Restaurant Recommendations
 My
wife Kathy and I have a long connection with the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Paradise
Valley area of Arizona.
For more than 20 years, it has come to be a second home
to us. During this time, I have had the opportunity to try
and get to know most of the best restaurants in the Valley
of the Sun. I believe that first-time visitors will be staggered
by the number of really fine eateries available to tempt
every palette and every pocketbook. The enclosed list includes
some of my favorites. Each and every one of these restaurants
is spectacular and will afford a wonderful experience for
those who choose to dine there. I look forward to seeing
you in Arizona.
Val J. Halamandaris, President
National Association for Home Care & Hospice
Different Pointe of View
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort • 11111 North
7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020 • 602-866-6350
Different Pointe of View is a distinct and unforgettable
dining destination that over its 25 year history has evolved
into a culinary experience just as memorable as its stunning
views atop North Mountain in Phoenix. The genius of Different
Pointe of View is its aptitude to make fine dining an enjoyable
and relaxed experience. Guests of this renowned, mountaintop
restaurant are treated to an innovative and bold menu in
an atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is approachable.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the dramatic panoramas
of the Valley’s desert landscape, the city’s
twinkling lights and Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets.
Whether seated indoor or out, the sense of dining on top
of the world cannot be ignored. Different Pointe of View’s
breathtaking views of the Valley landscape, magnificent worldly
flavors and skilled staff create a dining experience like
no other.
 Postino Winebar (Italian)
3939 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85018 • (602)
852-3939 • www.postinowinecafe.com
Locals “love, love, love” this unique gathering
place in Phoenix’s Arcadia area, an old post office –turned–wine
bar with a cosmopolitan vibe and a selective menu of Italian-inspired
nibbly bits (like amazing bruschetta) to accompany the fabulous
vino selection; because it’s always crowded and parking
is a nightmare, those who want to chill out go early or during
off hours. Zagat rated extraordinary. Moderate.
Barrio Café (Mexican)
2814 N. 16th St. , Phoenix, AZ 85006 • (602) 636-0240 • www.barriocafe.com/hours.html
“No Tex-Mex found here” declare devotees who
suffer a lousy Phoenix location with difficult parking, a
no-reservations policy and long waits for Silvana Salcido
Esparza’s out-of-the-ordinary, crave-able Southern
Mexican fare featuring fascinating blends of lighter, less-spicy
flavors (start off with the outstanding tableside-prepped
guacamole); a unique selection of wines, hundreds of tequilas
and margaritas that “knock you on your culo” fuel
the noisy, fun-filled atmosphere. Zagat rated extraordinary.
Moderate.
Tarbells (American)
3213 E Camelback Rd , Camelback East Shops, Phoenix, AZ
85018 • (602) 955-8100 • www.tarbells.com/about_us.htm
“This is the way to run a neighborhood restaurant” cheer
boosters of this comfortable, cosmopolitan Camelback Corridor
American bistro beloved for its upbeat atmosphere and consistently
delicious, seasonally current classic dishes; Mark Tarbell
(the consummate host) manages a brilliant wine list as well
as schmoozes beautiful locals who wish they could eat here
every night. Bistro fare, using locally grown and organic
produce where possible. Head Chef and Owner Mark Tarbell
has appeared on many TV programs including Iron Chef America
where he was victorious over Iron Chef Cat Cora. Zagat rated
extraordinary. Moderately Expensive.
Sens (Pan Asian Tapas)
705 N. 1st Street #120 , Phoenix, Arizona 85004 • (602)
340-9777 • www.sensake.com
Executive Chef Johnny Chu presents his latest creation.
The dishes at Sens are served in small portions to allow
you to sample the many different and exotic foods that are
offered on our menu. If you really want to experience Asian
culture and great food, then Sens is the place for you. Moderately
Expensive.
Miracle Mile Deli (American)
1949 E. Camelback Suite #160, Phoenix, AZ 85016 • (602)
776-0992
A Valley landmark since 1949, this deli serves up comfy,
New York-style dishes that are nothing short of miraculous.
Delicious sandwich bargains include savory brisket of beef,
corned beef, and the signature Straw, uniting pastrami with
sauerkraut and melted Swiss. Daily specials are super, rotating
from hand-carved roast turkey to macaroni and cheese, meat
loaf, and beef stew. Inexpensive.
T. Cooks ( Mediterranean, Spanish)
Royal Palms Resort & Spa • 5200 East Camelback
Road Phoenix, Arizona 85018 • (602) 840-3610 •
www.royalpalmshotel.com/phoenix-arizona-dining.php
Nestled within a den of rich earthen colors, high-vaulted
ceilings, and panoramic views, the elegant T. Cook’s
offers unparalleled ambiance for a Phoenix restaurant. Mimicking
the colonial Spanish architecture and atmosphere of the Royal
Palms Resort and Spa, the a la minute Mediterranean cuisine
is simply superb. The freshest ingredients are always the
star of the far-from-ordinary, gourmet Mediterranean cuisine,
which is beautifully presented by staffers who know what
professional service means. Zagat rated extraordinary. Expensive.
Fuego Bistro (Latin-Southwestern Fusion)
713 E. Palo Verde Dr. , Phoenix, AZ 85014 • (602)
277-1151 • www.fuegobistro.com
Fuego Bistro (formerly Cafe del Sol) is a hidden secret,
quietly tucked away inside Fountain Court Plaza. This unique
setting offers diners a cozy dining room, patio beneath the
stars, and a full service bar. Patrons can feast upon authentic
Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Latin American favorites such as
Pernil Asado, Ropa Vieja, and Arroz con Gandules. Moderate.
Pizzeria Bianco
623 E Adams St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 258 8300 • www.pizzeriabianco.com
Using only the best fresh ingredients, brilliant Chris
Bianco makes glorious wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas,
deemed the best in the known world by Phoenix locals and
traveling foodies alike. Promising great Italian dishes and
a casual atmosphere, Pizzeria Bianco provides its customers
with nothing but the best. Brick walls and mood lighting
create an ambiance that is great for almost any occasion.
This Phoenix pizza restaurant looks very classy and hip,
but the prices are actually quite affordable. Check it out;
the pizzas are absolutely to die for. Reservations can be
made for groups of 6-10 people. Highly recommended by both
Martha Stewart and Oprah. Zagat rated extraordinary. Moderate.
Acadia Farms City Bakery (American)
600 E. Washington St. , Phoenix, AZ • 602-257-8860
An offshoot of Arcadia Farms, this great find for lunch
in Downtown Phoenix’s Arizona Science Center serves
the same interesting and innovative sandwiches and salads
alongside wonderful desserts in clean-lined, fun, easy-in-and-out
digs. Zagat rated extraordinary. Inexpensive.
Richardson’s (New Mexican)
1582 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, AZ • 602-265-5886 • www.burningembersphoenix.com
Locals hang out and hide away in this Phoenix spot that
conceals a diamond in the rough of its dark, loud and crowded
space, specifically a New Mexican menu bursting with explosive,
plenty-spicy flavors; even though a few suspect some staffers
delight in making you wait for a table, at least there’s
a neat little bar at which to pass the time. Zagat rated
extraordinary. Moderate.
 Donovan’s Steak & Chop
House
3101 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ • 602-955-3666 • www.donovanssteakhouse.com
What separates this fancy steak place from the Camelback
Corridor pack is that its old-school yummy cuts come with
sides, giving expense-accounters so much more than a hunk
of meat on a plate; beyond that, there’s impeccable
service, a great wine list and big drinks that fit perfectly
into the elegant, men’s club–like environment
replete with lots of dark leather and wood. Zagat rated extraordinary.
Expensive.
Roy’s (Hawaiian)
5350 E. Marriott Dr. Phoenix, AZ • 480-419-7697 • www.roysrestaurant.com
“Zowie, it’s like a trip to Maui!” cheer
champions of these bits of Hawaii in the desert, popular
links in the chain offering Roy Yamaguchi’s upscale
dinners at upscale prices (starring imaginatively prepared
seafood); while a few are over the novelty, most just happily
succumb to the island magic conjured from professional servers
and tropical accoutrement like tiki torches and “mean
mai tais.” Zagat rated extraordinary. Expensive. |
