We all have our go-tos and favorite, easy stops— I’m sure you could guess mine if you’ve seen my Instagram! However, there’s something to be said for branching out and mixing things up. Here’s a few places I recommend trying if you’re looking for something different.
I also recommend checking out my post on restaurants in Mesa. Wandering Mesa’s Main Street or Downtown Gilbert can yield some gems, too. Any of those places are worth a drive!
Z’s Greek
This place is cheap, with quick service and quality food. Their classic gyro, the falafel, and any kind of salad are an easy and tasty way to change things up from a typical sandwich.
Café Lailibela
Check out Ethiopian food in Tempe! I love sharing one of their family style plates with a group of friends, to try many different dishes. This is a great spot for vegetarians.
Khai Hoàn Vietnamese
Of course they serve pho, and they do it well, but I would recommend going beyond pho and bahn mi to see more of the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. I love their bun noodle dishes. They also serve the classics of American Chinese food.
El Chullo Peruvian
This place is a cool hole in the wall. It’s really nothing like Mexican food, but I think most unadventurous eaters could still find something similar enough to Mexican or American food here. I recommend adding this to your date night list and picking up a happy hour pisco sour.
Persepshen
I can’t neatly categorize this restaurant, which I view as a good thing. It’s a classy and fun date spot to try new things and seasonal offerings. Their dessert blows my mind!
Spce Coffee
Are you tired of the same coffeeshop vibes all the time? Spce is a new addition to Phoenix, bringing a cute pink aesthetic in the same location formerly occupied by La Bohemia. Their menu is packed with special drinks, especially for tea lovers. I recommend the strawberry chai latte.
Heidelberg Bakery
If you’re looking to switch up your pastry/dessert game, this is the place to do it. Having a pretzel from here magically teleported me to Germany, even on the reheat!
Say When
You probably already know other concepts by the same people— Little Rituals, the fabulous Bitter and Twisted, and Say When’s neighbor at the Rise Uptown, Lylo. This newer spot takes the idea of a hotel bar to a new (old) level. If you’ve ever watched Mad Men and thought, “I’ll have what they’re having,” this is the place for you. Their menu and aesthetic are a mid-century dream.
The Salt Cellar
Scottsdale has a lot of nice steakhouses. Less well known (but still an area classic) is this seafood place. I love how unassuming it looks on the outside. You park outside a little shack and descend a stairway into a cool, white tablecloth restaurant underground. It’s a go-to in my family for special occasions and one of the best places to get high quality seafood anywhere in the valley.
Garden Bar
This new concept close to downtown brings classy yet locally sourced vibes to the bar scene. While they only serve a grazing board for food, their James Beard recognized mixology is more than enough of a reason to visit! There’s seasonal specials, stylish outdoor space, and cozy indoor seating in their photogenic bungalow. They’re also nearby great places to eat like The Vig Fillmore and Cibo.
Grace Gets Food 