10 of Arcadia's Best Restaurants, Bars and Culinary Hot Spots



Although it can be challenging to narrow down a list of the ten best eateries in Arcadia, it's easy to recommend Nook, a small 50-seat eatery tucked away in the Gaslight Square shopping center. The trattoria delivers excellent light-Italian fare that hits all the right notes. 

Another top Arcadia foodie hot spot is Chelsea's Kitchen, a casually upscale neighborhood restaurant has earned a high reputation locally for its commitment to organic ingredients, creative American cuisine, and excellent ambiance.

Also high on our list is Bar Pesce (formerly Crudo), featuring a one-of-a-kind menu that marries Italian flavors with sashimi-inspired small plates. The results are simply inimitable: sophisticated, surprising and nearly always delectable.

If you're looking for a sophisticated spot that won't break your eating budget, head towards Postino, one of the city's first wine cafes and a local staple. Don't leave without trying a couple of their signature bruschettas. 

If socializing with friends over a craft beer is your goal, head to O.H.S.O. Eatery & NanoBrewery. Not only will you find a huge selection of local brews, but the kitchen also offers a late-night food menu with gourmet takes on comfort food classics like burgers and grilled cheese. 


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The Henry likes to bill itself as one of the best neighborhood restaurants in Phoenix, and fortunately for us, it's not just empty boasting. The Henry really is as charming and stylish as it looks from the outside. The sleek Fox Concepts restaurant and bar has become a premier brunch and happy hour destination in the leafy Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. The menu is modern New American fare, with an emphasis on bright chopped salads, hearty burgers, and upscale bistro items like steaks and fish. There is also a gourmet coffee and fresh-pressed juice bar, along with a great cocktail bar. Come here for a relaxing and casually upscale neighborhood vibe that's full of color, quality ingredients and seamless execution.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: The Henry is a stylish neighborhood restaurant and bar that's cozy enough for hanging out with friends, and fancy enough for date night.

Patricia's expert tip: Happy hour happens Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features $5 craft cocktails.

Read more about The Henry →




Adapted from what used to be a neighborhood post office, this trendy wine bar is awash in candlelight, earthy colors, and dark wood furniture. It's also distinguished by a glass garage door that blurs interior and exterior space when the weather cooperates. The stylish mid-century style is replete with artisanal touches, plenty of open, communal spaces, and even a hand-carved wood wine wall. The menu is rustic and flavorful, defined by bruschettas, paninis, antipasti, and salads. Knowledgeable servers are happy to help with wine selections, which hail from across the world and are available by glass and bottle. Great for couples or groups.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: Postino is Phoenix's original "wine cafe," a mega-popular local chain that has expanded its reach into neighboring states.

Patricia's expert tip: The house specialty at Postino is the bruschetta. You can try three varieties for $15.

Read more about Postino Arcadia →




The Vig Uptown is a popular local restaurant and tavern known for its hip crowd, sleek decor and laid-back patio. Unique yet unpretentious, the menu dishes up deluxe American comfort food. From the burger menu try the Vigazz Burger made with grilled beef with bacon, smoked gouda, tomato, arugula, grilled red onion, spicy mayo and mustard on a toasted bun. Adventurous foodies take note: The Vig's special dishes menu includes unique plates such as the Carne Asada on a Potato Pancake, sliced carne asada on a potato pancake served with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, cotija cheese and tomato-garlic sauce. An extensive wine and beer menu have earned The Vig a reputation for one of the city's best happy hours. Two locations.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: The Vig is a reliable favorite when you're looking for a casual neighborhood watering hole with elevated pub grub.

Patricia's expert tip: The Vig plays host to a popular weekend brunch featuring made-from-scratch mimosas and bloody mary's.

Read more about The Vig →


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O.H.S.O. Brewery is a mega-popular microbrewery, restaurant and general hang-out zone with a lively, dog-friendly patio. The extensive kitchen menu features a huge variety of eats. For starters, try the garlic pesto hummus. You also can't go wrong with the house pretzel board, featuring buttery-hot pretzels with a selection of peppered salami, corn nuts, pickles, IPA mustard, and a zesty, creamy green chile cheese dip. The entree menu is small but eclectic (and delicious). Try the kalua pork, served with roasted potatoes, asparagus, and a perfectly sweet pineapple glaze. There is a separate gourmet taco menu, as well as a selection of late night eats featuring gourmet burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and crispy fries.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: O.H.S.O. Eatery & Nanobrewery delivers excellent light Italian and Mexican fare, as well as plenty of craft brews on this side of town.

Patricia's expert tip: Looking for late-night eats around Arcadia? The kitchen at O.H.S.O. stays open until midnight.

Read more about O.H.S.O. Eatery & NanoBrewery →


Chelsea's Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Chelsea's Kitchen

Occupying a canal-side brick building, this decidedly popular, neighborhood-casual restaurant is part of a local dynasty. The enterprise appeals to upscale families and maintains a solid menu that capitalizes on premium ingredients. Organic chicken is a specialty, and mouthwatering Dixie pan-fried chicken and roasted chicken with spaetzle showcase it beautifully. Other attractions include tuna tartare with guacamole, Chelsea's short ribs, and the Howie burger, with gruyere and caramelized onions. Ask for a table on the patio for the best vantage point. The hip atmosphere makes this a great destination to impress a date or enjoy a night out with friends.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: Chelsea's Kitchen is a long-time favorite neighborhood restaurant in Arcadia with an eclectic, group-friendly menu.

Patricia's expert tip: Burger fanatics: don't miss the southwestern-inspired green chile burger, featuring freshly roasted green chiles and plenty of melted cheddar.

Read more about Chelsea's Kitchen →


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Chef Richard Hinojosa's swank taqueria in Arcadia features haute renditions of tacos. Some of the highlights here include a duck taco draped in a bittersweet mole sauce, a blue crab taco topped with an avocado mouse and a popular short-rib taco that is cooked for around 36 hours until it is extraordinarily tender. There is a very good lengua taco, too. The sometimes rubbery tongue offal is braised to until it takes on a melting quality. Don't miss the small selection of "crujiente," or crunchy tacos, especially the saucy beef crunchy taco. A fine bar serves up tequila, mezcal and plenty of strong cocktails.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: CRUjiente Tacos offers haute renditions of everybody's favorite street snack: tacos.

Patricia's expert tip: For a great deal on margaritas and appetizers, swing by on Wednesdays, when CRUjiente offers an all-day happy hour.

Read more about CRUjiente Tacos →


Buck & Rider is a stylish seafood parlor in Phoenix's fashionable Arcadia neighborhood. The dining room boasts comfy tufted booths and chandeliers, mixed with the clean, spare design feel of a modern, industrial dining room. The restaurant features an impressive raw bar, where you can enjoy a fresh platter of oysters, shrimp and crab. From the "Provisions" menu, enjoy creative small plates like harissa shrimp and chorizo skewers and spicy tuna tostada. Gourmet salads, surf and turf plates, and most surprising of all, sushi, round out the menu.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: An impressive raw bar will fill your seafood needs. From oysters to Pacific Barramundi.

Patricia's expert tip: Looking for a great happy hour that features fresh seafood? Head to Buck & Rider, where happy hour happens weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria is one of Phoenix's most popular grocery, cafe, breakfast bar and pizzeria. The pizzas here are sumptuous and unique, hand-crafted with the freshest ingredients available. Try "The Fallen Angel," made with Schreiner's sausage, shaved fennel, roasted peppers, premium cheese and red sauce. Craving a spicy pie? Try "The Rocket Man," featuring spicy red fresno chiles, broccolini, roasted peppers, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You can even create your own specialty pizza from the wide selection of fresh veggies, meats and cheeses. "LGO," as it is known to locals, is quite popular, so be prepared for a short wait.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: La Grande Orange has become an Arcadia institution, a gourmet pizza restaurant and market that draws foodies from all corners of the city.

Patricia's expert tip: If you're looking for a pizza spot with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, La Grande offers plenty to choose from.

Read more about La Grande Orange Pizzeria →


Ingo's Tasty Food is an Arcadia original. The foodie hot spot features a menu that is as delicious as it is unpretentious. The restaurant, which describes itself as "a gourmet food stand," features an eating counter and picnic garden seating - perfect for an outdoor dining feast, or for gourmet takeaway that won't break the bank. The menu features some of the best grass-fed beef burgers in Phoenix, as well as specialty salads, sandwiches, and even a juicy steak-and-salad combo. The drink menu features a small but excellent selection of wine, blush sangria, and three craft draft beers. Everything on the menu is available to go.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: Ingo's Tasty Food is a uniquely Arcadian foodie spot, featuring a hip outdoor patio and arguably some of the best burgers in the neighborhood.

Patricia's expert tip: In a hurry? Ingo's offers a handy curbside pickup service on all orders.

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Nook evokes images of a cozy place to sit back and relax with a hearty plate of comfort food. Fortunately, that's exactly what you'll find at this Arcadia eatery, tucked away in the Gas Light shopping center. The menu has everything from light cafe fare to hearty Mediterranean dinners. For starters, try the excellent poutine house fries, served with beef gravy and mozzarella curd. The restaurant also serves a variety of unique bruschettas, including a short rib variety featuring a mushroom duxelle and port demi reduction. Dinner entrees include a savory filet, savory halibut tacos, and a creamy pasta crepe. Gourmet pizzas, excellent desserts, and a winning wine menu make this the perfect destination for a special occasion dinner or date night.

Recommended for Arcadia's Best Restaurants because: Nook offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a cozy trattoria setting that is perfect for date night.

Patricia's expert tip: Nook has a good happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. offering $3 off small plates and $6 wine by the glass.

Read more about Nook →


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Meet Patricia Escarcega

Patricia Escarcega works as a writer and editor in Phoenix.

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