Spring has sprung in the Valley, and apparently every restaurateur from Dallas to San Diego decided that March was the moment to plant their flag in the desert. Here are seven that should be on your radar:
Best Pizza & Brew
➡️ 290 S Arizona Ave, Chandler
The beloved San Diego–based fast-casual pizzeria and taproom landed its first out-of-state location in downtown Chandler, serving scratch-made New York- and Detroit-style pizzas (pictured). Rotating taps, numerous TVs, and signature pies like pesto chicken burrata and honey basil are the answer to the next “where should we watch the game?” text you receive.
Din Tai Fung
➡️ 7014 E Camelback Rd #608, Scottsdale
Arizona finally joined the rest of the civilized world when the globally worshipped Taiwanese dumpling chain soft-opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The 10,000-square-foot space features a dumpling expo kitchen and 340 seats. Expect a line. Expect it to be worth it.
Uppercut
➡️ 455 N 3rd St #1005, Phoenix
The latest from Pretty Decent Concepts made its downtown Phoenix debut as a 16-seat steak omakase tucked behind a glass door inside Cleaverman. At $225 per person, the 14-course progression features house-aged beef with globally inspired preparations. Bougie? Absolutely. Worth the splurge? Early reviews say yes.
Shiso
➡️ 7133 E Stetson Dr #1, Scottsdale
A new Japanese arrival in Old Town – because Scottsdale needs another sushi option like it needs more rooftop bars, and yet, here we are, intrigued anyway. Shiso specializes in sushi, teriyaki, and fried rice with a focus on keeping quality high without blowing your entire paycheck. A neighborhood vibe in a sea of nightlife chaos.
Il Forno Bello Pizzeria
➡️ 3121 E McKellips Rd, Mesa
A new concept from Horatio “Lacho” Hernandez, Chris Bianco’s right-hand man for nearly two decades at Pizzeria Bianco who also helped launch Craft 64. Seven wood-fired pies, a streamlined menu, and a 12-year aged balsamic from Modena. Mesa’s been waiting for something like this.
il Bracco
➡️ 6160 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
The No. 1 most-booked restaurant in Dallas on OpenTable finally crossed state lines. The Texas-born Italian spot serves house-made pastas, crispy artichokes, and a frozen Aperol-grapefruit Bracco cocktail that people in Houston apparently lose their minds over.
IX Sushi
➡️ 430 N Scottsdale Rd #101, Tempe
The parent company behind Three Thirty Three – the $10-million buildout Asian steakhouse with fire dancers and massive LED screens – carved out a portion of the space at The Watermark to launch a stand-alone sushi concept. Menu highlights include spicy salmon crispy rice, A5 wagyu and caviar toast, and a bluefin tuna bowl.
