HomeDiningRestaurants › 50 Favorite Restaurants in Phoenix 2016 - Page 6

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  • 37.   Los Sombreros

Owner and chef, Azucena Tovar, who was born in  San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico, brings the essence of Mexico to life with authentic dishes like green corn tamales, crepas (Mexican crepes) and mole poblano. Los Sombreros, a longtime Valley landmark that opened in 1994, serves its food on bright dinnerware and has a lively atmosphere with ambient lighting and Mexican artwork. lossombreros.com.

  • 38.    Pomo Pizzeria

Handcrafted authentic Neapolitan pizza in the true spirit of Napoli, Italy—this is what you get at Pomo Pizzeria, located across the Valley. With wood-burning ovens and an old family recipe, Pomo uses slow-rising sourdough with organic wheat flour imported from Naples (the impeccable lasagna is drool-worthy, too). Sit back, relax, and enjoy; the aroma of Italian cooking is in the air. pomopizzeria.com.

  • 39.    Blue Hound Kitchen + Cocktails (pictured)

In the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Blue Hound Kitchen + Cocktails is a relaxed neighborhood joint with a stellar bar program where diners can get comfy and breathe easy amidst the bustling cityscape. Blue Hound Kitchen has dozens of hanging lights, wood floors, wood-slatted ceilings and a bright, welcoming ambience. As part of the winter menu, enjoy food like deviled eggs with bacon jam, roasted chicken, blackened salmon or handmade pasta with pumpkin seed pesto, Marsala wine, butternut, mushrooms and sage. bluehoundkitchen.com.

  • 40.    St. Francis

Nestled within uptown Phoenix, St. Francis is a family-owned establishment with an atmosphere that’s all about comfort and contemporary vibes. Brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings and a warm glow cater to the restaurant’s rustic aesthetic. The wood-burning oven at St. Francis, which uses mesquite for its smokiness and almond for its heat, is what makes this restaurant truly stand out. Nearly every dish incorporates the oven in some way, whether it be roasted meats or roasted vegetables pureed to make sauce. From the wood-fired oven specifically, guests might try the Moroccan meatballs, pork chile verde or roasted chicken. stfrancisaz.com.

Kids eat free!

  • 41.    T. Cook’s

Located at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix, T. Cook’s serves fresh, seasonal provisions with a Mediterranean flare. We suggest planning a romantic date near one of the restaurant’s cozy fireplaces, or spend a night with friends sampling spirits in the glass-enclosed Wine and Tequila tasting room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered and visitors can enjoy a market brunch buffet every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fresh-baked pastries, mimosas, Bloody Marys and more. tcooksphoenix.com.

  • 42.    Postino WineCafe

Postino Winecafe, with popular locations Valleywide, is known for its delicious and wide selection of bruschetta and expansive wine-by-the-glass program. Paired with a glass of wine and a group of good friends, this is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening in a modern, lively environment (if you get seated in one of the cozy couch areas, even better). Order the pub board with soft pretzels and aged cheddar to start, then let the night unfold from there. postinowinecafe.com.

  • 43.    LON’s at the Hermosa

A part of the Scottsdale luxury boutique hotel, The Hermosa Inn, LON’s serves gourmet globally inspired Arizona fare  including brunch (on weekends), lunch, dinner, drinks and dessert. As part of a resort-wise expansion, LON’s interior design will also be getting an upgrade with new artwork, linens, tablescapes and other décor to give a larger sense of luxury; this is a Four-Diamond restaurant, after all. Make this culinary experience an all-night affair with the “Night at LON’s” package, where guests are offered a one-night stay at the inn as well. hermosainn.com/lons.