By 
“The Sonoran Desert offers a great mix of places to explore and enjoy some fantastic food. Phoenix, located in the Valley of the Sun, boasts a diverse restaurant scene with hidden gems that are worth discovering. Here are a dozen of our current favorite spots in Phoenix:
At The Larry, a daytime hangout, the food is healthy, comforting, and eclectic. A must-try is their Bang Bang Broccoli, a signature dish that’s crunchy, tangy, and absolutely delicious—especially when dipped in Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce. Even if you’re not a veggie lover, this dish might just change your mind.
Commander Hamburger’s Original Chopped Salad, nicknamed the Arizona State Salad, is another must-try. It’s the only non-sandwich item on their menu, typically served with chopped salmon, but also great with chicken or avocado.
If you’re looking for an attention-grabbing appetizer, the Sicilian Charcuterie Board at Sicilian Butcher is a standout. This 5-foot-long board is packed with artisanal meats, cheeses, and favorites like arancini, panelli fritters, and craft meatballs with creamy polenta.
For a nostalgic dining experience, head to The Duce, a retro-chic warehouse filled with old-school bars, board games, and even boxing matches. Their Pot Pie is a perfect slice of homemade American comfort food with a touch of vintage flair.
Taco Guild, set in a repurposed church, serves up some of the best tacos in town. While you can play it safe with the Gringa/Gringo, the Chipotle Cherry Steak taco is the real star, bursting with unforgettable flavors.
At Poppy, the restaurant inside the new Cambria Hotel in downtown Phoenix, everything has a touch of Southwest flair. Chef Cayer’s Habanero Corn Chowder is a spicy treat that pairs perfectly with a rooftop view of the cityscape at sunset.
For a unique bar snack, try the Hurricane Popcorn at Bitter & Twisted, a popular cocktail bar. This addictive mix of butter, garlic, furikake, shichimi (Asian spice mix), and spicy rice crackers is impossible to stop snacking on.
Harumi Sushi in downtown Phoenix is known for its black/purple sushi rice, which adds a unique twist to traditional sushi. Their Oasis Roll, made with tuna, salmon, and avocado wrapped in cucumber, is a refreshing, riceless option.
Postino Arcadia, a hip wine café in a converted post office, serves up delicious bruschetta boards. With over a dozen varieties to choose from, our favorite is the Burrata, Bacon, Arugula, and Tomato.
Southern Rail specializes in American classics with a twist, and their Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict is a must-try. Served on a biscuit with tomato jam and Creole hollandaise, this dish is even better with a little kick from Cutino sauce.
The Farm at South Mountain offers a charming outdoor dining experience under pecan trees. Their Pecan Chicken Salad sandwich, made with fresh ingredients from the on-site garden, is perfect for a picnic in the garden.
For a fun, kitschy experience that screams “”desert dining,”” head to Rustler’s Rooste. This mountaintop restaurant with live country music and a tin slide is known for its steaks and seafood, but the Fried Rattlesnake is the dish to order if you want a true Phoenix experience.”