HOT TABLES IN TOWN théa, Phoenix Vibrant pink walls contrast urban-Western vibes of James Beard Award-winning Bacanora and its masterful take on wood-fired Sonoran flavors. Here, an open-flame kitchen turns out perfectly charred meats, embered elote and handmade tostadas. With mountain views and lively DJ energy, théa brings international flair and Mediterranean mezze to The Global Ambassador hotel’s rooftop. Listed among the “Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler, this sky-high gem has one of the most extensive rosé collections in the country and a flaming saganaki that rivals the Grecian islands’. East of the city, in the valley groves of Mesa, discover Board & Batten . The modern Italian bistro exudes rustic European charm with a touch of farmhouse cozy — including a patio with so much greenery it makes you forget you’re in the desert. Enjoy garden party vibes paired with refined dishes and aperitifs. Set against the Komatke Mountain Range on the Gila River Indian Community, experience the culture, history and flavors of the Pee Posh and Akimal O’otham peoples at KAI , the state’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant. The seven-course tasting menu features artful preparations of traditional ingredients like bison, venison and squab. Top your trip with something funky and effortlessly cool — kid sister is Phoenix’s newest natural wine bar. Pair a glass with European-inspired small plates while vibing in a tastefully minimal space that pops with color and hospitality. TRAVEL-THEMED BARS Extend your night with a drink at one of Phoenix’s transportive bars. Climb aboard Platform 18 at Century Grand , an Art Deco-style Pullman train car, for an immersive craft cocktail experience inspired by America’s Prohibition era. Or, keep it light at the ‘70s airplane-inspired lounge, Carry-On , where vintage vibes meet first-class craft cocktails that’ll dispatch you to the golden age of travel. KAI, Chandler Board & Batten, Mesa 46 VISITARIZONA.COM CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR HOTEL; BOARD & BATTEN; VISIT PHOENIX Like the Sonoran Desert sun, there’s no stopping Phoenix’s dining scene from rising high and heating up. These restaurants take Phoenix to the next level as one of the hottest food cities in the U.S. Luckily, not too hot to touch.
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2025-26: Page 46
