Top 7 Restaurants in Central Phoenix for Enjoying Delicious Food

When was the last time you treated yourself to a nice meal? While cooking is fun and inexpensive, it can get tiring. Instead of cooking pasta for the fifth time in a row, treat yourself to a nice dinner out in Phoenix. This bustling city offers a wide variety of restaurants suitable for any taste palette and preference. Not sure where to go? Check out these top-rated restaurants located in Central Phoenix now! 

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1. Windsor

Contemporary restaurant serving retro cocktails and inventive comfort dishes

5223 N Central Ave. | Phoenix | windsoraz.com

Named after the historic neighborhood it is situated in, Windsor is a top destination for craft cocktails and delicious bar food. The restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a drink or two with friends. If you love great deals, you’ll be happy to hear that Windsor offers $5 cocktails, wine, and beer pitches until 5pm everyday. 

If you don’t mind sharing, we recommend ordering some loaded chips or cheddar fondue for the table. For the main dish, you have a large selection of sandwiches, burgers, and entrees to choose from. Our favorite meals include the Bacon Cheeseburger with fries and Mick’s Fish-n-Chips. 

“Their entire specialty cocktail drink menu is $5 during happy hour. I suggest you take an Uber and try them all because they are fantastic. We had a 2nd stop to make for dinner later that evening so did not partake in any of the food items but tried 2 cocktails each and both enjoyed each of our drinks immensely.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Windsor. 

2. Binkley’s Restaurant

Upscale restaurant known for its warm ambiance and creative dishes

2320 E Osborn Rd. | Phoenix | binkleysrestaurant.com

If you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant, Binkley’s might be a better fit. This elegant restaurant is known for its refined multi-course menu and knowledgeable staff. At the start of the pandemic, Binkley’s temporarily closed indoor dining. However, it has recently reopened with new safety protocols to protect guests and staff members. 

Right now, Binkley’s offers both dine-in and at-home meal options. At the restaurant, guests are treated to a unique multi-course dining experience that lasts over two hours. So make sure you block out enough time for your meal to avoid feeling rushed. You can also enjoy Binkley’s award-winning takeout menu for just $65/person at home. 

“The in-person tasting menu is an experience of a lifetime and is a great celebratory dinner for an anniversary or proposal, and you definitely should make it out to meet Chef Binkley in the kitchen and have a drink on the gorgeous outdoor patio. While the in-person sessions are closed right now for COVID-19, however, there's a tremendous deal to be had - a 5 course gourmet take-out menu for only $65/person, much cheaper than the typical in-person experience.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Binkley’s Restaurant. 

3. Ocotillo

Industrial restaurant featuring locally-sourced dishes inside a spacious dining room

3243 N 3rd St. | Phoenix | ocotillophx.com

Located on 3rd St., Ocotillo is a popular casual dining spot featuring an outdoor patio, beer garden, communal wine events area, and cocktail lounge. Live music is also featured on occasion. 

As for the food, you can find everything from house-made pasta to wood-fired beer ribs on Ocotillo’s eclectic dinner menu. You can also stop by Ocotillo for brunch and enjoy popular dishes such as the Fried Chicken Sandwich and Breakfast Chimichanga. Classic brunch cocktails including Bloody Mary and Sangria are also available for thirsty guests. 

“Lots of food and drinks to choose from (I recommend the margarita and eggplant meatballs) they were awesome! Dinner food was truly outstanding and portions were huge! Our group got a mix of things including pasta, ribs, steak, and everyone raved about their dish.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ocotillo. 

4. Oven + Vine

Laid back neighborhood bar offering plenty of outdoor seating

14 W Vernon Ave. | Phoenix | ovenandvine.com

Looking for a cozy and casual place to enjoy some delicious food? Then you’ll want to add Oven + Vine to your restaurant bucket list. This rustic restaurant offers a delightful selection of pasta, flatbreads, and sandwiches to fill yourself up. They also have a popular selection of specials, including the Green Chili Pork and Slow Braised Beef. If you manage to save enough room for dessert, we recommend trying the Claire’s Chocolate Torte or Tiramisu to finish off your meal. 

“O+V has had a special place in my heart (okay also my stomach) for many years.Yes, the food is delicious, their beer/wine list is top notch, and their service is consistently excellent. But more than all of that, these folks really care about their customers and the community. If you haven't tried them yet --and you're reading this in the pandemic times-- definitely grab some take-out from them ASAP.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Oven + Vine. 

5. Culinary Dropout

British-style gastropub known for its vibrant decor and spacious dining area

5632 N 7th St. | Phoenix | culinarydropout.com

Located inside a converted motorcycle garage, the Culinary Dropout is probably one of the most unique restaurants you will ever step foot in. Not only does it feature a vibrant and rustic atmosphere, but it also offers a pretty tasty menu. 

From its classic dishes like the hot wings and pub burgers to the more adventurous menu items like the spicy Korean skirt steak and the cheddar and potato pierogies, the Culinary Dropout’s dishes are sure to delight your taste buds. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available to enjoy alongside your meals. 

“Culinary has a huge bar and their cocktails are great- the pomegranate yuzu mule is probably a fan-favorite; I know it's definitely my favorite! Due to Covid, I did notice the menu has changed slightly. I definitely recommend coming for a date night or friendly get-together. I had the pepperoni flatbread and Caesar salad. While tasty and filling, I couldn't help but miss some of the old dishes they used to offer on the menu. Hopefully they bring them back or even some new entrees to try out.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Culinary Dropout. 

6. Chelsea’s Kitchen

Popular restaurant situated in what used to be a movie studio

5040 N 40th St. | Phoenix | chelseaskitchenaz.com 

Looking for an unforgettable dining experience? You can find some of the best cuisine in Phoenix at Chelsea’s Kitchen. This popular restaurant offers an exciting selection of brunch, lunch, and dinner dishes for guests. Part of its success lies in its wood-burning rotisserie and grill. This grill is what helps make the restaurant’s famous sandwiches and platters so delicious. A full drink menu filled with cocktails, wine, and beer is also available. 

“Went for a date on a quiet Tuesday night and was blown away with how enjoyable the evening and meal was! The atmosphere was relaxing and felt comfortable as everyone was socially distanced. The staff was friendly and helpful and all around a joy to interact with.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Chelsea’s Kitchen. 

7. Someburros

Mexican restaurant known for its authentic Sonoran-style cuisine

5115 N 7th St. | Phoenix | someburros.com

Since 1972, hungry residents have flocked to Someburros for its delicious authentic Mexican food. Managed by the Vasquez family, this popular restaurant incorporates their signature recipes in many of its dishes. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more await you at this lively Mexican restaurant. All of these selections are made from scratch by the freshest ingredients. Don’t forget to order one of their signature margaritas as well! 

“It was simply the best Mexican food fix I've had in memory! All was perfect - savory & moist rustic corn tortillas with a thick center of ooey gooey yellow cheese; delicious refried thick beans with a bean chunk here & there, perfect tender Mexican rice, and a wonderful aromatic & tasty brown gravy with a tasty green chunk of pepper here & there. I was in Mexican food heaven, closing my eyes & "mmmm-ing" loudly.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Someburros. 

What restaurants do you plan on visiting? Let us know in the comments!