Restaurants in Phoenix

Binkley's serves up one of the most unique and delightful dining experiences in Arizona. Service is limited to five nights a week (Wed-Sun) with room for just 24 people per night. At $160 a head, before tax and service charges, the experience doesn't come cheap but the set menu does deliver bang for buck with up to 22 courses in just one sitting. Restaurant founder and head chef Kevin Binkley often invites patrons into the kitchen at points during the evening for an even better taste of the action.

Think turn-of-the-20th-century, free standing Spanish ranch house, for this restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. White tablecloths, warm woods, large plush Spanish-styled chairs complement the excellent service and signature margaritas, and the restaurant holds a happy hour every Tuesday to Friday. Gourmet Mexican food is fused with European cooking methods to produce specialities such as mahi mahi ceviche or slow roasted shoulder of pork. Save room for desserts like cinammon churros – warm doughnuts with a chilli chocolate dipping sauce.

This classic and elegant steakhouse is designed as a private dining club, but has opened its doors to welcome mere mortals into its depths. The main dining room is small and intimate with crisp white linen and modern lighting, but a series of mirrors lining the walls gives the appearance of a much livelier atmosphere. The food here impresses. Specials include Alaskan red kind crab claws followed by an entree of live Maine lobster or a 48oz double cut porterhouse steak.

Award-winning, succulent burgers, sandwiches and freshly prepared salads are served at this small, but excellent eatery. It's a convenient and comfortable place to grab a lazy bite to eat. There's nothing pretentious about the Delux Burger, and it's simply an open kitchen with one long table and two rows of side tables. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed at this locals' favourite, open daily for lunch and dinner.

Sassi is a slice of Italy in Scottsdale. This chic and trendy restaurant has a true Italian feel, and there's a fabulous outdoor terrace for some authentic al fresco dining. The menu is equally as exciting with dishes from every region of Italy. Sample the antipasti before moving onto clam pasta or marinated wood-grilled baby lamb chops. And don't forget the wine list which is straight from the best Italian vineyards.

Attentive service, an open kitchen, brick walls, white tablecloths and ceiling-to-floor windows add an extra element to the traditional American food and southwest favourites, including chilli-rubbed rib-eye steak or a bistro burger with blue cheese and bacon. There is a blazing open-pit fireplace on an outdoor patio in the evenings and Wright's Bar is perfect for a pre- dinner aperitif or an after-dinner drink.

Lo-Lo's is a fast food chain restaurant with a difference. If the only thing you feel like eating is chicken and waffles, then this is the restaurant for you. The atmosphere is loud, but strangely engaging, and you'll be amazed at how delicious southern-style chicken is.

This small, brick café in the very heart of Phoenix cafe serves up eggs in more ways than you'd think they could be cooked, as well as hearty lunches of burgers, chilli and a selection of family favourite salads. This is a cheerful little place to get a pleasant meal without the fuss and finicky finishings of the top-end eateries.

The New York Times and Oprah Winfrey have dubbed this pizza some of the best in the country. Mozzarella is fresh and the pizza is cooked in a wood-burning oven. But you need a little patience to get the Pizzeria Bianco experience. Huge lines form way before this small, unimpressive-looking little brick house opens. Waiting times can be as long as three hours, as bookings are not accepted except for groups of six or more (and even then, reservations must be made at least six weeks in advance). Bar Bianco, the watering hole next door, is the place to hang out until your name is called. We say: worth the wait.