Unearth The Voyage
Arizona’s food scene offers much more than just cactus and desert-inspired dishes. From family-owned Mexican spots to award-winning pizzerias, the Grand Canyon State serves up amazing flavors in every corner. These nine restaurants have earned special places in locals’ hearts and should be on every food lover’s must-visit list when traveling through Arizona.
Rito’s Mexican Food – Phoenix
Hidden in a residential Phoenix neighborhood, Rito’s Mexican Food operates from a modest green house that many first-timers drive right past. No flashy signs here – just incredible food that keeps locals coming back since 1977.
The green chile chimichanga reigns supreme on their menu, with a perfectly crispy exterior giving way to tender, spiced meat and melty cheese. Every bite delivers that homemade taste that chain restaurants simply can’t match.
Family-owned and cash-only, Rito’s represents Arizona’s authentic Mexican food tradition. Their red chile burrito and bean-and-cheese combo also draw devoted fans. Pro tip: arrive early for lunch as lines often form before noon, especially on weekends.
The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food – Phoenix
Carolina’s doesn’t bother with fancy décor or Instagram-worthy presentations. What matters here are the massive burritos wrapped in handmade tortillas that practically melt in your mouth.
The tortillas alone deserve their legendary status – made fresh throughout the day, they’re stretchy, slightly chewy, and the perfect vehicle for simple but flavorful fillings. The machaca plate and red chile burrito have cult followings among Phoenix natives.
Generations of families have been eating here since the 1950s, creating a true community landmark. First-timers should know: the building looks plain from outside, parking can be tricky, and you’ll likely wait in line – but every minute is worth it for food that defines Phoenix’s Mexican cuisine.
Mi Nidito – Tucson
Presidents and celebrities have dined at this beloved South Tucson institution, but locals were here first and keep coming back for the stellar Sonoran cuisine. The restaurant’s name means “my little nest” in Spanish – a fitting description for this cozy, colorful space where everyone feels welcome.
Chile rellenos steal the spotlight here – perfectly battered and fried poblano peppers stuffed with cheese that stretches with each bite. Their birria (slow-cooked meat stew) delivers rich, complex flavors that showcase authentic border-region cooking.
Walls covered with photos of famous visitors tell stories of the restaurant’s 70+ year history. Weekend waits can stretch over an hour, but regulars know to put their name in and explore the neighborhood until their table’s ready.
La Piazza Al Forno – Glendale
Wood-fired pizza perfection exists in suburban Glendale, where La Piazza Al Forno has earned national recognition for their Neapolitan-style pies. The intense heat from their imported brick oven creates those signature charred bubbles on a crust that’s somehow both crisp and chewy.
Owner Justin Piazza sources San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for pizzas that would make Naples proud. The Bianca with ricotta, mozzarella and garlic oil showcases their dough’s perfect texture, while the classic Margherita demonstrates that simplicity, when done right, creates culinary magic.
Family-run and community-focused, this spot feels worlds away from chain pizzerias. Their commitment to traditional methods earned them certification from the prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana – one of few Arizona restaurants with this honor.
Pho Thanh – Mesa
Strip mall treasures don’t come better than Pho Thanh, where steaming bowls of Vietnamese soup have been comforting Mesa locals for years. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior belies the aromatic magic happening inside.
Their pho broth simmers for hours, developing deep, complex flavors that serve as the foundation for generous portions of rice noodles and your choice of proteins. Regulars swear by the #17 – rare steak and brisket pho – where paper-thin beef slices cook gently in the hot broth.
Beyond soup, their crispy spring rolls arrive piping hot with a delicate crunch, paired perfectly with sweet-tangy dipping sauce. Fast service, affordable prices, and consistently excellent food explain why parking spots are hard to find during lunch rush. Cash-only policy, so come prepared!
Perché No Pasta & Vino – Cave Creek
“Why not?” That’s what Perché No means in Italian, and it’s the perfect answer when someone asks if you should visit this charming Cave Creek trattoria. Stepping inside feels like being transported to a family-owned restaurant in the Italian countryside.
Fresh pasta makes all the difference here – hand-cut daily and paired with sauces that balance tradition and creativity. The pappardelle with wild boar ragu showcases their commitment to authentic Italian flavors, while the seafood linguine brims with local Arizona influences.
Owners Daniela and Gianni treat guests like family, often stopping by tables to share stories about their native Italy. Their carefully curated wine list features bottles from small Italian producers, perfect for enjoying on the patio as desert sunsets paint the sky over Cave Creek.
Rock Springs Cafe – Black Canyon City
Long before Instagram food trends, Rock Springs Cafe was drawing road-trippers off the highway with promises of legendary pie. This historic landmark dates back to 1918, when it served as a general store and rest stop for travelers between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Today, hungry visitors still make the scenic drive for hearty, unpretentious comfort food that satisfies after a day exploring Arizona’s outdoors. Their chicken fried steak comes with gravy made from scratch, while the green chile burger packs enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
But let’s be honest – the pie counter is the real star. Their Jack Daniel’s pecan pie has achieved cult status, with the Tennessee whiskey adding depth to the sweet, nutty filling. During holiday seasons, they sell thousands of pies, with locals placing orders weeks in advance.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix
When a pizza place has people willingly waiting hours for a table and has been featured in national food publications for decades, you know it’s something special. Chris Bianco, the first pizzaiolo to win a James Beard Award, created this Phoenix institution that changed how Americans think about pizza.
The wood-fired masterpieces emerge from the oven with perfectly charred bubbles on the crust, topped with ingredients so fresh they seem to have been harvested moments before. The Rosa – with red onion, rosemary, and Arizona-grown pistachios – showcases Bianco’s genius for unexpected flavor combinations.
The original Heritage Square location feels like a time capsule with its brick walls and simple wooden tables. No reservations means planning ahead, but regulars insist the pizza – consistently ranked among America’s best – justifies any wait.
Just Tacos and More – Phoenix
Don’t let the humble name fool you – Just Tacos and More delivers flavor combinations that have earned passionate local followers. This family-owned gem represents Phoenix’s exciting new wave of Mexican eateries that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Their birria tacos achieve the perfect balance – tender, slow-cooked beef nestled in corn tortillas that have been dipped in rich consommé before hitting the griddle. The result? Crispy, flavor-packed pockets of joy served with that same savory broth for dipping.
The “and More” part of their name refers to creative offerings like birria ramen, where Mexican and Japanese comfort foods unite in one satisfying bowl. Weekend specials often sell out by early afternoon, so true fans know to arrive early and check their Instagram for daily offerings.
