in Cave Creek.
That place has THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN ON PLANET EARTH!!!! I kid you not. It;'s a blue jeans and t-shirt kind of place, but the food is fabulous!!! Don't miss it.

Answer 4

My favorite hole in the wall place is The Roman Table which is just north of Indian School in mid-town. See a review and directions here:

http://phoenix.citysearch.com/profile/1630103/phoenix_az/roman_table_restaurant.html

This place couldn't be a lot more authentic. The food is awesome and the staff is very, VERY Italian! It's well worth the trip.

My other favorite hole in the wall is Chino Bandito - Chinese Mexican food! Seriously. It's past awesome and very cheap. Each meal comes with a totally kick butt cookie as well. Check it out here:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2807668-chino_bandido_takee_outee_phoenix-i

Answer 5

Haji Baba's in Tempe on Apache just west of McKellips.

Its the best little Middle Eastern place I have ever been to in the states. The place is small, but very authentic. The food is excellent, prices are good and portions are enormous. A must try is the chicken shawerma.They have great hummus, and tabouli! And for desert........my favorite...baklava!

Answer 6

Pinnacle Peak Pizza--pinnacle peak road just west of pima road about one block or less---Great little Gem with a fantastic outside garden court area santa Fe style. Besides the Pizza. They make Great Itallian Sandwiches.. With the outside garden area it makes a great place to see while dinning in a quiet surrounding.
Even now whit it a bit warm at night it's a very nice way to eat out. Take in the Plants growing in this very well kept garden with cobble stone.

Answer 7

If you really want to find good food and a nice town try going south of Phx to Casa Grande it is a smaller city but growing rapidly there is a place called BeDillions it is also a Cactus garden here is their # 520 836-2045

Answer 8

Los Dos Molinos there's two one in Mesa & one in Phoenix on Central south of Baseline. Yummy torch mouth Mexican food! Worth the drive & the wait!

Cuccina Tagliani is my favorite italian food! There's two in Glendale. 59th ave & Bell & across Bell from Arrowhead Mall.

Oregano's! There's several! 10th st & Camelback is probably the biggest. Expect to wait! Must try Boom Dip! Save room for the Pizzookie!! Just trust me. :)

Answer 9

Mesa-Beaver Choice scandinavian and German food.
Mesa-China Magic Noodle House, hole in the wall. Hand pulled noodles, you can watch the old man in the kitchen making them through a window, so cool!
Tempe-America's Taco Shop, best Tacos al Pastor since I've been to Cancun. Don't let the name fool you, the owner's name is America. lol

Answer 10

Sautee Restaurant in Mesa.
Alicia

Answer 11

try Brunello's on Dobson and Baseline; NW corner. Italian food really good. Kinda upscale but really nice for a quiet dinner and drinks.