What to Eat (and See) on Your First Visit to Phoenix

Visiting the Valley for the first time? Here are our suggestions for local food, drink and more in the city of Phoenix. 

First up, visit the Desert Botanical Garden to view a wide variety of desert plants and learn more about our local landscape. Afterwards, be sure to swing by Arcadia Premium to stock up your mini bar from its strong roster of Arizona-produced wine and beer,  and to peruse its selection of local food souvenirs.

Or if you’re craving a spirited beverage, downtown’s Bitter and Twisted offers both the classics and inventive new cocktails with a quirky, seasonal menu. 

Near downtown, stop in to Los Altos Ranch Market's Roosevelt St. location to experience the Mexican grocery’s lively atmosphere and offerings. Afterwards, visit nearby Gallo Blanco or Welcome Diner for a good meal from two city favorites. For dessert, head to mid-town Phoenix’s Sweet Republic where their handcrafted ice creams in unique flavors will cool you off and satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you’re in town on Saturday, visit one of the three Saturday farmers markets to see and taste fresh food produced locally (it’s more than you might think for the desert landscape!): Uptown Farmers Market, Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Roadrunner Park Farmers Market. A diner breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast before or after the market is also in order.

On most visitors’ radar is world-renowned, James-Beard-Award-Winning Pizzeria Bianco at Heritage Square.  But we encourage you to go beyond the pizzeria and check out the other Bianco restaurants for outstanding sandwiches, pasta and more. 

For an upscale, truly unique experience in fine dining, make reservations at Binkley’s Phoenix bungalow. Or if you’re looking for a quintessential Arizona dish in a more laid-back atmosphere, search no further than the chicken at Ocotillo, which is mesquite-grilled with chilies, local honey, citrus, dates, pecans and more.

And be sure to make a pit stop at the Nogales Hot Dog Stand on your way to or from the airport – it’s just ten minutes away – for a delicious Sonoran hot dog and a fitting send-off (or introduction) to our Southwest flavors.

(Next up, Scottsdale and Tempe.)