10 Best Local Restaurants in Phoenix

Mrs White’s Golden Rule Cafe is a family-run restaurant that has been serving hearty portions of soul food to hungry residents and visitors of Phoenix for over 5 decades. Since this now-iconic dining spot was opened by Elizabeth White in 1964, it’s become known for its hearty Southern dishes like fried chicken with black-eyed peas, fried catfish, and pork chops. 

You can soak up the cafe's retro atmosphere while savouring tasty chicken fried steak and sweet potato pie. Handwritten menus and vintage photos cover the walls, and the long lunch counter adds to its classic diner look. You can find Mrs White’s Golden Rule Cafe in Downtown Phoenix, just a short walk east of Chase Field.  

Vincent on Camelback has been a favourite for French fare for many decades in Phoenix, with the talents of its founding chef earning high praise. The menu changes daily and with the seasons, with classic French dishes like rack of lamb and duck confit. It’s attached to several accolades, including a James Beard Award for the creative use of locally sourced ingredients, a well-rounded wine list, and attentive service.

Since the fine-dining establishment opened in the 1980s, a bistro was added for casual dining and a Saturday farmer’s market, both attached to the main restaurant.

The Beach House is nowhere near a beach, being found in landlocked central Phoenix, but the scene does feel like you’ve stumbled upon a seaside surf shack. Local diners flock here for the fish and shrimp tacos, which can be enjoyed at nearby picnic tables. 

The Beach House is small but has a standout design, occupying a sunny yellow bungalow with surf-themed posters tacked up across the walls and ceiling. A vintage blue Volkswagen van is parked out front. Check their daily special board for the day’s “slushie” drink pick – a great refresher on a hot sunny day. 

Raimondo’s is what Phoenix locals seek out when craving fresh Italian food. Its founder chef, the late Ray Lavecchio, made a name for himself by using vegetables in place of pasta, long before gluten-free became a sought-after dining choice. Ray brought his family’s recipes from Italy to create delicious dishes as eggplant rollatini and vegetable lasagna.

Raimondo's has been operating in various locations around Phoenix over the past 4 decades. Today, it's a roving market vendor and catering business. You can find its signature gluten-free pasta dishes, freshly made or frozen, at many farmer's markets in Phoenix and its vicinity – including the popular Uptown Farmers Market.

The Original Breakfast House is a popular destination for Phoenix residents in need of a tasty fill-to-the-brim breakfast or lunch. It often adds a dash of creativity to its meal offerings. Classic pancakes and French toast are served here, as well as more unexpected dishes like Spam and eggs or pork green chile omelettes.

The Original Breakfast House is a busy place, so expect to wait if arriving between 9 am and 10 am. Note that they only accept cash for payment – there’s an onsite ATM if needed. 

The Stockyards Steakhouse has become a Phoenix institution since opening in the late 1940s, when it operated next to the world’s largest feedlot. Though there’s no longer livestock handily available, it’s still serving up fresh beef steaks and prime ribs, as well as a variety of meats, wild game and seafood.

The Stockyards Steakhouse celebrates its connection to Arizona’s cattle industry with displays of art and photos around the restaurant. Check out the adjacent 1889 Saloon to see 1950s murals and retro Wild West-inspired decor. The restaurant is about a 5-minute drive northeast of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Durant’s is the place to go if you’re keen to immerse yourself into a 1960s-tinged touch of glamour. With wine-red leather booths, red velvet wall panels and dim lighting, it’s the kind of place you could imagine Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack friends enjoying porterhouse steaks and endless rounds of stiff martinis.

Set on Phoenix’s Central Avenue since its first opening in 1950, Durant’s has remained a favourite dinner spot even as the city has changed and grown rapidly around it. The menu features a range of steaks, prime ribs, lamb chops and seafood, plus indulgent desserts and an extensve wine list.  

Taco Guild is a restaurant in Phoenix that’s known for its tasty Mexican fare and weekend brunches, but what you’ll notice first on arrival is its setting. That’s because it occupies a century-old building that was once a Methodist Church – they’ve even kept many of the original church design features like the stained-glass windows and vaulted ceiling.

There’s a great range of dishes here, including tacos with lobster, coconut shrimp and jackfruit, as well as more than 150 types of tequila to wash it all down. If you visit Taco Guild during its “confession hours” from 2 pm to 6 pm, you’ll get discounts on a selection of food and drinks.

Chang Noi serves a range of Thai street food at Phoenix's Uptown Farmers Market. Standouts include spicy pork noodles, grilled organic chicken, fried rice, papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, and mango with sticky rice. For drinks, try the sweet Thai tea or Thai pink milk, known as nom yen.

Don’t forget to pick up bottles of Chang Noi’s homemade sauces, such as tangy tamarind sauce or sweet chilli sauce. Chang Noi also has a stand at several markets around Phoenix, including Elliot Road Farmers’ Market and High Street Farmers’ Market.

Feeney’s Restaurant & Bar is a long-running dining spot Phoenix locals love for its friendly service and hearty meals. Must-try dishes include beef wellington and prime rib. You can also enjoy lamb and seafood dishes, as well as a fresh salad bar, all at reasonable prices. 

The steakhouse's wood interior with warm lighting gives it a cosy feel, making it a popular choice for families and friend gatherings.  Feeney’s owners and staff often greet diners like old friends, adding to the casual atmosphere.