$
under $15.00
Arizona Native Frybread
1437 E. Main St (at N Lazona Dr)
Mesa • (480) 649-1314

American Indian fry bread can be eaten in many different ways, and Arizona Native Frybread, a strip-mall restaurant on east Main Street in Mesa, showcases many of them. Fry bread, made by frying a flat piece of dough in oil, can be eaten as is; for instance, as an accompaniment to a bowl of Navajo hominy stew. Or it can be filled with meat, vegetables and cheese to make a sandwich or taco. It even can be a dessert, topped with honey, powdered sugar, jelly or chocolate. - eastvalleytribune.com
$$
$15.00 - $30.00
The Mission
3815 N. Brown Ave (E 2nd St)
Scottsdale • (480) 636-5005

"This downtown Scottsdale restaurant has a menu that incorporates elements of the cuisines of Mexico, Central America, South America and Spain. Among the menu options are starters such as chicken arepa and grilled street corn. Choose from main dishes like swordfish Veracruz and scallops with corn and Oaxacan cheese, then move on to such desserts as churros with espresso and Mexican chocolate." - azcentral.com
$$
$15.00 - $30.00
Phoenix City Grille
5816 N 16th St (at Bethany Home Rd)
Phoenix • (602) 266-3001

“Phoenix City Grille’s upscale Southwestern spin on meat and potatoes totally hits the spot when you’re craving comfort food. By day, the restaurant has a business casual vibe that gives way to a dimly lit, date-friendly ambiance in the evening. Start off with a skillet of moist cornbread, then dig in to grilled pork tenderloin with jalapeño preserves or melt-in-your-mouth pot roast. Expect to be stuffed, but don’t be surprised if you suddenly find room for dessert. Croissant bread pudding and warm chocolate torte are two highlights.” - Phoenix New Times
$$
$15.00 - $30.00
Maria Maria
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy (at E 1st St)
Tempe • (480) 449-3663

The fresh and authentic Mexican dining destination is inspired by
an ongoing collaboration between award-winning, internationally
renowned contemporary Latin chef Roberto Santibanez and legendary
musician Carlos Santana.
With Santibanez at the culinary helm-and creative consultation
from Carlos Santana-the adventurous menu at Maria Maria celebrates the
diversity and complexity of Mexico's exciting regional cuisines. It
balances innovation and tradition and spice and sweetness throughout,
using only the finest ingredients. The restaurant's ambience and
environment are inspired by the music of Santana, reflecting its
passion and spirit with vibrant artwork, sensuous lighting, rustically
elegant decor and a palette of rich, warm earth tones.
$$$
$30.00 - $50.00
Rita's Kitchen
5402 E Lincoln Dr (east of N 56th St)
Scottsdale • (480) 948-1700

A casual, contemporary Southwestern flair reigns throughout Rita’s Kitchen. Adobe walls, terracotta floors and wood-beamed ceilings enhance the natural, earthy Southwestern feel. Wood, stone and copper accents and vibrant artwork enliven the senses.
The menu features home-style regional cuisine featuring favorites from north and south of the border, using locally grown, seasonal and fresh ingredients. Enjoy an authentic adobe setting or patio dining in the shade of a sprawling Ironwood tree.
At the Marriott Camelback Inn Resort
$$
$15.00 - $30.00
Carlsbad Tavern
3313 N Hayden Rd (south of E Osborn Rd)
Scottsdale • (480) 970-8164

“New Mexico-style Mexican food served in a cave-like setting, complete with bats and gushing waterfalls. The kitchen sends out nothing but winners, from traditional favorites like carne adovada and blue corn enchiladas to nifty platters like pork osso buco and chicken breasts stuffed with sun-dried tomato, spinach, pepper and feta. First-rate margaritas, too.”
- Phoenix New Times
“Carlsbad Tavern has been dishing out spicy New Mexican fare for 13 years. Its cozy, cavelike ambiance suits legions of "batty" loyalists who've made this friendly watering hole a neighborhood favorite for happy-hour and late-night snacks as well as lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.” - azcentral.com
$$
$15.00 - $30.00
Richardson's
Cuisine of New Mexico
1582 E Bethany Home Rd (at N 16th St)
Phoenix • (602) 265-5886

"One of the coolest restaurants in Arizona, and maybe even the United States. With a dark, pueblo-like interior decorated with burnished copper and Native American rugs, Richardson’s is known for its superb margaritas on the rocks and some of the best chips and salsa in town, as well as for New Mexican fare that’ll set your tongue ablaze and make expats from the Land of Enchantment weep tears of joy. Menu features Red River chili, carne adovada, chile relleno, and New Mexico sausages."
- Phoenix New Times
$$$
$30.00 - $50.00
Palm Court
7700 E McCormick Pkwy (west of Sandpiper Dr)
Scottsdale • (480) 991-9000

AAA Four Diamond Award Winner
Savor the award-winning cuisine at the internationally
acclaimed Palm Court. Fine dining is elevated to an
art form with unforgettable tableside au flambé
preparation and innovative menus at our AAA Four
Diamond restaurant. Soft candlelight and strains of an
acoustic guitar play against Palm Court’s backdrop of
breathtaking views, making each taste even more
memorable. Palm Court serves breakfast, lunch
and dinner and one of the Valley’s best-loved
Sunday Brunches.
With dramatic views that sweep across fairways to the mountains beyond, Palm Court serves innovative American cuisine infused with the spirit of its Southwestern, hacienda-inspired décor. New flavors meld with classic dishes to create culinary masterpieces, often prepared au flambé at your table – a sensation to both the eye and the palate.
At the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
$$$$
over $50.00
Compass Restaurant
122 N Second St (between E Adams & E Monroe)
Phoenix • (602) 440-3166

at the Hyatt Regency, Downtown Phoenix
Dine in elegance with a 360 degree view of the spectacular Valley of the Sun in the only revolving roof top Phoenix restaurant. For over 25 years, Hyatt Regency Phoenix's award-winning Compass Restaurant has delivered stellar cuisine with unparalleled service. Experience seasonal menus that invite adventurous diners to return for the most current coupling of entrées and wines including salmon enchiladas, Dungeness crab bisque and wild mushroom pie. Breakfast and lunch menus are equally inviting with a distinctive Southwest flair and some Pacific Rim influence.
2008 - Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence"
2007 - Best Romantic Restaurant - AOL CityGuide
2006 - City's Best Brunch - CitySearch.com
2005 - Best View - New Times' Reader's Choice
2004 - Cities Best Brunch Spot - AOL.com
2004 - Most Romantic Restaurant - AOL.com
$$$$
over $50.00
Vincent On Camelback
3930 E Camelback Rd (west of N 40th St)
Phoenix • (602) 224-0225

James Beard Award Winner
Outstanding Chef - Chef Vincent Guerithault
2010 Semi-Finalist Nominee
Outstanding Restaurant
There's a reason why Vincent on Camelback has been a favorite for over 20 years: Consistently wonderful meals, an award winning wine list and unparalleled attentive service. Critics say our food is "always intriguing and inspiring." We say it's Chef Vincent's unique blend of classic French recipes with Southwestern ingredients that makes patrons and critics rave. Come see why we’ve enjoyed their enduring applause.
“Vincent's is a Phoenix bastion of Southwestern cuisine and has long enjoyed a devoted local following. The menu blends Southwestern influences with classic European dishes. The lobster salad and sautéed beef tenderloins with pinot noir glaze are delicious, but if you're from outside the region, you should try the Southwestern dishes. Don't miss the duck tamale or the tequila soufflé, and for an entree, the veal sweetbreads with blue cornmeal are an enduring favorite. For a casual breakfast or lunch, try the attached Vincent's Market Bistro , which is affiliated with the restaurant's Saturday farmers' market.”
- Frommer's


