Location: Phoenix
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Top 10 Contemporary food in Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Find out what Contemporary restaurants to try in Phoenix. Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the top golf destinations in the world. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers visitors an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater or or catch a concert at the state-of-the-art Comerica Theatre. In addition to golf, the city offers access to numerous outdoor endeavors including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-visit destination.
Things to do in Phoenix
10. St. Francis
Overall Ratings
4 based on 437 reviews
Reviewed By 457garyn
As noted in the title, out first time here. We were not disappointed. It is a small place, slightly crowded, so first impression was uncertain, although the greeting was warm and inviting, with fast seating. We were not overwhelmed with outside appearance or ambiance, but none of that detracted from the experience. It was Valentines day so we were shown the special menu and asked about drinks. Drink menu is not extensive but with adequate variety to satisfy most palates.As I write these reviews I often point out that great service makes every meal better, and some times over comes deficits in food. This server and her delivery was absolutely spot on.. She was engaging, pleasant, knowledgeable and attention and timing was perfect. Even though very busy, she gave us time and her full attention.The food also did not disappoint. The menu again is not overwhelming but with nice choices and flavorings that were well described and special. This is a place we will recommend to others. Since the visit my wife has had feedback from friends who validate this is not just a great experience for us, but deliver every time.
9. Pizzeria Bianco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1274 reviews
Reviewed By SteveFromHenderson
After all the hype over all the years, we were in town and went straight from the airport. WOW! Great, friendly service. Perfect salad of greens - perfectly dressed. Then the pizza; biancoverde - white pizza with fresh arugula placed on it after baking. Crust was amazing; thin but not too thin, done but not overdone, hint of salt but not overly salty, cheeses were ample but not over. Maybe the most perfect pizza. Had the rice pudding for dessert and it was the best outside of New York we've had. People hype a lot of places and they turn out to be not great. This one IS great.
8. Seasons 52
Overall Ratings
4 based on 663 reviews
Seasons 52 is a casually sophisticated fresh grill and wine bar that invites you to discover the sensational flavors of our seasonally inspired menu. At Seasons 52 you will enjoy a warm, welcoming ambiance with rich mahogany accents, custom built wine cel
Reviewed By John O
Always a great experience. The decor, lighting, ambience and service are always impeccable. One of the few restataurants that you can have a conversation in without shouting. Food is always superbly presented and actually lower in calories than most. The small desserts in 'shot glasses' are lovely decadent treats.Also a great place for happy hour around the bar area with several lower priced options to choose from.
7. Tarbell's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou
When we moved to The Valley over 20 years ago, we met a local restauranteur and âwine guy,â Tom Hamilton. He spent hours giving us suggestions for dining, and for wines in Phoenix/Scottsdale. One recommendation that he gave was, âTarbellâs,â and also the adjacent wine shop, which was separate in those days.As we were living in a condo, in the Dreamy Draw Area, while looking at real estate, Tarbellâs was close to us, so probably the next weekend, we ventured there. We spent some time in the wine shop, and went next door for lunch. It just so happened that Chef Mark Tarbell was about to start a wine tasting, and asked us to join the group, as they had two vacancies. We did, and had a marvelous time. We never got around to having lunch at Tarbellâs that day, but soon returned for dinner.Over the years, we have dined at Tarbellâs over a dozen times, and twice at his now-closed bistro, a few blocks to the west. We have always had great service and wonderful food, and have hosted a few small business dinners, plus several âcandidate dinnersâ there, over the two decades, which we have lived I The Valley. In December, we returned as just a couple. I was surprised when I checked, that it had been so long (2016), since we had dined there, but think that we did a couple of those candidate dinners, which I just did not review?Our dining plans had changed for this âstay-cationâ at the Arizona Biltmore, so we secured rather last-minute reservations at Tarbellâs, and were so very glad to return, and especially for a non-business visit.The restaurant is sort of divided into two dining areas, one immediately to the right of the entryway and hostess stand (this area contains a partially open area with a large table, which we have used for business dinners in the past), then a rather long bar, with another dining area to the left of that entryway. Historically, we have been seated to the left, but on this visit, we were seated to the right, and other than that large table, this might have been our first time there? We arrived for our 6:30pm reservation, and were promptly seated by a friendly hostess.We had the wine list (always a must for us, when dining at Tarbellâs) in-hand quickly, along with the menus. While decisions were being made, a âbread plateâ of Hummus and Lavash was delivered to the table.Though Chef Tarbell has added a âCoravin Selectionâ of very interesting B-T-G wines, since our last visit, I kept to the Half Bottles on his always exciting list. Tarbellâs has always had a great half-bottle list, and that aspect has not changed. We ordered:Louis Jadot Puligny-Montrachet La Garenne Premier Cru â16, which was lovely, and served in appropriate stemware, for that big Chardonnay. How many restaurants in The Valley have a Premier Cru Montrachet in a half-bottle?Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinto Noir â13, which handled my beef, and my wifeâs salmon nicely. Again, this is not a wine, which one will likely find in a half-bottle elsewhere in The Valley.We started with:Crispy Tempura Calamari w/ salsa verde and Romesco â Not your usual fried calamari, the squid were absolutely perfect, and up to their description, âCrispy!â The salsa verde was a unique departure from the normal sauces, which one encounters with most calamari dishes, and an excellent accompaniment.Tuna Tartare w/ cucumber mignotte, deviled egg mousse, avocado and âcrispyâ capers â This was a great Tuna Tartare, and the deviled egg mousse an interesting and delicious aspect.We toyed with the Charred Octopus, but as we had just returned from Portugal, where we had so many great octopus dished, just went in a different direction.For our main courses, we went with:âThe Salmonâ w/ crispy potato cake, organic greens and a molasses-lime glaze â My wife hesitated on this dish, as we had also just returned from London, where she had some excellent Scottish Salmon, but relented, and was glad that she did. So was I, as this was as good as we had just encountered in a few Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK! It went well with the Domaine Serene Evenstad PN, also.Scotch Beef w/ buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and âred velvet gravyâ â Again, some hesitation, but on my part. Along with great Scottish Salmon in London, I had enjoyed several Scotch Beef dishes, just the month before, and then I usually go with Chef Tarbellâs Peppered NY Strip,â but did not on this visit. I was rewarded with a perfectly cooked tenderloin, with tons of flavor, and the buttermilk mashed potatoes were great. Here I worried that the Pinot Noir might fall down on the job (it did not), so added a glass of the Heitz Cellars Trailside Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Coravin list. This was an excellent choice, but the Willamette PN did well too.We declined dessert, and even dessert wines, as we still had to drive back to the AZ Biltmore, but did have a few glasses of Port, once safely back on-property.Service was excellent throughout the meal, and our largish two-top comfortable. I think that the restaurant might have added a table, or two, into this dining area (remember, this is not where we usually sit), but there was still adequate room for our servers to pass, and we were not too close to other tables. The lighting was dimmer than I recalled, but we often are seated next to the windows, in the other dining area, so until dark, we get some more natural light. Because of the beauty of Chef Tarbellâs dishes, a little âtask lightâ over each table, would be a welcomed addition, IMHO â not too bright, but just a bit more light, and focus onto the table. The closest thing to a complaint is that the noise level can get a bit loud, but even with a full bar area, just behind us, plus a large Holiday party at the big table, to my left, we could converse at normal volumes.Though parking can be a bit of an issue, we just did valet (in front of Tomasoâs, an Italian restaurant in the same complex. Also in that complex is Chef Tarbellâs âThe Tavern,â and now his wine shop. The valet parking has almost always been our choice, when dining at Tarbellâs.In the future, I do not plan on allowing so long to go by, before returning to Tarbellâs, one of the best restaurants in The Valley.Thank you so much for your incredible and detailed review, and most of all, for your support over the years!We are so glad that you were able to make it back in to see us again recently, and really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, photos and praise here on TripAdvisor. It means the world to us!We hope to see you again soon!
6. Match Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
MATCH Restaurant & Lounge is the restaurant located in the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. An extension of this not-the-usual art and lifestyle hotel, MATCH Restaurant & Lounge modern comfort food and creative cocktails in a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Reviewed By mjbphx
Out for the last night of Restaurant Week, we expected to have a nice meal with decent service. The food was good, and the portions were decent. But the service was horrible. As we looked around the room, those people getting Restaurant Week meals were sitting, and sitting, and sitting. The waiter wasn't even attentive, as the bottle of water on the table was consumed and never refilled. After being there for 1.5 hours and only having 2 of the four courses, we complained. The manager came over and rather than apologizing, he started making excuses, which were relentless. Finally he offered to take $20 off the bill or give us another glass of wine, but we were so desperate to leave by that point, very little could have made us happy. As we told the manager, "The food was good, but this was the worst service we had experienced in years.'Hello mjbphx, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I apologize for what happened. If you won't mind emailing me directly at [email protected] at your earliest convenience, so I can grab a few more details from you to ensure other guests do not experience the same, I would greatly appreciate it.Thank you!
5. Wright's at the Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4 based on 611 reviews
From the indigenous ingredients of Native Americans to the unique and bold flavors brought forth by early settlers, Wrightâs at the Biltmore creates a culinary experience that tells the story of the Arizona Desert, drawing upon the regionâs rich heritage
Reviewed By araxas
On a recent stay at the Arizona Biltmore we dined on several occasions in Wrights. From the outstanding array of menu items to the ambiance of eating in one of the most famous hotels in Phoenix the experience was most delightful. Don't pass up the southwestern food and steaks - fabulous!
4. True Food Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 608 reviews
Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.
Reviewed By MooshLA
I had lunch here this week and sat outside on the patio under the water jets which made the weather bearable. The menu had plenty of great healthy options to select from which made things easy. I opted for the Chopped Salad with Salmon and it was really a delicious choice. The salad was fresh, crunch, tangy, sweet and then savory with the salmon - all worked quite well together. We started with a flat bread that was also really delicious.
3. Angels Trumpet Ale House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 210 reviews
If you're looking for a place to chill and sample a different variety of beers on tap, then Angel's Trumpet Ale House is your place. This beer house that has been open since 2012 is all about the beer and the food. With over 30 beers on tap from right aro
Reviewed By B138877
Many beers to choose. You can try several USA beers some locals. Good options for snacks. Good service
Most Popular American food in Phoenix, Arizona, United States
2. Phoenix City Grille
Overall Ratings
4 based on 347 reviews
Phoenix City Grille is a central Phoenix institution, having opened in 1997. Nestled in the heart of the Madison neighborhood at 16th street and Bethany Home Road, Phoenix City Grille was built in the style of the old town tavern. It's a comfortable place
Reviewed By ROBII
Great little restaurant has been around for years and owned by a long time Phoenix restaurateur. Food has always been delicious and service great. Love eating at the high-tops in the bar area and I would probably give Phoenix City Grille five stars if it wasn't for, what I consider, an unusual designed dinning area.
1. Rusconi's American Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 832 reviews
Rusconi's American Kitchen features hand crafted regional American cuisine by Chef Michael Rusconi. We are open for Dinner, lunch and Sunday BrunchOpen every day for happy hour, dinner, wine flights and all around fun and now lunch and Sunday Brunch, our
Reviewed By Linda W
Our first visit here was wonderful! Our server was Rex, and he took great care of us, very knowledgeable and super pleasant. I really enjoyed my roasted chicken salad, so fresh and delicious with white balsamic vinaigrette, and I tried a side of their grits with Mascarpone cheese. My kids loved the pork tenderloin with wine reduction and fingerling potatoes, and short ribs with grits, and the wonderful beef medallions with mac cheese. For dessert we loved the dark chocolate bread pudding, and the caramel apple ice cream. The restaurant was quiet enough for us to hear, and great food and service. So good that we flagged down the manager to praise them.
Where to eat Mexican food in Phoenix: The Best Restaurants and Bars
