In Arizona, you’re spoiled for choice. The southwestern state offers a wide variety of landscapes (mountains, deserts, and forests), as well as a mix of adventurous and wellness-centric activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore 34 state parks and 22 national parks and monuments and monuments or go stargazing, while those in search of rest and relaxation can visit a spa.
Arizona’s multiplicity also extends to its food scene, which combines Mexican, Native American, and modern American flavors. From James Beard Award-winning fry bread and Sonoran hot dogs to tacos, wood-fired pizza, and prickly pear cocktails, there’s truly something for every taste. Read on to discover 16 exciting restaurants across three distinct regions of the state.
NORTHERN ARIZONA
The state’s landmark attraction—the Grand Canyon—is in this region which is also welcoming with a variety of cuisines. As you go between hiking trails, exploring downtown Flagstaff, and visiting the Four Corners Monument (the only place in the U.S. where four states intersect), fuel up at these local favorites.
The Turquoise Room, in Winslow
Located inside the historic La Posada Hotel, The Turquoise Room is known for its regional contemporary Southwestern dishes. You can’t go wrong with its famous stuffed squash blossoms (they’re filled with sweet-corn tamale and Oaxaca cheese, beer-batter dipped and fried, then served on a bed of salsa verde with roasted corn salsa) or the shrimp pappardelle (wild Mexican Gulf shrimp tossed in a mild chipotle cream sauce with peppers, corn, tomatoes, asparagus, and fresh cilantro).
Pizzicletta, in Flagstaff
You’ll find wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza paired with Italian wines at Pizzicletta. Start with the rosemary focaccia, then choose between a selection of red and white pies, as well as vegan options. Amore oi Mari, topped with mascarpone, pecorino, prosciutto, arugula, and lemon extra-virgin olive oil, is a fan favorite. Finish your meal with a gelato flight (since you won’t be able to decide on just one flavor).
Macy's European Coffee House & Bakery, in Flagstaff
For more than four decades, Flagstaff locals and visitors have flocked to Macy’s European Coffee House & Bakery for espresso drinks and vegetarian fare. Try the homemade buttermilk biscuits smothered in delicious vegetarian gravy, or the avocado BLT, made with organic tempeh bacon, organic spring mix, Roma tomatoes, onions, avocado, and basil mayo.
Haunted Hamburger, in Jerome
Come for the burgers, stay for the ghosts! Haunted Hamburger’s once-abandoned building is rumored to be, well, haunted. Decide for yourself whether the spooky tales are true while eating a Double Haunted Burger (it’s loaded with bacon, cheddar, Swiss, mushrooms, green chiles, grilled onions, and guacamole) and sipping on a prickly-pear margarita.
Merkin Vineyards Trattoria, in Cottonwood
At Merkin Vineyards Trattoria you can choose from a selection of antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and lasagna cupcakes (house-made with duck-egg pasta and available in veggie, meat, and chicken relleno variations) while taking in the stunning 270-degree view of the Verde Valley, which includes a 4.5-acre vineyard.
El Tovar Dining Room, in Grand Canyon South Rim
The majestic El Tovar Dining Room—built from native stone and Oregon pine—features murals that reflect the customs of four indigenous tribes: Hopi, Apache, Mojave, and Navajo, and amazing views. It’s inside El Tovar Hotel, within Grand Canyon National Park. Consider ordering the elk bolognese, peppercorn-crusted strip steak with smoked whiskey sauce, or Sonoran shrimp with chipotle cream.
CENTRAL ARIZONA
Popular destinations like Phoenix and Scottsdale are located in what’s known as the Valley of the Sun. True to its nickname, the area offers year-round sunshine. When you aren’t relaxing at one of the many spas, playing a round of golf, or wandering through museums, you’ll likely want to be at one of the below.
Lom Wong, in Phoenix
Named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire in 2023, Lom Wong serves regional cuisines of Thailand alongside natural wines. Popular dishes include the boo pad pong garee (stir-fried crab with pong garee spices, egg, onion, and Chinese celery) and yam mamuang boran (green mango salad with shrimp, crispy shallots, toasted coconut and a peanut, coconut cream, lime, and fish sauce).
Shaanxi Garden, in Mesa
Shaanxi Garden is a go-to spot for classic Chinese cuisine. The massive menu includes several soups, handmade wide noodles, fried rice and chow mein, and an assortment of chicken, beef, pork, veggie, and seafood dishes.
Hope’s Fry Bread, in Phoenix
Experience the impressive versatility of Navajo fry bread (flat bread made with flour, salt, water, and baking powder that’s deep fried in oil) at Hope’s Fry Bread. It’s served with everything from taco toppings to lamb and grilled onions to marshmallow spread.
Little Miss BBQ, in Phoenix
Head to Little Miss BBQ for a taste of Texas in Arizona—this place uses labor-intensive techniques, prime beef sourced from a single rancher, simple seasonings, and clean-burning smokers to create their amazing product. You can purchase meat (like brisket, sausage, pulled pork, and pastrami) by weight as well as plates and trays, sandwiches, burritos, and classic sides.
DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery, in South Scottsdale
Grab a bite to eat and shop for Italian products—from fresh bread to homemade spaghetti sauce—at DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery. The menu here includes handcrafted cold and hot sandwiches, pizzas and calzones, and main dishes (think four-cheese lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo).
TUCSON & SOUTHERN ARIZONA
Desert landscapes, Mexican-American and Tohono O'odham cultures, and vibrant city life define this region, home of Tucson, the state’s second-largest city and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It has state parks to explore by foot or bike as well as tribal lands, museums, and delicious eats (including 23 miles of Mexican food in downtown Tucson alone).
El Güero Canelo, in Tucson
El Güero Canelo started out as a hot-dog stand in 1993; today the family-owned establishment is known for its authentic Mexican street food. Be sure to try the James Beard Award-winning Sonoran-style hot dog: a bacon-wrapped frank topped with whole pinto beans, grilled onions, fresh diced onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayo, and jalapeño sauce.
Elvira's, in Tubac
Enjoy quintessential Mexican dishes at Elvira’s, an intimate fine-dining restaurant. Must-try menu items include the mole poblano, chile relleno, and guajillo shrimp. If you’ve saved room for dessert, try the Caribbean Treat (flamed bananas with rum that are sautéed in brown sugar and cinnamon, served over vanilla-bean ice cream, and topped with peanuts).
Tumerico, in Tucson
Tumerico is celebrated for its inventive plant-based fare. Expect to see takes on Latin American dishes—like Cuban tacos with jackfruit, vegan tamales, and stuffed poblano peppers—on the diverse menu, which changes daily.
Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress, in Tucson
A neighborhood gem, Cup Cafe is located inside the city’s historic Hotel Congress. At its indoor or outdoor seating, you can dig into Continental favorites with unique twists—like the Sonoran cauliflower tacos or Pistol Grip Pasta (mussels, andouille sausage, house-made red sauce, Parmesan, and basil) and amazing desserts displayed in a vintage rotating glass case.
Cafe Roka, in Bisbee
Unique flavor combinations and locally sourced ingredients await at Cafe Roka. Take in the warm, cozy ambience over New American dishes including short-rib ravioli, spicy Italian sausage in penne, and sweet-corn and garlic risotto cakes. It stays open late for craft cocktails, wine, and beer, as well.
Ready to taste your way around Arizona? Visit FoodiesAZ.com.
