Steakhouse to brunch: Here are the best restaurants in metro Phoenix, according to readers

In January we shared our annual list of the 100 essential restaurants of 2024 . It's a collection of the locally owned restaurants we keep going back to, curated by not only the dining team, but other editors and reporters who cover the Valley's music, travel, arts and entertainment scenes. Then we asked local chefs about the restaurants they can't live without.

Ever since the essentials list was released, we've been asking readers to tell us about their favorite restaurants and places they feel are vital to the metro Phoenix dining scene.

And you answered with passionate, thoughtful recommendations that ranged from hidden gems to iconic fine dining. In no particular order, we're delighted to share this list of 19 essential metro Phoenix restaurants, according to The Arizona Republic readers.

Best, according to the best: Chefs absolutely love these 10 metro Phoenix restaurants

Cups N' Crepes

This is a rare quiet retreat in Ahwatukee. Always consistent with lots of choices of crepe fillings, plus they will always mix up a custom request. They do salads and bagels, too. This is a breakfast and lunch place. I bring small groups in or just drop in for coffee and a bagel when errands and traffic are too much.

— Meredith W.

Details: 4232 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-706-1963, cupzncrepes.com.

Christo’s Ristorante

Locally owned, Christo’s has been in business for 30 plus years and has always had great food.  The "go-to" place when my husband and I wanted a special lunch or dinner or to take out-of-town visitors to. The menu is varied, not just Italian, but has chicken, fish, veal dishes and more including specials with various preparations. Included with dinner is soup, which changes each day and all delicious, plus salad. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday.  White tablecloths and napkins, impeccable service but not stuffy atmosphere.

— Ann C.

Details: 6327 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-264-1784, christosristorante.com.

Binkley's

Kevin Binkley was executive sous chef at the Inn at Little Washington, which is a Michelin 3 star restaurant.  Next, he was a chef at the French Laundry, also a Michelin 3 star, owned by the famed Thomas Keller, arguably the best American chef of all time. We have been to the French Laundry several times and absolutely love it. ...Kevin Binkley is a treasured gem in our local food community and among the very best, not just in Phoenix, but in the country.  Our city is fortunate to have him.  Ask any local chef in town who they look up to and admire among the ranks here in Phoenix, and I suspect many of them will have Kevin at the top of their list.

— Robert F.

Details: 2320 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix. 602-388-4874, binkleysrestaurant.com.

Wong's in Avondale

Wong's was the only restaurant within 5 miles when we first moved to Avondale. We have enjoyed Wong's for more than 30 years. We usually do takeout on Saturday night. I was there a few weeks ago and they were very busy. Customers were waiting patiently, outside in the cool weather.

— Lyle N.

Details: 10540 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 623-877-4123, wongsphoenix.com.

Vovomeena

For over 11 years, the dedicated team at Vovomeena has been serving amazing food that is entirely made in house and is locally sourced. The staff treat everyone like family, including regulars like my husband and me. The warm welcome we receive every time we visit only enhances the amazing food. Vovomeena is the standout local restaurant on Corporate Corner. It’s ironic that Vovomeena is on Corporate Corner because this restaurant doesn’t cut any corners in making the very best food and beverages for their loyal customers.

My husband’s favorite is the B.M.O.C. because the smoked pork chop is so flavorful and tender. I lean toward the Banging Pocket with the pita that acts like the perfect wrap to keep the scrambled eggs, Gouda and Schreiner’s sausage warm. The Pain Perdu is perfect for sharing and elevates bread pudding to the sublime. Their Japanese Cold Brew Coffee is the perfect beverage to accompany their scratch made foods and provides just the right caffeine buzz to start off the day.

— Ted S.

Details: 1515 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-2541, vovomeena.com.

The Eleanor

I have a great breakfast/brunch place. It is my essential restaurant. The Eleanor opened in September. The vibe in that place is amazing and the service is great. The food is consistently great. One of the reasons I love it is there aren’t that many great restaurants in south Scottsdale that aren’t geared to the 20-something crowd.

— Kathy W.

Details: 3207 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. 480-685-2525, theeleanoraz.com.

Tommy V's

The owner is hands-on, and you see him there all the time. The food and service are consistently good. And, they have their own parking lot which is a premium in Old Town.

— Kathy W.

Details: 7303 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale. 480-427-2264, tommyvscottsdale.com.

Yo Pauly's New York Pizza Co.

The best, New York style pizza! I am from New York and it can hold up against any place there. In fact, when I went back recently, I thought Yo Pauly's  was better! In addition to the pizza they have the best chicken wings. While I enjoy many of the other Italian dishes, the pizza and wings are my favorite. And their cannolis, also much like back east, and the best I’ve had in the Valley to date. It's a weekly visit for Sunday dinner and many times a weekly lunch spot!

— Theresa H.

Details: 8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. 480-451-4400, yopaulysnypc.com.

Restaurant Progress

Great atmosphere, great food and wine list, great service.

— Bob L.

Details: 702 W. Montecito Ave., Phoenix. 602-441-0553, progressphx.com.

Via De Los Santos

We have been going there for too many years to count.  Consistent great family style Mexican food. And it's one of the few that serve calabacitas and/or sides of zucchini and corn. Their tamales are excellent. Unfortunately, they took down the velvet paintings, but it is still full of old Mexican charm. GREAT tequila selection. Never disappoints and is a great place to take out of towners who can't get good Mex in their hometown.

— Susan C.

Details: 9120 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-997-6239, viadelosantosaz.com.

Lovecraft

Lovecraft Ale on 32nd Street and Cactus. New Mexican style BBQ food.  It is delicious. They have the best queso dip I have ever had. They make a prime rib (there is an entree, a sandwich and a salad every weekend) that is out of this world amazing. It is juicy, tender, with a smoky flavor.  I also typically get the chimichangas smothered in queso.  Flavors are amazing! My husband loves their green chile burrito.

— Lisa L.

Details: 3128 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. 602-237-5046, lovecraftphx.com.

Ghost Ranch

Ghost Ranch in Tempe (wonderful New Mexican style) and the greatest frozen prickly pear margaritas on earth.

—Mary M.

Details: 1006 E. Warner Road, Tempe. 480-474-4328, ghostranchaz.com.

Hana Japanese Eatery

We have been eating here ever since the place opened. Their sushi is fresh and delicious. They create specials that are unique and want you to keep coming back. The owners are always there to greet you. It is neighborhood spot that keeps you coming back for the regular menu and for the creative dishes they prepare.  We often gather a group and go there for a shabu-shabu dinner that you need to request in advance.

— Garthanne D.

Details: 5524 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-973-1238, hanajapaneseeatery.com.

Zinc Bistro

This is our special occasion go-to restaurant. Our favorites here are the mussels marinière (me) and the flat iron steak with madeira sauce. For dessert we must have the chocolate soufflé!

— Karen F.

Details: 15034 N. Scottsdale Road. 480-603-0922, zincbistro.com.

Zinc Bistro: This luxurious Scottsdale sandwich is all about French technique and indulgence

Original Breakfast House on 32nd Street and Thunderbird

This spot is a gem. Owner John Stidham is outside greeting guests coming in most days. Everything I have had on their menu is delicious. The menu is huge. One of my favorites is the asparagus and goat cheese scramble. Such an amazing combination of flavors. The French toast is the best you will get anywhere. I have also had the chilaquiles, which are so good, so filling, so flavorful. My husband loves their chicken fried steak and eggs too. They only accept cash and for a reason I love — they would rather give their employees the money that would have gone to the credit card companies. And speaking of employees they are all so happy!  They have very little turnover, which is not too common for a restaurant.

— Lisa L.

Details: 13623 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-482-2328, originalbreakfasthouse.com.

First & Last

Love this place! Food's great! Cocktails are top notch and you can’t beat the service and ambiance!

— Brett C.

Details: 1001 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix. 602-975-8297, firstandlastphx.com.

Cherry Blossom Cafe

We love this place for its food and service. The staff are great at getting your food served to you quickly and while it is still hot. We like their sushi and any of their noodle dishes. My husband loves their Gomoku Yaki Udo with a great assortment of seafood. I love their Spicy Gyoza Pot and their Nasu-Miso eggplant.  Our friend loves their Bolognese.

— Garthanne D.

Details: 914 East Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-248-9090, cherryblossom-az.com.

Miracle Mile Deli

They are iconic, historic and locally owned and operated staples in the Valley. Why do I love MMD? First of all, Josh Garcia, the VP of the restaurant gives his heart to that establishment every single day. You'll find him working there most every single day, while also making sure the events and businesses who hire them for catering are taken care of. Stop by and I bet you'll see some familiar faces there. Former politicians, tv anchors/reporters, sports icons, etc. dine there because of the customer service and the great food. Josh works very hard to offer a quality experience.

— Charlotte S.

Details: 4433 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-776-0992, miraclemiledeli.com.

Organ Stop Pizza

Because, come on, they are the most unique dining establishment in the state, heck, most of the United States. The only other "Pizza and Pipes" concept left from the boom in the 70s and 80s is Organ Piper Pizza in Milwaukee. Organ Stop Pizza will celebrate 52 years in the Valley in 2024. They are home to the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, the largest theater pipe organ in the US. They are one of the few places in town to still have a salad bar (and they still have great sanitary requirements for it.) The pizza sometimes gets a bad rap, but did you know the recipe for it was created with the help of a Disney chef? And let me tell you, this restaurant is always packed from November to March with visitors from all over. The summer is easier if you aren't into crowds, but they also host many field trips and group luncheons in the day too.

Details: 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. 480-813-5700, organstoppizza.com.

The best places to dine in 2024: 100 essential restaurants in metro Phoenix

Reach the food, dining and nightlife editor at felicia.campbell@azcentral.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best Phoenix restaurants, according to readers — steakhouses to pizza