Unique Restaurants in Phoenix You Can’t Find Anywhere Else!
You’re either here becuase you’re planning a trip to the Phoenix area and you want to enjoy food you can’t have anywhere else, or you live in Phoenix and want to explore new restaurants. I feel you! Anytime I go visit a new state, I want to eat at places you can’t find elsewhere, not at a chain. I’ve lived in Phoenix for a decade and I’m still exploring new places, and I can’t wait to share all the most unique restaurants in Phoenix with you.
When I visit a new place, I have to visit Unique Restaurants.
Unique Restaurants in Phoenix
1. Postino Wine Cafe
Postino’s is THE BEST. I love taking new visitors to the area. It’s also the perfect date night or girl’s night out location. Technically, there’s one in CO and TX, but it’s primarily located in Arizona with 7 locations, and I think I’ve been to them all, haha. Their bruschetta boards are OUT OF THIS WORLD- I guarantee better than any you’ve ever had. It’s also known for its wine and fun drinks, and dark moody atmosphere. You won’t miss out- this is one of the most unique restaurants in Phoenix.
DETAILS
LOCATION: 7 throughout the valley
HOURS: check with local restaurant
FEATURES: Dark, Moody Vibe, Bruschetta, Wine
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Prickly Pear Lemonade, ANY bruschetta, tomato soup & grilled cheese
INSTAGRAM: Here
2. Joyride Taco House
Joyride Taco House is such a fun and unique restaurant in Phoenix. they also have multiple locations- Uptown Phoenix and Gilbert. It sounds weird, but I’ve always been obsessed with their desert landscaping! The environment is fun and colorful and also moody, like Postinos.
DETAILS
LOCATION: Phoenix and Gilbert
HOURS: check with local restaurant
FEATURES: Colorful, Upbeat, Amazing Landscaping
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Quesadilla, Crispy Fish Taco, Flinstones Churro
INSTAGRAM: Here
3. Backyard Taco
Not many people have heard of Backyard Taco, and I wish they did! I take all my visitors here. They started in a small building in Downtown Mesa and have expanded to multiple other locations. I love to see the success of family-owned restaurants. Their guacamole is the best I’ve ever had! Definitely make tie to check it out. PS- the outdoor patio is dog-friendly! It’s one of the most unique restaurants in Phoenix to me- being so authentic and famiy-friendly!
DETAILS
LOCATION: East Valley- Multiple Locations
HOURS: check with local restaurant
FEATURES: Family-Owned, Family-Friendly, Covered Outdoor Spaces
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Stuffed Quesadilla, Carne Asada Taco, GUACCCC, Horchata
INSTAGRAM: Here
Wanna Go Hiking while in Arizona?
4. North Italia
North Italia is an amazing restaurant if you’re looking to be a bit fancy! The decor and design of this place is on point. We go for our anniversary or other celebrations! I would definitely go early, as this place fills up quickly. You have to try their famous truffle garlic bread- it is OUT OF THS WORLD.
DETAILS
LOCATION: Gilbert, PHX, Scottsdale
HOURS: check with local restaurant
FEATURES: Modern, Unique Menu, Indoor-Outdoor Style
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Tie-Dye Style Pizza, Truffle Garlic Bread, Seasonal Desserts
INSTAGRAM: Here
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5. Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita Italian Grocer is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Phoenix. Technically its Mesa, but we’re talking about the Phoenix Valley in general. It’s owned by a man literally from Italy. It’s a little grocer AND a restaurant AND a gelato shop all connected. It’s so close knit. A little hole in the wall shop. And it’s SO FRESH and SO GOOD. Highly reccomend.
DETAILS
LOCATION: 5251 E Brown Rd #103, Mesa, AZ 85205
HOURS: Mon- Closed, Tues-Thurs 12-9, Fri-Sat 12-10, Sun 12-8
FEATURES: Authentic Italian, Small, Delicious Gelato
SUGGESTED ITEMS: ANYTHING honestly.
6. Topo Burrito
Isn’t this such an interesting looking restaurant? Topo Burrito is located in Downtown Gilbert- an area I absolutely love. So many amazing restaurants in that area. Topo is a restaurant that is ONLY available at the pick-up window. However, it shares an outdoor space with Joe’s BBQ (will talk about this below). They sell burritos and ice cream. They specialize in a vanilla-prickly pear soft serve which is so yummy! Such a unique restaurant in Phoenix.
DETAILS
LOCATION: 301 N Gilbert Rd Building 2
HOURS: Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10
FEATURES: Unique Exterior, Unique Flavors of Soft Serve
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Elote, Burritos, Soft Serve
INSTAGRAM: Here.
7. Joe’s BBQ
Joe’s Real BBQ is a must if you like BBQ and you’re visiting the area. If you have a dog, a family, and/or young kids, this is a great place for you! The ordering process is almost like Subway- you go down the line and choose what you want, so you have your food right away on a tray. After that, you can choose to sit inside or outside. It’s family, picnic style seating that shares space with Topo Arizona. This is the ONLY Joe’s BBQ that exists. They have their own unique sauces and sodas which I love. They have a partnering restaurant called Joe’s Farm Grill- which is also yummy.
DETAILS
LOCATION: 301 N Gilbert Rd Building 2
HOURS: Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10
FEATURES: Unique Exterior, Unique Flavors of Soft Serve
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Elote, Burritos, Soft Serve
INSTAGRAM: Here.
8. Birdcall
Birdcall is a new restaurant that just opened in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert in 2023. It markets itself as ALL-NATURAL chicken restaurant. Almost like a healthy version of Chic-Fil-A. I liked their menu! They had fun unique chicken sandwich ingredients. Try it out!
DETAILS
LOCATION: Gilbert – Scottsdale -PHX
HOURS: Check with individual restaurant
FEATURES: All-Natural chicken, Fast Food + Bar
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Tater Tots, Fun Drinks, Chicken Ceasar Sandwich
INSTAGRAM: Here.
9. Rustler’s Rooste
Unique restaurants in Phoenix? You have to add Rustler’s Rooste to your list. Amazing for a fun family dinner, a first date, or a birthday celebration! We went after my husbands PA school graduation (I know these photos don’t do it justice), but you don’t need to be that dressed up. It’s very old west themed. There’s a longhorn outside, multiple levels, live music and dancing, a beautiful patio with city views, and a SLIDE. It’s so lively and fun. Food is great, but the exprience is even better.
DETAILS
LOCATION: 8383 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 5-9, Fri 5-10, Sat 430-10, Sun 430-9
FEATURES: Live Music, Longhorn Outside, Rustic Vibe, Exotic Meats
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Large Family Meat Platter
INSTAGRAM: Here.
10. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
Arizona is a very outdoorsy state, so I love that this outdoorsy brewery exists. They believe in sustainability and honoring our beautiful state, and you can see that in their local brews. The decor is all about AZ and hiking- I LOVE IT. It’s definitely a unique restaurant to Phoenix- you can’t find it anywhere else.
DETAILS
LOCATION: Gilbert and DTPHX
HOURS: Check individual location
FEATURES: Outdoorsy theme, local brews, community focused
SUGGESTED ITEMS: Frozen Dream drink (pictured), soft pretzel, burger of the month
INSTAGRAM: Here.
I actually held a local hike and post-hike lunch here in February 2023. Check it out in my post HERE and video below.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN PHOENIX
I love my city so much. I hope these unique restaurants help you appreciate it too. There are so many fun things to do and places to see and eat. Enjoy! Reach out with questions!
