There are so many great places to eat in metro Phoenix and we only experienced a few. But boy, did they leave a good impression on both of us. Here’s a rundown by area:

WEST

An elegant dinner at Litchfield’s at the WigWam Resort prepared from their open kitchen, wood-fired grills in a cozy atmosphere.

Breakfast at the WigWam Bar is out on the lovely patio and lawn by the pool.

CENTRAL

When in downtown Phoenix, check out Phoenix Public Market Café for freshly-baked goods and a hearty breakfast (don’t miss the blue corn pancakes!). They source many of their ingredients from the Farmer’s Market next door.

Nearby, eat your way around the various vendors inside the DeSoto Central Market, a business incubator and event space. How about cold pressed juice, oysters, buffalo fried cauliflower? Or, unleash The Kraken on the weekends, a Bloody Mary loaded up and topped with a slider and a moonpie.

SCOTTSDALE

Have a glass of wine or local craft beer and a snack like Caprese salad or garlic bread at Craft 64 in Old Town. Sit on the back patio or cozy inside space and eavesdrop on the locals.

Creative and hearty New Mexican food in a fun, batty atmosphere at Carlsbad Tavern & Restaurant , just like mom used to make. The outdoor patio sports fountains and lots of twinkly lights for warm evening dining. 

EAST

Pretzel buns on burgers and Belgian Fries go perfectly with a seasonal craft brew at The
Wilderness Brewing Co. in nearby Gilbert; their Sweet Potato Saison was memorable. Another great casual nearby spot is Joe’s Farm Grill; grab a burger and eat under a massive old tree at this stop along the Fresh Foodie Trail.

One of the must-visit stops on the Trail is Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm. Take a tour to find out how olives are grown and pressed to become high quality extra virgin olive oil. There is a high-ceilinged marketplace that sells Queen Creek’s food and skin care products (their olive-oil-based hand salves are to die for!), plus a cafe, gelatoria (try the basil, lemon or garlic flavors), bakery and pasta maker, all under one roof. It’s a foodie’s shopping paradise.

TEMPE

With a casual and energetic college scene, 4 Peaks Brewing (“the 8th Street brewery”) in an historic old dairy building was a great place to sample the local craft beer scene. Our fave was the “Kilt Lifter” Scottish Ale – as much for the saucy name as the tasty beer! A huge patio, reasonably priced fare, and happy hour specials make for affordable fun.

In Downtown Tempe, enjoy hearty pub grub (including delicious salads and burgers) in the shadow of huge beer tanks or out on the patio in your own, little area where you can sit in retro lawn chairs at Pedal Haus Brewery. A massive outdoor stage hosts live music events.

Read our entire feature about Phoenix, here.