Restaurant Recommendations

My wife Kathy and I have a long connection with the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Paradise Valley area of Arizona.

For more than 20 years, it has come to be a second home to us. During this time, I have had the opportunity to try and get to know most of the best restaurants in the Valley of the Sun. I believe that first-time visitors will be staggered by the number of really fine eateries available to tempt every palette and every pocketbook. The enclosed list includes some of my favorites. Each and every one of these restaurants is spectacular and will afford a wonderful experience for those who choose to dine there. I look forward to seeing you in Arizona.

Val J. Halamandaris, President
National Association for Home Care & Hospice

Richardson’s
Sometimes you need to add a little spice to your life, and this is the place to do just that. Featuring the flavors of New Mexico, Richardson’s satisfies hungry mouths until late into the evening. Chiles rellenos, quesadillas and wood-fired pizzas make up the traditional fare, and grilled pork chops (stuffed with spicy chorizo), chimayo chicken (stuffed with spinach, dried tomatoes, poblano chilies, and asiago cheese) are other local favorites. Located at 1582 East Bethany Home Road in Phoenix. (602) 265-5886. Inexpensive.

Greekfest
Husband-and-wife team Tony and Susan Makridid share authentic Greek dishes with Phoenix locals at this popular establishment. A variety of foods is made from scratch following old family recipes. Diners can enjoy the tasteful decor inside or on the refreshing outdoor patio. Located at 1940 East Camelback Road in Phoenix. (602) 265-2990. Inexpensive.

Steamers Genuine Seafood
Renowned for fresh seafood, Steamers also caters to a broader audience by offering a choice of steaks, chops and pastas. Imaginative atmosphere and top-quality service pull in crowds of locals, who congregate at the bar and on the outside patio. A selection of wines and sushi items increase the possibilities, and banquet rooms are available for larger groups. Located at 2576 East Camelback Road at Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix. (602) 956-3631. Moderate.

bistro 24
This American style bistro has an international flair. A talented and innovative team of chefs offer a fresh update on classic fare and seafood dishes in the imaginative bistro 24. With internationally inspired cuisine and atmosphere, this restaurant extends to an outdoor patio for al fresco dining, creating a sophisticated, yet casual elegance synonymous with the Arizona lifestyle. Located at the Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix at 2401 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix. (602) 952-2424. Expensive.

Buster’s Restaurant on the Lake
Located in the exclusive McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, this American-style eatery features a menu packed with favorites Ð fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, aged Prime Rib, plus chicken, chops, ribs, lamb and pasta specialties. Known as one of Scottsdale’s most scenic outdoor eating areas, Buster’s outdoor dining patios overlook Lake Margherite. Don’t forget dessert! Buster’s creations are homemade and include Mud Pie and Sour Cream Cheesecake with Fresh Berries. Located at 8320 North Hayden Road in Scottsdale. (480) 951-5850. Expensive.

Cheuvront Wine and Cheese Cafe
Cheuvront Restaurant has been selected by Food & Life Magazine as one of the best wine bars in the Phoenix area. Bon Appetit Magazine has also recognized the bistro as one of the hottest 50 restaurants in the United States. All this and yet the bistro is still quite affordable. Located at 1326 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. (602) 307-0022. Moderate.

Different Pointe of View
This one is magnificent. I believe it is one of the 10 best restaurants in the United States, and lucky for attendees to this meeting, it is located at our host hotel, the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. It is situated on a mountain top with a view of the Phoenix city lights in one direction, and the community of Moon Valley in the other. It is hard to find anything more romantic. The food is 5-star. The chef, Ivan Flowers, pulls together French, Italian and Mediterranean dishes that will have you reeling in ecstasy. You can find pretty much whatever you want here. Located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. (602) 866-6350. Expensive.

The Claim Jumper
My family and I are frequent visitors here. The food is great and portions huge. Try the nachos or the baby back ribs. The barbeque fare is terrific. You have to try that mile-high, six-layer chocolate cake. If you are too full, take a piece back to the hotel to eat later. This chain started in California and made the jump to Phoenix a few years ago. No reservations are accepted, but the restaurant is huge so you won’t have to wait too long. Besides, the bar is a comfortable place to wait. Located at 1530 West Baseline Road in Tempe. (480) 831-8200. Moderate.

L’Auberge de Sedona
This restaurant is world famous. It has been listed among the 10 best in the United States by Gourmet and Conde Nast magazines. The setting is magnificent. It is part of L’Auberge at Oak Creek Resort located in Sedona, Arizona, some 90 miles away from downtown Phoenix. Suffice it to say, I took Kathy there for a Valentine’s Day romantic weekend, and we were delighted with the experience. Everyone should make it to Sedona if possible. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful or more spiritually uplifting place on earth. Located at 301 L’Auberge Lane in Sedona, Ariz. (800) 272-6777. Very expensive.

Avanti
Those who know me best know that I love Italian food. Avanti has been my favorite Italian restaurant in the greater Phoenix area for the past 20 years. Owned by Angelo Livi and Benito Millino, the bistro presents the best of Italian food, including homemade pasta along with fresh seafood, veal and some of the best steaks in town. The collection of autographed photos from movie stars, politicians and other glitterati makes an eloquent statement about the quality of the food here. The decor is black and white and a little on the art deco side. Located at 2728 E. Thomas Road. (602) 956-0900. Moderately expensive.

Un Bacio
This is an elegant yet charming and comfortable venue. The food is northern Italian. Pasta, veal, chicken and shrimp are served in ways that are both flavorful and appealing to the eye. You may run into former Phoenix Suns basketball great, Charles Barkley, who swears by this place. Located at 7704 East Doubletree Ranch Road in Scottsdale. (480) 609-6969. Moderately expensive.

Leccabaffi
The Italians can say a lot in one word. This one means the food is so good you will want to lick your mustache. Reservations are hard to come by because people love the pizza and the pasta (and everything else) here. Carl and Elaine Hammerschlag joined us one night for dinner here a couple of years ago. I was feeling very proud of myself for snagging a reservation. Everything was so good and I ate so much that I just about needed a sedan chair and four strong men to carry me to my car. Located at 9719 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale. (480) 609-0429. Moderately expensive.

La Locanda
This restaurant is consistently on the list of most popular Italian venues in the Phoenix area. The food and the service are both great, and you get tremendous value for your dollar. Located at 10201 N. Scottsdale Road. (480) 998-2822. Moderate.

Tommy Bahama Cafe & Emporium
Eclectic with a tropical twist, Tommy Bahama’s Cafe & Emporium offers an elegant island ambience with truly inspired cuisine. The long weekend mindset turns the island lifestyle from wishful thinking to a reality with dishes including macadamia nut encrusted snapper and mouthwatering Pina Colada Cake, while unique libations from their full bar slake your thirst. The combination of a tranquil environment and welcoming hospitality make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. Located at 15205 North Kierland Boulevard in Scottsdale. (480) 505-3668. Moderately expensive.

Sol y Sombra
The design of Sol y Sombra creates a synthesis of old and new, industrial and handcrafted, all while carrying you into the inviting soul of Spanish eateries. Drawing inspiration from the distinct regional identity of Catalonia, and offering the vibrant energy of Barcelona’s dynamic lifestyle, chef Aaron May creates contemporary Spanish food in tapas-style portions. Located at 20707 North Pima Road, Suite 200 in Scottsdale. (480) 443-5399. Expensive.