The Vig restaurants began with a first location in the Arcadia neighborhood — to great acclaim. The intent was to create a family-friendly and fun neighborhood tavern serving American and tavern-inspired comfort food at a good price with the highest-quality ingredients. Today, there are four Valley locations; each has its unique amenities, but all share in the lively and … [More]
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza
It’s still one of the most popular meals in America and always a great idea for lunch. Here are our picks for some of the best lunchtime pizza one can find in the Valley. Pizzeria Bianco Town & Country The famed pizza hot spot, known for diners like Oprah and celebrities of all kinds, has expanded to include this amazing location in Town & Country. Chris Bianco’s … [More]
T. Cook’s: Savory Seasonal Mediterranean
A drive through the entry gates to the exclusive Royal Palms resort leaves Arizona a departing memory as the lush Mediterranean landscaping envelopes the visitor’s senses. Chef Todd Allison’s menu at T. Cook’s perfectly complements the setting. Popular as a romantic getaway for dinner and drinks, the restaurant is a delightful hideaway for lunch, offering award-winning seasonal … [More]
Mall Meals
Taking time out of the day for serious shopping or a mad dash to that all-important retailer doesn’t have be accompanied by a rushed fast-food lunch at the food court. There are options that provide a worthy menu, attentive service, and a comfortable place to meet and talk turkey with a client or colleague. 1130 the Restaurant A longtime downtown standard, 1130’s menu … [More]
SumoMaya Fuses Latin and Far East Flavors
A classic at this point by German Osio, creator of Central Bistro and Local Bistro among others, is SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen located at Scottsdale and Lincoln roads. This spectacular hot spot is nestled in a contemporary sanctuary where Asian concepts and Latin flare come together to tempt even the most discriminating palate. The lunch menu is an array of dishes that … [More]
As Seen on TV
Do lunch where the experts say it’s the best. Below are our picks for a top lunch as seen on TV’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Unique dishes, the best taste and some darn good cooking is why these three hot spots were chosen to appear. We quote what the website says Guy Fieri discovered. DeFalco’s Italian Eatery, Grocery & Deli “At DeFalco’s in Scottsdale, … [More]
The Sandwich Is the Thing
Oh, sandwiches are easy. They include many different ingredients, and their popularity has spawned a type of restaurant all its own. The sandwich is also well-known as a great lunch food. The sandwich comes in a variety of types that include subs, grilled, hot and more. Here are out latest picks for a great sandwich (and more). Potbelly Sandwich Shop Originally a … [More]
La Bocca Valley-wide
Known in its Tempe location for incredible Mediterranean and Italian food, La Bocca Urban Kitchen + Wine Bar added locations in Chandler and on High Street in North Phoenix in recent months. This eatery is famous for its made-from-scratch pizzas and all-fresh and high-quality ingredients that take the flavors of these regions to an authentically delicious level. The perfect … [More]
Dining on the Corridor
A drive down the Camelback corridor passes some of the best dining establishments in the Valley. Here are a few that we suggest returning to in the evening for a drink and dinner. Go and enjoy … The Gladly This subtle yet grandiose restaurant and bar has quickly become a Valley standard for great food and drink. The bar is central to the entire place, and the mixologist … [More]
Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar
Urban Italian in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale makes for great lunchtime fare. This simple, modern establishment off Indian School Road is all about the best ingredients and fresh and innovative urban Italian dishes in an atmosphere that is open and vibrant. Known for its live music and great nighttime menu, Tommy V’s translates beautifully in the daylight as an equally … [More]
Urban Dining
Hit the streets for lunch and find many options in the “downtowns” of the Valley. From the office, spill out onto the street and voila! There are multiple options of all kinds for that midday meal. Here are our picks, by downtown: Downtown Phoenix — Hanny’s Built in the old Hanny’s Department Store location and making full use of that fact is this ultra-urban hot spot for … [More]
Hillstone Restaurant: A Biltmore Classic
A timeless appeal is what one can expect from Hillstone on Camelback Road in the Biltmore area. This classic cuisine fused with many of the more popular concepts, like sushi and steakhouse, truly does have a bit of it all. In the heart of this business district, at lunch it is reservations only as the place is hopping with business meetings. The bar is open for dining as … [More]
Here’s Your Number
Here are some great dining experiences where you order from the counter and then get presented with a number — and you’re on your way to a great meal. These gourmet choices think of you as more than just a number. The Original ChopShop Co. This quick-and-to-the-point spot in Old Town Scottsdale offers healthy takes on rice bowls, salads, juices and fresh-made drink … [More]
The Herb Box
Founded by catering guru Susan Smederovac-Wilcox in 1995 as a catering company, The Herb Box filled a niche in its original location in DC Ranch that quickly became all the rage. This eatery has evolved to include three locations. With innovative menus and now spirits and other libations, The Herb Box is known for a great neighborhood urban experience that is second to … [More]
Isn’t It Always about the Burger?
Time and time again, the classic hamburger beats out over many other choices on a menu. So much so that the gourmet burger joint has become its own genre for diners. Here are our current tops: Hopdoddy Burger Bar This interesting concept is all about custom orders. Customers pick the type of burger they want and take a seat — and before you know it, it’s on the table and … [More]
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
It is not often that our lunch hour can be so tranquil. At ZuZu, the innovative American kitchen at Hotel Valley Ho, the setting makes the most of our great Arizona climate. Inside or out, this poolside retro locale is the ideal getaway for that important or well-deserved lunch. Inspired by the neighborhood grills of the 1950s, ZuZu offers up a variety of options for lunch … [More]
Patios Are Back
Outdoors is a part of our life here — even at 100 degrees or higher. We discovered some of the best patio midday dining that will take us through the heat. Ocotillo This new campus hot spot has several outdoor areas that are going to work for any weather — fully covered or open and hot. The lunch menu will work, too, for patrons no matter where they decide to settle. 3243 … [More]
Craft 64
Craft beer and modern Italian fare is a great way to not only describe this new Old Town Scottsdale hot spot, but a great way to entice patrons. Artisan wood-fired pizza is going to be the lunchtime crowd attraction, however. Quickly becoming known for offering more than 30 craft beers and a sommelier on staff offering up great wines, owners Josh Ivey (the resident sommelier), … [More]
