• Mora Italian

The Valley was a-buzz for months leading up to the arrival of Chef Scott Conant, of “Chopped,” and his restaurant, Mora Italian. In the months since it opened, the Phoenix space has become a see-and-be-seen hot spot that dishes up time-honored classics (like handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza napoletana), modern spins on Italian favorites and a stellar cocktail list for washing it all down. The tasty brunch menu means digging into dishes like the over-the-top granola (pictured). moraitalian.com.

•  Beckett’s Table

Located in the Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix, Beckett’s Table blends elegance with comfort food in an inviting atmosphere. The comfort-food haven itself has a sleek, modern warehouse style to it, with a comfortable rustic feel where guests dine on home-cooked goodness and a killer bacon s'mores dessert. Its summertime Grown-ups Table is always a popular attraction. beckettstable.com.

• Los Sombreros

Owner and chef, Azucena Tovar, brings the essence of Mexico to life with authentic dishes like green corn tamales, crepas (Mexican crepes) and mole poblano, a type of sauce typically made with chiles, nuts, spices and a variety of other ingredients. 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.

•  Pomo Pizzeria

Handcrafted authentic Neapolitan pizza in the true spirit of Napoli, Italy—this is what you get at Pomo Pizzeria, with locations found 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). pomopizzeria.com.

•  St. Francis

Nestled within uptown Phoenix, St. Francis is a family-owned, family-friendly 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. Here, brunch is a standout. stfrancisaz.com.