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MexicanOld Town Scottsdale
Los Sombreros on Scottsdale Road is a long-running regional Mexican cantina set in a converted house, known for its mole and one of the best patios in town.
OrderThe mole poblano and a house margarita on the patio.
TipThe casita patio is the seat to book; weekends and snowbird season fill the small rooms fast.
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Oaxacan MexicanMidtown
Otro Cafe in Midtown Phoenix is Doug Robson's Oaxacan-leaning room, the breakfast-and-tacos counterpart to his Gallo Blanco, with local and organic sourcing.
OrderThe Oaxacan-style plates at dinner or the breakfast tacos at the weekend.
TipOn 7th Street in Midtown; the breakfast and weekend brunch menu is the room's strongest hour.
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MexicanGarfield
Gallo Blanco in the historic Garfield district is Doug Robson's street-taco and brunch room, a Mexico City-born chef's casual spot with strong veggie options.
OrderA spread of street tacos and the savory weekend brunch.
TipOn Pierce Street in Garfield, next to Welcome Diner; the bar pours craft beer and specialty drinks.
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Sonoran MexicanGrand Avenue
Bacanora in Phoenix is Rene Andrade's wood-fired Sonoran room on Grand Avenue, the kitchen that won the 2024 James Beard Best Chef Southwest award.
OrderAnything off the open flame, finished with chiltepin Andrade hauls from his family's Sonoran ranch.
TipThe room seats about 32 and books out fast; reserve well ahead or aim for an early weeknight seating.
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Wood-fired PizzaDowntown
Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix is Chris Bianco's wood-fired pizzeria in Heritage Square, the James Beard kitchen long called the best pizza in America.
OrderThe Wiseguy, with wood-roasted onion, smoked mozzarella and fennel sausage.
TipThe Heritage Square original has stood at 623 Adams since 1997; arrive at open or expect a wait, no reservations for small parties.
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Italian TrattoriaTown And Country
Tratto in Phoenix is Chris Bianco's Italian trattoria at Town & Country, a white-tablecloth room of handmade pasta built around seasonal Southwest produce.
OrderWhatever pasta is on the day's handmade list; the menu turns with the season.
TipTratto runs Tuesday to Saturday dinner only, next to the Town & Country Pizzeria Bianco; reservations fill fast.