Barrio Cafe with it's superior award-pulling Mexican fare has created its own niche in the city's dining scene. Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and her partner Wendy Gruber show us that Mexican is not just about tacos, enchiladas and burritos. A delightful journey of Cochinita Pibil, slow roasted pork rubbed with Yucatan spices, guacamole, Torta de Pollo y Jaiba and cinnamon-dusted Churros Rellenos can spin anyone around to vote time and again for Barrio. The Cafe also features live entertainment weekly.

When in the city, visit Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles run by the grandson of the Phoenix soul food legend Mrs. Elizabeth White. This place is always packed with hungry locals craving some old-fashioned soul food, complete with all the trimmings of collard greens to mashed potatoes. It has even been visited by celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal, Amare Stoudemire and many more. The boisterous and unpretentious setting is made up of several small rooms still laid out as part of the original house, all packed with tables full of diners. The waffles are light and fluffy, and the chicken is fried to perfection! After your main plate is cleared away and if you still have room, be sure to try the Red Velvet cake along with some sweet tea.

In-the-know Phoenicians frequent this unassuming little wine bar halfway to Scottsdale (there are two others also, one in Gilbert and Downtown Phoenix). In a city rife with strip-mall cuisine, Postino delivers welcome helpings of the Italian countryside, the Napa Valley, the South of France and the Mediterranean coast. Italian cuisine is the chief influence on the menu, but it's all done up with a healthy dose of California-style applewood-smoked pizzazz. Vegetarians rave about the offerings here, but meat is well represented as well. The wine selection rotates every few months, but it is always heavy on Californians and Italians, with a few choice French wines and a handful of Argentinian ones for good measure. Beer lovers can appreciate the selection as well, with the stellar Guinness on draft or the Alesmith IPA. See website for menus, drink lists and more.

An array of rich dishes, including steak and seafood is served here, and you can enjoy it in a serene, elegant ambiance. There are separate lunch and dinner menus. For an unforgettable dining experience, start off your meal with the Pan Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers, or the Lobster and Crab Cakes, followed by the North Atlantic Twin Lobster Sauté or Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Butter. Wind up with the divine White Chocolate Mousse or Coconut Cream Pie. Pair up your meal with one of the wines from an extensive, award-winning wine list.

One of the Pointe at Tapatio Cliff's fabulous restaurants, this little grill offers casual elegance and refined dishes. From pastas and chicken to steak and seafood, the choices are deliciously prepared and well presented. Choose Prime Rib or a hearty Clam Chowder with onions. In addition to lunch and dinner, this little bistro-grill serves up a nutritious breakfast buffet. Bring the family along, and the kids will have their own menu. If you're in the mood just to kick back and enjoy a cocktail, the upstairs beckons with a lounge and comfortable surroundings. Subtle desert colors and warm, rich wood will calm your mood.

This healthy alternative for the lunch bunch provides your choice of stir-fried barbecue, cooked while you watch, or a Chinese buffet. Wash this all down with a glass of wine or a bottle of domestic or imported beer. Relax at one of the comfortable and casual booths. You'll feel and right at home. Note that all recipes here are MSG-free.

This busy little cafe-style sports grill offers a hometown ambiance. Featuring 10 pool tables and a full bar, this dimly lit cafe's walls are lined with booths. Come as you are; you'll find this a casual spot for a bite of lunch with gracious service. Choose from the award-winning chicken wings (from mild to homicide-hot, served by the dozen with ranch dressing and celery). Other selections from the menu include hot sandwiches, fries and salads. Its delivery radius runs from Cactus to Northern, north and south, and Seventh avenue to Interstate-17 on the east and west borders. Note that this business does not accept checks.

Choose from more than 80 Chinese delights at this little retreat. Sit at semi-private little booths and enjoy old favorites like Moo Goo Gai Pan for less than USD6 at lunchtime. Or flirt with a new dish like Seafood Victory, which combines sauteed crab, shrimp and vegetables, then crowns it all with melted cheese. Other selections include lamb, chicken, shrimp, pork and beef. The dress here is business-casual, and the food is MSG free. Please note that checks are not accepted here.

This comfortable family-style restaurant serves up savory breakfasts and dinners country-style. Choose from a good selection of breakfast skillets, omelettes and hearty fare like Corned Beef Hash with eggs. Eat at booths or tables and enjoy lunch and dinner items including soups and sandwiches, burgers and steaks. The menu also features shrimp, chicken, and comforting favorites like Liver and Onions. Dinner includes a roll and your choice of two side dishes like Coleslaw, Applesauce or Potatoes. Come as you are - the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is casual.

This fun restaurant opened in 1986 and features both unique and traditional menu items. The decor here is upscale and Southwestern, displaying work by many local artists. A full bar is at your disposal, and is the perfect place to watch the game and have a cold brew. The dining area features homemade choices such as chicken salad marinada with apples and pecans or tacos morongo, which consists of seasoned beef or chicken, jack cheese and avocado puree, stuffed into a handmade corn tortilla. It also offers the regular chimis, burros and enchiladas for the less daring.