Surprise is a vibrant and growing city in the northwest Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona. With its sunny weather and affordable cost of living, Surprise attracts many retirees but also has a significant number of young families.
This diverse population, along with the city’s business-friendly environment, has given rise to a thriving restaurant scene with options to suit all tastes and budgets. From small family-owned eateries to national chains, Surprise offers cuisine ranging from classic American to ethnic specialties. Here is a look at 12 of the best restaurants that Surprise has to offer.
Best Seafood – Bonefish Grill
The first entry on our list serves up fresh seafood and fish sourced from some of the world’s best fisheries. Bonefish Grill has a comfortable, upscale casual dining room where diners can enjoy the catch of the day or choose from shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and other seafood prepared in a variety of creative ways.
Start off your meal with Bang Bang Shrimp, crispy shrimp in a tangy cream sauce, or Ahi Tuna Sashimi, then move on to one of their wood-grilled or blackened fish entrées. Save room for one of Bonefish’s signature desserts like their Macadamia Nut Brownie. With great food, oozing atmosphere, and excellent service, it’s no surprise Bonefish Grill made our list of Surprise’s best restaurants.
Best Steakhouse – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
For expertly prepared steak and wine, look no further than Fleming’s. This upscale contemporary steakhouse serves the finest cuts of beef including filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and prime rib sourced from privately owned ranches. All steaks are aged for extra tenderness and flavor. Beyond steak, Fleming’s menu features seafood, chops, chicken, and more.
Try their Pork Tomahawk Chop or Lobster Bisque as a starter. Complete your evening with a glass from their extensive wine list boasting over 100 quality selections. The stylish dining room with its club-like ambience makes Fleming’s a popular spot for both intimate dinners and special occasions. Superb service and scrumptious food keep patrons coming back again and again.
Best Italian – Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
For superb brick-oven pizza and other Italian favorites, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria tops our list. Grimaldi’s specialty is their delicious thin-crust pizza baked hot and fast in a coal-fired, brick oven. Popular pizza options include The Slob with ricotta mozzarella and sausage and The Sinatra with spicy soppressata, olives, red onions, and hot cherry peppers.
Grimaldi’s also serves classic Italian appetizers like bruschetta and calamari and Italian classics like lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti with meatballs. Whatever you order, leave room for a cannoli or slice of their delectable chocolate cake. Grimaldi’s has an expansive brightly lit dining room with both booths and tables. Large parties can take advantage of their consistent food and friendly service.
Best Mexican – Carolina’s Mexican Food
Authentic Mexican flavors come alive at Carolina’s, a colorful little restaurant serving all your south-of-the-border favorites. Carolina’s is perhaps best known for their vast combination plate options with your choice of tamales, enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos and more.
All combination plates are served with rice, beans, and soup or salad. Seafood lovers rave about the Camarones Rancheros, peeled shrimp sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and ranchero sauce. Their sizzling fajitas are also first-rate. Enjoy a frosty margarita or Mexican beer with your meal. The lively atmosphere and excellent prices make Carolina’s a local favorite.
Best Asian Fusion – Sweet Basil Asian cuisine
For a taste of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese favorites all under one roof, Sweet Basil Asian Cuisine is the best restaurant in Surprise. This Pan-Asian dining spot prepares fresh innovative takes on noodle and rice dishes from across eastern and southeastern Asia. Popular picks include pad thai, curry udon noodles, sweet chili shrimp, and stir-fried udon.
Meat lovers will relish options like Mongolian beef and kung pao chicken. Sushi fans will also appreciate their wide sushi selection with nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and more. Sweet Basil’s also offers several gluten-free, vegan & vegetarian menu options. The contemporary casual interior with colorful Asian accents makes for a comfortable, welcoming place to enjoy this fusion of Asian cuisines.
Best Barbecue – Texaz Grill
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the portions at Texaz Grill, our pick for best barbecue in Surprise. Texaz Grill brings authentic slow-smoked barbecue straight from the Lone Star State. Tantalize your taste buds with tender smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked sausages, pulled pork, and so much more. Loaded baked potatoes make for the perfect barbecue side.
Wash it all down with an ice cold Texas-sized beer or homemade lemonade. Open for lunch and dinner, Texaz Grill’s dining room has a funky rustic Texan vibe with cowboy signage and Americana bric-a-brac. Take home Texaz’ famous barbecue sauce so you can enjoy a taste of Texas anytime. With its finger-lickin’ barbecue, Texaz Grill is a little taste of Texas right here in Surprise.
Best Family Restaurant – The Black Bear Diner
For affordable comfort classics the whole family will love, look no further than Black Bear Diner. This wildly popular family restaurant serves stick-to-your ribs favorites like pot roast, chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, giant omelets, and more. Hearty skillets and combos come with your choice of meat paired with eggs, potatoes, pancakes and other tasty add-ins.
Their Million Dollar Breakfast Chenoa’s Favorite with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, pancakes and toast is a popular pick. Parents love Black Bear’s kiddie menu with Mickey Mouse pancakes plus coloring sheets & crayons that keep the little ones busy. Senior specials, all-day breakfast, and generous portions make Black Bear Diner a must-visit Surprise restaurant.
Best Fine Dining – Ocean Prime
For a refined fine dining experience in Surprise look no further than Ocean Prime. Upon entering, the upscale supper club ambiance with its dignified dark wood, deep booths, and grand piano welcomes patrons. Ocean Prime specializes in seafood and prime cuts of steak sourced from top producers and prepared European style.
Specialties range from Frutti di Mare, a medley of shrimp, scallops, and calamari in a white wine broth to the signature 14-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak. For starters, thedynamite ahi tuna tartare on crispy wontons delights. Their cocktail program focuses on fresh ingredients and homemade mixes resulting in libations like the Ocean Prime Manhattan and Basil Berry Lemonade. With its classic elegance and exceptional cuisine, Ocean Prime offers a world-class fine dining experience.
Best Wine Bar – Postino WineCafe
Wine lovers rejoice as Postino WineCafe opens its second Valley location right here in Surprise. Postino serves a variety of wines from small boutique wineries in a hip, rustic-chic atmosphere. In addition to wines offered by the glass and bottle, patrons can order popular “Board & Bottle” specials pairing select wines with artisan cheese and meat boards. Wine flights also available give you a chance to taste several varieties.
Beyond wine, patrons flock for bruschetta options, paninis, salads and sweets like their addictive butter cake. Postino’s indoor-outdoor space features reclaimed wood, vintage light fixtures, and comfy leather seating plus a sprawling patio. Gather with friends and enjoy great wine, snacks, and conversation day or night at this inviting neighborhood wine bar.
Best Vegetarian/Vegan – Bliss ReBAR
Vegans and vegetarians tired of salad can get their fill of plant-based comfort food at Bliss ReBAR. This casual vegan eatery turns out flavorful meatless versions of traditionally meaty favorites. Their menu stars items like the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with housemade barbecue jackfruit, vegan mac and cheese, meatless sloppy Joes, and chik’n Parmesan.
Bliss also offers a nice selection of vegan burgers, tacos, bowls and even vegan chicken wings! Craft beer, wine, and housemade lemonades & teas wash it all down. The laid-back, welcoming atmosphere makes this vegan joint accessible and fun for herbivores and carnivores alike. When you need a break from salad without sacrificing your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, Bliss ReBAR satisfies.
Best Breakfast – Omelet House
For hearty affordable breakfast fare prepared lightning fast, Omelet House tops our list. This no-frills family restaurant dishes out giant omelets packed with your choice of fillings plus other breakfast essentials like pancakes, French toast, biscuits & gravy, etc. Generous portions ensure even the heartiest of appetites leave satisfied.
Popular picks like their Spicy Southwest Omelet with chorizo, jalapeños, onions, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese have earned Omelet House a reputation for spicy eats. Kids love choices from their kiddo breakfast menu. Daily specials, senior specials, early bird specials, and their rapid-fire service keep loyal patrons coming back again and again. When you need a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast on the run, Omelet House hits the spot for bargain eats.
Best Coffeehouse – Starbucks
No surprise here as the world’s most ubiquitous coffee purveyor tops our list for best coffeehouse. The Surprise location brings that signature Starbucks ambiance to the West Valley with stylish decor, comfy seating, and free WiFi. Patrons queue up for favorites from vanilla lattes to seasonal holiday drinks plus Starbucks’ extensive food menu with breakfast sandwiches, paninis, protein boxes, sweets and more.
This location also carries select beer & wine for after 3 pm. Convenient drive-thru service makes grabbing your morning Joe easy while the welcoming interior entices you to sit and sip awhile. The variety of food and beverage options plus their signature Frappuccinos make Starbucks Surprise’s number one coffeehouse.
Best Diner – Village Inn
When you think diner, Village Inn likely comes to mind, making it our pick for Surprise’s top diner. This family restaurant chain dishes out generous portions of classic American comfort cuisine around-the-clock. Their all-day breakfast menu stars skillet combos and fluffy pancakes plus hearty dinner fare like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf and more.
Daily lunch specials offer additional wallet-friendly options. Seniors and kids also love Village Inn for their respective discounts. Pie is king here so be sure to save room for a slice of their rotating selection of fruit, cream and other delectable pies. Whether you dine in their casual renovated dining room or grab a meal to-go, Village Inn brings no-fuss dining with that old-fashioned diner vibe Surprise diners crave.
Best Dessert – Frost Gelato
What better way to cap a meal than with the cool, creamy decadence of gelato from Frost? Made fresh in-house daily, Frost’s gelato comes in fun and fresh flavors like chocolate peanut butter swirl, cookies and cream, mango, and so much more. Craving something fruity? Their Egyptian Cotton, a bright blend of strawberry and peach, delights.
Beyond gelato, Frost whips up Italian ice, sorbettos, and gelato-filled cannoli shells too. Frost’s vibrantly decorated little shop with mosaic tile tables and a rainbow of gelato buckets lining the wall creates a sweet backdrop for enjoying these frozen treats. Frost also offers dairy-free coconut or almond milk-based gelato options. For a refreshing sweet treat unlike anything else in Surprise, a stop at Frost Gelato hits that sweet spot.
Conclusion
Surprise’s thriving culinary landscape has something to satisfy every palate, craving, and occasion from family-friendly to fine dining. Seafood spots like Bonefish Grill, steakhouses like Fleming’s, and barbecue joints like Texaz Grill tantalize your taste buds with their respective specialties.
Family-friendly staples like Black Bear Diner and breakfast favorites like Omelet House feed the masses affordably while eateries like Sweet Basil and Bliss ReBAR add international and vegetarian/vegan variety to the mix. Every restaurant featured here stands above the competition making Surprise, Arizona a burgeoning foodie destination in the Valley.