Peoria, a northwestern suburb of Phoenix, is home to a thriving food scene with restaurants ranging from classic steakhouses and barbecue joints to trendy bistros and fusion eateries.
With its close proximity to Phoenix and Scottsdale, Peoria attracts some of the best chefs and restaurants in the state. From cozy cafes to fine dining establishments, here is our list of the 12 best restaurants that you must try when in Peoria.
The Corner Grill
The Corner Grill is a local favorite known for its delicious comfort food served in generous portions. Its menu features classics like juicy burgers, grilled sandwiches, salads, steaks and daily specials like meatloaf, pot roast and chicken fried steak.
Standout dishes include the French Dip sandwich loaded with thin-sliced roast beef and melted provolone cheese and the chicken tenders, which are always hot and crispy with flavorful breading. Make sure to save room for their warm apple cobbler topped with ice cream for a sweet ending. With its casual vibe, friendly service and affordable prices, The Corner Grill offers a welcoming spot to enjoy a hearty meal just like mom used to make.
Crust Italian Kitchen
Led by chef de cuisine Mario Russo, Crust Italian Kitchen brings a contemporary twist to authentic Italian cooking. The seasonally inspired menu features imported ingredients and handcrafted artisanal pastas along with Neapolitan-style pizzas fired up in a burning wood-fired oven. Signature dishes like the vodka-sauced strozzapreti pasta ribbons and the pear and gorgonzola pizza with caramelized pears, creamy dollops of gorgonzola and speck ham are definite crowd pleasers.
The sleek and modern décor provides a fitting backdrop for date nights, business dinners or special occasion celebrations. With its made-from-scratch cuisine, first-rate service and hip ambiance, Crust Italian Kitchen is one of the hottest tables in town.
The Wild Thaiger
Chef Bank Atcharawan of Los Angeles’ Jitlada restaurant brings his bold Thai flavors to Peoria at The Wild Thaiger. This hip Thai eatery dishes out authentically spiced street food favorites in a casual and contemporary setting. Craft cocktails made tableside in vintage coupes and Riedel glassware pair nicely with the fiery flavors.
Must-try dishes include the nam khao tod rice crispy salad, bursting with fresh herbs, lime and chilies and the pad kee mao “drunken noodles” with plump shrimp, green beans, basil and peppers. Vegetarians will relish the complex flavors of the yellow curry and tofu lovers will swoon over the crispy fried tofu topped with sweet chili sauce. With its knockout spicy Thai fare and fun atmosphere, The Wild Thaiger promises to deliver an electrifying culinary experience.
Taco Guild
Led by executive chef Victor Davila, Taco Guild brings delicious Mexican flavors to Peoria in a vibrant and family-friendly setting. All tortillas and salsas are handcrafted in-house while meats are smoked to perfection in their state-of-the-art smokers. Tacos range from tender brisket barbacoa to crispy Baja fish and spicy cochinita pibil pork shoulder. Their variety of house Margaritas, crafted from 100% blue agave tequilas, are the perfect accompaniment.
In addition to the array of tacos, Taco Guild’s menu also shines with composed dishes like the chilli relleno stuffed with Oaxaca and jack cheese and sauced in roasted tomato salsa. Save room for churros or sopapillas dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet ending. Whether dining indoors surrounded by colorful Mexican textures and decor or alfresco on the lively patio, Taco Guild promises a vibrant and festive atmosphere matched only by its scrumptious gourmet tacos and Margaritas.
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap
Chef-owner Matt Maenpaa brings farm-fresh dishes to his fun gastropub, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap. He works closely with local farmers and food artisans to source sustainable ingredients to create contemporary renditions of bar bites and comfort classics. The menu features salads, sandwiches and starters like the popular burrata bruschetta adorned with creamy burrata, funky blue cheese, marcona almonds and micro basil.
Grass-fed burgers sizzle on the grill while thin and crispy pizzas emerge piping hot from the gas-fired pizza oven. Microbrews, mostly Arizona craft beers, and specialty cocktails, are artfully mixed at the copper bar top. With its commitment to sustainable cuisine and convivial ambiance, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap has become both a neighborhood favorite and citywide destination.
Social Hall
Housed in a restored Craftsman bungalow along Old Town Peoria’s historic district, Social Hall delivers gastropub fare paired with one of the best whiskey programs in the West Valley. The menu by executive chef Brian Archibald features a raw bar with oysters and sushi-grade offerings along with composed dishes like the seared ahi tuna salad with avocado, cucumber, heirloom tomato and ginger vinaigrette. Their burger offers a gourmet twist with aged white cheddar, applewood smoked bacon onion relish and truffle fries.
In cool weather, the clients cozy up next to the two-sided see-through fireplace while in nice weather the lively crowd spills out onto the back open air patio under twinkling lights. With its contemporary yet rustic ambiance, Social Hall offers a sophisticated but laid-back spot for a night out.
Litchfield’s
Known as the “best restaurant in Peoria” for almost 20 years now, Litchfield’s has earned its reputation for contemporary cuisine served in a classy-casual setting. The eclectic menu takes cues from Mediterranean, Asian and Southwestern flavors weaved into composed dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Chef de Cuisine Greg LaPrad puts his signature spin on sophisticated dishes like the sesame crusted salmon with ponzu glaze, pickled vegetables and jasmine rice along with iconic appetizers like the tenderloin carpaccio piled with arugula, capers, red onion and shaved parmesan. T
he sleek interior, appointed in dark woods, exposed brick and comfy leather banquettes provides a fitting backdrop for business power lunches or milestone celebrations. With its superb contemporary cooking, swanky décor and polished service, Litchfield’s continues to be the crown jewel of Peoria’s dining scene.
Republica Empanada
Husband and wife team Samantha and Raul Rodriguez bring a taste of Argentina and Cuba with Republica Empanada’s flaky hot pocket pastries in both sweet and savory varieties. Traditional fillings like picadillo ground beef and sweet plantains offer familiar flavor profiles while unexpected varieties like Thai chicken curry, Philly cheesesteak and apple churro promise to surprise the palate.
These generously stuffed pastries pair nicely with a local craft draft beer or a glass of South American wine. With its laid back atmosphere and fusion of Latin American flavors, Republica Empanada brings an exciting and affordable culinary experience to Old Town Peoria.
State 48 Kitchen and Bar
State 48 delivers chef-driven pub fare with flavors influenced by local Arizona ingredients and multicultural techniques picked up from the owners’ global travels. Housed in a former vintage airplane hangar at Phoenix-Glendale airport, State 48’s soaring ceilings, exposed beams and view of vintage aircraft through hangar door windows create a one-of-a-kind setting for a memorable dining experience.
Executive chef Anthony Garcia takes diners on a culinary tour with dishes like the popular chicken mole enchiladas drizzled in dark mole sauce and the Thai peanut curry with udon noodles sautéed with veggies and spicy peanut sauce. Their drink menu features an extensive list of local and domestic craft brews along with creative house cocktails like the jalapeno cucumber margarita. With its welcoming vibe, globally influenced flavors and unique setting on an active tarmac, State 48 offers one of the more novel and exciting dining experiences in the West Valley.
Tacos Chiwas
Led by executive chef Armando Hernandez, Tacos Chiwas plates up traditional dishes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua in vibrant hues and flavors. House specialties like gorditas, sopes, tortas and of course, tacos, are piled high with well-seasoned meats like tender barbacoa, zesty cueritos and smokey chorizo links imported directly from Chihuahua. Their authentic menudo tripe soup makes for the ultimate hangover cure while their variety of Mexican aguas frescas in flavors like jamaica, tamarindo and horchata promise to both quench your thirst and transport your taste buds.
The festive peach and tangerine dining room dotted with colorful Mexican oilcloth tablecloths and décor creates a welcoming refuge for enjoying authentic flavors north of the border. Whether sitting at the bar watching tortillas being handmade or grabbing tacos from the walk-up window, Tacos Chiwas brings Mexico’s vibrant culture and cuisine to Old Town Peoria.
Creations in Cuisine
Tucked away along the bike paths just blocks from Peoria Stadium is the most surprising culinary find—Creations by chef and owner Ron Plotnik. A veteran of luxury hotels and resorts, chef Ron brings refined techniques and globetrotting flavors to his American fusion tasting menus.
His “Cuisine without Borders” ethos treats guests to unlikely flavor combinations like duck breast with sweet potato gnocchi and pomegranate demi glaze or coffee-crusted filet mignon with gjetost cheese and lingonberry gastrique. Tasting menus change monthly to highlight seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers and farmers.
The understated décor allows the artistically plated dishes to shine against crisp white linens in this unassuming location. Offering one of the most inventive fine dining experiences in the West Valley, Creations in Cuisine has cemented chef Ron’s reputation as Peoria’s premier culinary creative.
Beckett’s Table
Beckett’s Table, the signature dining experience at the Wigwam Resort, remains one of the most elegant restaurants in the West Valley. The dining room overlooking the resort’s lush golf courses provides a perfect place to savor contemporary cuisine paired with premium wines. Executive chef Dave Vincent takes a vegetable-forward approach to create elegant composed plates like cauliflower tempura with crushed cashews, currants and champagne vinaigrette.
Rare proteins like Australian Wagyu beef and Nantucket Bay scallops make appearances in entrées and mains. An extensive wine list curated by sommelier Nikka Nordin spotlights small boutique wineries. With a rotating seasonal menu, top-notch service and impressive wine selection, Beckett’s Table promises a special occasion experience on par with any fine dining mecca in Scottsdale or Phoenix.
Conclusion
From street tacos to gourmet empanadas and jalapeño margaritas to apple churro desserts, Peoria offers an eclectic array of dining options to suit any palate or craving. Long established favorites like Litchfield’s and newcomers like Wild Thaiger continue to raise the bar with chef-inspired cuisine served in unique spaces with character.
Farm fresh gastropubs, scratch-made pizzas, contemporary Mexican flavors, and whiskey and wine focused concepts add exciting variety and vibrancy to Peoria’s maturing food scene. So next time your travels take you to the West Valley, set your GPS to Peoria and come hungry—very hungry.