Our Favorite Phoenix Local Food Spots
The local food scene in Phoenix is unbeatable -- it seems like new, exciting restaurants are popping up every month in the valley! The Local Nomad team has both new and old staples that we frequent on a regular basis.
From some of the best authentic Mexican food in Phoenix to asian-inspired hot spots, there’s something for everyone to explore when it comes to cuisine in the southwest. Whether you’re heading out for the evening or are staying inside with some big takeout plans, we’ve got you covered.
Enjoy our list of some of the best food in Phoenix, plus our personal locally-owned favorites.
A Taste of the Southwest
Looking for some Sonoran-inspired flavor? Here are a couple of our favorite spots to get tacos, tequila, and more in the valley.
Bacanora
New to the scene, locally-owned Bacanora restaurant in Phoenix is located in the heart of downtown on Grand Avenue. Chef Andrade brings the authenticity of Sonoran cooking to Phoenix with his simple, but flavorful rotating menu. Let us give you a sample: homemade salsas and tortillas, open flame-roasted chicken, grilled elote, and goat cheese flan for dessert.
Chantico
A dreamy desert-inspired space on Camelback (right by our shop!) complete with beautiful outdoor seating and a private fireplace patio. Inspired by the diversity of Mexico’s native flavors, Chantico blends old and new and focuses on using healthy ingredients sourced from local farms. Need another reason to go? They have a daily happy hour from 2pm to 6pm and a Monday special of 25% off takeout orders.
Happy Hour Favorites
Let’s be real -- sometimes the drinks make the dinner! Here are some of our favorite spots to get a drink (and also good food!) in Phoenix.
Belly
Belly describes itself as “a confluence of Vietnamese, Thai & Japanese eating and drinking culture”. Essentially, it’s asian street-food meets modern dining in a low lit, chic space in Midtown, Phoenix. Food aside, their drink menu makes it a must-visit. Try inventive cocktails that mix ingredients such as guava, nori, and Thai tea or stick to their selection of natural wines. Visit them for their reverse happy hour!
Greenwood Brewing is a woman-owned microbrewery in Downtown Phoenix. We love to order a flight of beers and do some people watching on Roosevelt Row. It’s BYOF, but local food trucks frequent the surrounding area on weekends. The space is modern and trendy with a spacious courtyard patio where you can sit back, relax, and sip on some local brews.
New & Noteworthy
A lot of the top restaurants in Phoenix, AZ at the moment are actually fairly new to the area! Here are some of our team’s favorite local food spots that are new to the valley, but also very noteworthy.
Pa’La is not new to Arizona, but it is new to the area! This tapa restaurant just opened their new location in Downtown. This restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking and seafood that’s sourced fresh from local Nelson's Meat + Fish market. Hit this local spot for a glass of wine and some afternoon tapas.
So you’ve had your dinner and your drinks… Here's a great spot for the morning after brunch stop! Stoop Kid is a brand new bagel, burger, and coffee shop located in The Churchill, a local gathering spot with a covered courtyard. They’ve already gained a cult following for their reinvented traditional bagel sandwiches, with additions of bacon and jam shmear, chili-glazed sweet potato, and marinated tomato.
Continue the local love and browse our Local AZ collection to shop art, beauty and wellness goods, and jewelry made by local artisans and small businesses.
Looking for more local favorites and good food in Phoenix? You can always check out our local’s guide to Phoenix to see the master list of our favorite local eats and more, which is updated on a regular basis.