MY EARLY 20s contained two massive heartbreaks. The one worth recounting here was the closing of my short-lived, brick-and-mortar vintage shop in downtown Phoenix. I didn’t know, as I handed over my keys to the building’s landlord and made my way to my first barista shift at Lux Central, that what I perceived as a failure was actually the beginning of a soul-filling career in hospitality.
I had ambivalently moved in and out of restaurant work over the years to pay the bills, but it was at Lux Central that my perspective shifted. I fell head over heels in love with the madness of it all: the intense hours, the community of regulars, the ever-changing menu, the intricacies of keeping the business stocked and running, and the staff that became my chosen family. I even thrived off the stress and anxiety that is synonymous with hospitality work. I was totally and completely hooked — to the point that, on my limited days off, I devoured the city, literally. At the time, the city’s food scene was impressive, yet limited. As I ate it all up, plate by plate, my broken heart slowly healed.
Returning to Phoenix this year was absolutely mind-blowing. In a time when so many cities have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, this one is blossoming. During my trip I revisited the best of those early dining spots, as well as industry favorites I keep hearing about, and put together this culinary guide to keep in your back pocket for your next visit to the Valley of the Sun.
Coffee, Breakfast & Pastries
First Place
Imaginative, decadent coffee
I’m not usually one for sweetened coffee beverages, but First Place executes them (and classic drinks) unlike any other cafe I’ve ever experienced. Its location shifts depending on the day, so make sure to check their schedule and plot your route. There’s...
I’m not usually one for sweetened coffee beverages, but First Place executes them (and classic drinks) unlike any other cafe I’ve ever experienced. Its location shifts depending on the day, so make sure to check their schedule and plot your route. There’s almost always a line of locals with their pups and kiddos waiting to order from the kind, cheerful staff, whose smiles burst through the truck’s small window. I personally ordered a honeycomb latte (made with cinnamon, local honey, and vanilla bean) and recommend making breakfast dessert by adding a pastry, which First Place sources from beloved local bakery The Dinersaur.
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Nostalgic eggs and peppered bacon
I take one bite here and instantly feel at home. It is within these walls that I learned everything I know about scratch cooking and the importance of local ingredients from my friends Matt and Erenia Pool. I brought my dad along for my most recent...
I take one bite here and instantly feel at home. It is within these walls that I learned everything I know about scratch cooking and the importance of local ingredients from my friends Matt and Erenia Pool. I brought my dad along for my most recent breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast and we split two of my favorites: the five-spot sandwich with hand-shredded hash browns and a signature waffle with what is arguably the best bacon I’ve ever had. In the past 10 years the joint has grown exponentially, but its consistency is unwavering. Make sure to check out its sister coffee shop Giant down the road for the best single-origin coffee in town.
The Dinersaur
Pastries and lunch on the go
As I mentioned, I paired my honeycomb latte with The Dinersaur’s iconic vanilla custard churrover pastry when I visited First Place, which left me eager to sample more of the bakery’s offerings. I swung by its grab-and-go location on Thomas and had to...
As I mentioned, I paired my honeycomb latte with The Dinersaur’s iconic vanilla custard churrover pastry when I visited First Place, which left me eager to sample more of the bakery’s offerings. I swung by its grab-and-go location on Thomas and had to refrain from purchasing one of everything. In the end, I limited myself to millionaire’s shortbread — basically a homemade, insanely delicious, elevated Twix bar; perfectly moist orange dreamsicle olive oil cake; and just-the-right-amount-of-sweet tres leches cake. They also offer highly praised prepared lunch items if you’re in need of a meal on the run — plus adorable merch, if that’s your thing.
Ollie Vaughn’s
Hidden gem brunch and lunch
Owner and baker Lindsay Magee and I worked together what feels like a lifetime ago, and it is an absolute joy to see her cafe, Ollie Vaughn’s, flourishing in its tenth year of business. When I lived in the Coronado Historic District — around the corner...
Owner and baker Lindsay Magee and I worked together what feels like a lifetime ago, and it is an absolute joy to see her cafe, Ollie Vaughn’s, flourishing in its tenth year of business. When I lived in the Coronado Historic District — around the corner from this spot — Magee’s tart and creamy lemon ricotta pancakes, almond croissants, morning buns, artfully plated sandwiches and salads, and buttery Mexican tea cookies drew me in nearly daily. Eight years later, the cravings persist, and the offerings are even better than I remembered.
Lunch & Dinner
Valentine
An intimate, adventurous meal, day or night
On my first visit to Valentine, its co-owner, Blaise Faber, guided a friend and I through a truly exceptional meal. Faber has always had a knack for pairing the most sensational, unexpected flavors. I experienced this talent many years ago while enjoying...
On my first visit to Valentine, its co-owner, Blaise Faber, guided a friend and I through a truly exceptional meal. Faber has always had a knack for pairing the most sensational, unexpected flavors. I experienced this talent many years ago while enjoying cocktails in his living room and at the various spots he tended bar; now it’s on full display at this all-day cafe. Under cozy lighting, we consumed hiramasa crudo, local citrus salad, grilled chicken heart and green-chili bacon skewers, elote pasta, and crispy cauliflower with tahini and harissa. Not one dish missed the mark. We also sipped on spirit-free, bitter Italian aperitivi and funky natural red wines before moving to Valentine’s cocktail bar, 1912, for a seasonal dessert and more drinks.
Lom Wong
Unbelievable Thai dishes and natural wine
Lom Wong is owned and operated by Alex and Yotaka Martin, who originally met in Thailand. The couple brought everything they learned from the villages in which they lived and worked back to the States. When I visited their restaurant with friends, we glanced at...
Lom Wong is owned and operated by Alex and Yotaka Martin, who originally met in Thailand. The couple brought everything they learned from the villages in which they lived and worked back to the States. When I visited their restaurant with friends, we glanced at the menu and without an ounce of hesitation declared “Arai Kodai,” which essentially means: “We will eat anything you bring us.” Our incredibly kind server took the wheel and delivered plates of yam mamuang boran, tom yum haeng sen yai, boo pad pong garee, pad kwang toon, and laap mu muang. We washed it all down with ginger-packed mocktails and fragrant natural orange wines. Then we sat back and attempted to rank our dishes. We unanimously agreed that all plates were stellar and that we would return to try the rest of the menu.
Pane Bianco
Iconic focaccia and sandwiches
Chef Chris Bianco’s reputation — which extends well beyond Phoenix — speaks for itself. But because this city is the birthplace of his culinary genius, I would be remiss to omit it (and one of the many Bianco staples) from my list of favorite Phoenix eats. I...
Chef Chris Bianco’s reputation — which extends well beyond Phoenix — speaks for itself. But because this city is the birthplace of his culinary genius, I would be remiss to omit it (and one of the many Bianco staples) from my list of favorite Phoenix eats. I worked next door to Pane Bianco for years, so it's another spot that tastes like home to me, particularly the soppressata sandwich with wood-roasted peppers and aged provolone, served on that fantastic house-made focaccia with a side of slaw. I used to split this incredibly satisfying dish plus Bianco’s pizza al taglio with a co-worker at least once a week. Sharing these plates and a couple of salads with friends once again was an absolute delight. Just note: This dine-in or take-away spot is only open for lunch.
Cocina 10 at Crescent Ballroom
Casual Mexican food plus tunes
There is an abundance of incredible Mexican food in Phoenix, but it’s the bean and cheese burrito at Cocina 10, nestled in Crescent Ballroom, that haunts my dreams. And this was admittedly my first stop when I got into town. I arrived with...
There is an abundance of incredible Mexican food in Phoenix, but it’s the bean and cheese burrito at Cocina 10, nestled in Crescent Ballroom, that haunts my dreams. And this was admittedly my first stop when I got into town. I arrived with a party of five, and we each paired our burritos with an array of salads, appetizers, and plenty of homemade chips and red and green salsas. It lived up to all of my internal hype. Come here for a casual meal, or check out the ballroom’s calendar to enjoy dinner with a show.
Belly
Southeast Asian plates with a twist
I took my aunt, who is admittedly a picky eater, to Belly for lunch. We were greeted by the restaurant’s chefs from their open, small kitchen. They encouraged us to climb the stairs to the main dining area, and as we reached the landing, sunshine extended from the...
I took my aunt, who is admittedly a picky eater, to Belly for lunch. We were greeted by the restaurant’s chefs from their open, small kitchen. They encouraged us to climb the stairs to the main dining area, and as we reached the landing, sunshine extended from the patio into the second floor, illuminating the spot’s trendy bar and handful of tables. Our server met us there and guided us through an abbreviated lunch menu like an old friend, suggesting sharing a few plates. We ordered crispy spring rolls and grilled romaine belly “caesar” topped with soft shell crab, rounding out our meal with grilled hanger steak pan mi. As my aunt sipped her tart lime leaf lemonade, we agreed that we couldn’t be more pleased with the meal.
Bacanora
Exclusive wood-fired Sonoran cuisine
Reservations at Bacanora fill up quickly and are often booked a month or more in advance, but don’t let that deter you from a drop-in meal — just be sure to show up early and put your name on the list for a seat at the bar. This Sonoran spot churns out...
Reservations at Bacanora fill up quickly and are often booked a month or more in advance, but don’t let that deter you from a drop-in meal — just be sure to show up early and put your name on the list for a seat at the bar. This Sonoran spot churns out wood-fired plates that are earning high marks, for good reason. Plus, the restaurant’s dining room places guests in the heart of the action, with a sight line into the kitchen. When chatter dims, if you listen closely you can even hear the chef’s music of choice. As for the food, Bacanora’s special menu is updated daily and during my visit, standout plates included charred cabbage (Bacanora’s take on a grilled romaine salad), aguachile (lime-cured halibut with salsa verde), and short ribs.
Advertisement
AMERICAN EXPRESS® CARD MEMBER ACCESS
Global Dining Access by Resy
Unlock access to unique experiences and sought-after restaurants across the globe, when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile. Terms apply. Learn more here, and visit resy.com or the Resy iOS app to get started.
Our Contributors
Hailey Andresen Writer
Hailey Andresen is the guides editor at Departures. A New York–based writer and editor, she founded the digital lifestyle publication Household Mag and has spent more than a decade in the hospitality industry.
