Growing up, I was the pickiest eater. I swear, I wouldn’t touch a vegetable, herb, or anything seafood related to save my life. As the years passed, and my palate fully developed…my love of food started to grow more and more, and now I would call myself a “Phoenix Foodie”. You are in for a treat, these are what I call the best restaurants in Phoenix.
Here are some of my regular food adventures. Within the “Food Section”, you can find my favorite places to eat around the globe, along with more drilled down cuisine specifics in the greater Phoenix area. Now, let’s get started…I hope you are hungry.
Cass’s Top 5 Best Restaurants in Phoenix and the Top 3 Items to Order at them:
- The Parlor – : This retro spot used to be an old hair parlor, and I’ve celebrated some of the most exciting moments in my life here…also pretty much every birthday from my 16th birthday and on. Located on of Camelback Road and just west of 20th Street, this place has stellar cocktails and a pretty damn good wine list. You also can’t go wrong on the beverage side of things. Food-wise, here are a few must haves from the menu:
- Cauliflower Gratinata – mac and cheese meets cauliflower. This appetizer is a must have – every time. Cheesy, creamy, cauliflower filled – too good to miss. Just make sure to add some fresh cracked pepper to finish it off while plating.
- Roma Pizza – there’s nothing better than smoked tomato, BURRATA, oregano, prosciutto, and parmesan all together. This pizza is heavenly – be sure to add in a side of their homemade ranch to make it complete.
- Chicken Milanese – This dish changes with the seasons, but each time I try the newest version, it gets better and better. The salad has crispy chicken atop a plate full of bounty vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette melded in.
- Glai Baan – once you try it, you will not stop going back. I went for the first time in 2018, and pretty much been going close to once a month since. This Thai Street Food restaurant located off of 24th Street and Osborn Road is insanely good – so good that people will line up outside before it opens to ensure they can get a table. Some of the must have items to get here are:
- Wishing Star – the wishing star is top notch. Generally served in a cute tin mug, this bourbon infused tea cocktail will give you warmth and a bit of caffeine all at once.
- Kanom jeeb – five pillowy pork dumplings topped with fried garlic and a sweet and savory dipping sauce. No words, recommend ordering two of these.
- Kapro gai kai dao – ground marinated chicken, thai basil, crispy egg and sticky rice. The perfect dish for a light but filling meal. Ask for it spicy :).
- Tratto – a cool, swanky, but chill restaurant from Chris Bianco. I first came here back in winter 2020 on a date and have been back once a quarter since.