It’s true what they say - Phoenix gets hot in the summer months, but its restaurant scene is even hotter. If you’re new to the Phoenix metro area, or just a local ready to come out of air-conditioned summer hibernation, it’s time to take in an incredible meal. Phoenix foodies rave over these places regularly. Here’s your list of can’t-miss restaurants you can only find in Phoenix!

Photo by Michael Chow/The Republic

Binkley’s - Camelback East Village

Chef Kevin Binkley’s name is well-known around the Valley of the Sun. He’s recently returned to greater Phoenix to run his namesake restaurant Binkley’s in Camelback East Village. The menu starts at $165 per person, with wine and additional pairings extra. But the experience is so incredible that it even left the AZCentral food reviewer nearly without words to describe his meal. Pick Binkley’s for corporate junkets or a sky’s-the-limit vacation.

Photo by Harley Bonham / Cafe Monarch

Cafe Monarch - Old Town Scottsdale

Cafe Monarch is tucked away from quiet 1st Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale. Using only local and seasonal ingredients, chef Gus Lewkowicz has created a little slice of heaven in Old Town. Cafe Monarch has won a slew of awards in its decade-long history, including OpenTable’s “Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America.”

Photo Courtesy of Steak 44

Steak 44 - Arcadia

When the time is right for a mouthwatering and stomach-filling steak, there’s no better place to go than Steak 44. It’s been voted “Best Steakhouse” in Phoenix in 2017 by the readers of Phoenix Magazine. Lovers of NY strip steaks, filet mignon, and Wagyu filet should make their way to this hotspot.

Photo Courtesy of GrassrootsAZ

Grassroots Kitchen & Tap - The Biltmore

This family-owned and operated destination in The Biltmore neighborhood was founded and is run by restaurateur Chris Collins. Freshness oozes from Grassroot Kitchen’s menu, with all types of vegetable offerings (as in the Farmer’s Vegetable Chop) like radishes, cherry tomatoes, green cabbage, scallions, butternut squash, and a myriad of other flavors and textures.

Photo Courtesy of AZ Architecture

FnB - Scottsdale

FnB has fed locals and tourists for a long time in Scottsdale and has picked up accolades from Forbes Magazine, New York Times, and Travel + Leisure Magazine along the way. Chef Charleen Badman ranks among Arizona’s most acclaimed chefs. FnB was recently being nominated for Outstanding Wine Program by the James Beard Foundation, an honor of excellence bestowed on only 20 U.S. restaurants.

Photo Courtesy of Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco - Downtown Phoenix

This intimate Downtown pizzeria from James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco put Phoenix on the big-league map in recent years. Its pies are to die for, the crust delicious and crispy, and the toppings varied and exceeding expectations. Pick an off time for your first visit to Pizzeria Bianco, as long lines await those who come in during the crunch times.

Photo Courtesy of Texas Monthly

Little Miss BBQ - Central City

When you really need a great slab of ribs or a divine pulled pork sandwich, then Little Miss BBQ is your ultimate Central City destination. It’s tucked down in southern part of Phoenix, south of the airport and the Salt River. Everything is delicious at this casual emporium of brisket, beef, and everything in between. You can get smoked pork, pulled pork, barbecued pork - but start with the sensational brisket.

Photo by Debby Wolvos / CRUjiente Tacos

CRUjiente Tacos - Arcadia

For an authentic taste of the great Southwest, it’s time for the succulent treasures served up at CRUjiente Tacos. This modern neighborhood taqueria in Arcadia, led by chef Rich Hinojosa, creates amazing pork dishes with all the delicious fats that melt into the dish. Paired up with delicious aioli, cilantro, and homemade salsa, the tacos here are unlike anything else offered in Phoenix.