3 Days of Arizona Dining
3 Days of Arizona Dining: Arizona's food scene has grown into one of the most exciting and diverse in the country. Tucson holds the distinction of being the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, and Phoenix and Scottsdale are home to James Beard Award-winning chefs and a flourishing independent restaurant culture.
Arizona's food scene has grown into one of the most exciting and diverse in the country. Tucson holds the distinction of being the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, and Phoenix and Scottsdale are home to James Beard Award-winning chefs and a flourishing independent restaurant culture. This itinerary takes you on a culinary tour through the best flavors of the state.
From the Sonoran-style hot dogs and mole-rich tamales of Tucson to the artisan pizzas and creative tasting menus of the Valley, each day is designed around memorable meals at places that define Arizona's food identity. Come hungry, and plan to take your time savoring every bite.
Day 1: Tucson UNESCO Gastronomy
Start your food journey in Tucson, the culinary soul of Arizona. For lunch, head to El Guero Canelo, the Tucson institution that won a James Beard Award for its legendary Sonoran hot dogs. These bacon-wrapped beauties are loaded with pinto beans, fresh tomato, mustard, jalapeño sauce, and a squeeze of lime. The casual, colorful atmosphere is quintessential Tucson.
For a more refined lunch or early dinner, visit Cafe Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson. Chef Suzana Davila creates a menu that changes twice daily, drawing on the regional cuisines of Mexico with dishes like chicken in a complex mole negro or pork braised in a tomatillo and chile verde sauce. Before or after your main meals, stop by the Tucson Tamale Company for handmade tamales in flavors ranging from traditional red chile pork to inventive green corn and cheese. The tamales are made from scratch daily using stone-ground corn.
Day 2: Phoenix Food Scene
Drive north to Phoenix and start with what many consider the best pizza in America. Pizzeria Bianco, founded by Chris Bianco in the Heritage Square neighborhood, serves wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas using house-made mozzarella and locally sourced ingredients. The Rosa, topped with red onion, rosemary, Arizona pistachios, and Parmigiano, is a must-order. Arrive early because lines form quickly.
For dinner, return to Barrio Cafe on 16th Street, where chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has been redefining Mexican cuisine in Phoenix for over two decades. Her cochinita pibil and tableside guacamole are legendary. Between meals, grab a late afternoon snack at Hana Japanese Eatery for some of the freshest omakase-style sushi in the Valley. In the evening, explore The Churchill, a collection of locally owned food and retail businesses housed in repurposed shipping containers. It is a great spot for craft cocktails and a casual bite.
Day 3: Scottsdale Fine Dining
Wrap up your culinary tour in Scottsdale, where the dining scene ranges from polished fine dining to creative brunch spots. Start your morning at Hash Kitchen, a brunch-focused restaurant with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar featuring over 40 garnishes and toppings. The menu includes inventive dishes like churro waffles and lobster hash that make this a popular weekend destination.
For lunch, head to Citizen Public House, known for its chop salad and an extensive whiskey collection that numbers in the hundreds. The smoked chicken wings and pork belly appetizers are excellent starters. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at FnB, where chef Charleen Badman puts Arizona-grown produce at the center of every dish. Her roasted beets and seasonal vegetable plates have earned national recognition. If you still have room, end the night at Maple and Ash for dry-aged steaks and an impressive wine list in a stylish, energetic atmosphere.
Planning Your Arizona Trip?
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