People say deserts are muses for creativity. The Phoenix metro area spreads through a sunny basin of the vibrant, creosote-scented Sonoran Desert, a hotbed of culinary creativity that has flown mostly under the national radar. The top cut of Phoenix and Scottsdale restaurants can hang with just about any American city. Better still, many have the capacity to surprise. With world-class pizza, sure. But also with char-blistered Sonoran meats, Indigenous Thai curries, tasting menus under purple sunset vistas, and cocktails that use ancient desert ingredients in modern ways. Visit these spots to experience what kind of gastronomic heat the Valley’s best culinary talents can bring.
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Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.
