Arizona Restaurant Week 2025: Our Must-Try Picks
Hello Flavor Chasers,
And we’re back! Arizona Restaurant Week has officially come to an end, and we’ve wrapped up our list of must-trys. We’re going to share our top three picks from this season’s lineup. With so many incredible restaurants to choose from, narrowing it down wasn’t easy.
If you’re still looking for a last-minute spot (or planning ahead for the next ARW), here’s our take on three restaurants worth adding to your foodie list.
The ARW Experience
What led us to try these three restaurants from the list of 240 restaurants, you ask. No real method to our madness, we simply made our own list of restaurants we wanted to visit without discussing it. We compared our lists and decided on the ones that ended up being on both our lists that neither of us had been to before.
Restaurant #1: Jacy & Dakota’s
Location: 333 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. It’s nestled inside The Westin and offers a charming indoor-outdoor vibe, perfect for brunch, cocktails, or a cozy dinner.
Cuisine: American, New American
ARW Price Point: Entree options were both $33 and $44 per person
What’s the Vibe
Effortlessly chic yet approachable, that’s the best way to describe this spot. Think sun-drenched patio lounges, crafted cocktails, and a menu that blends comfort food with seasonal flair. The design leans into modern Western charm, with subtle nods to Phoenix’s desert roots while keeping things fresh and contemporary.
It’s stylish without being stuffy, social without being loud, and versatile enough to fit any occasion. Whether you’re brunching with friends, grabbing a solo bite, or hosting a private dinner, the space adapts. According to OpenTable, there are intimate dining options as well as setups for private events up to 150 guests. The dress code is casual, but the ambiance feels refined, perfect for both spontaneous meetups and planned celebrations. Casual elegance at its best.
What We Ordered
Drinks
We couldn’t resist the Prickly Pear Margarita, the rotating seasonal cocktail. The name alone sold us. Refreshing, not overly sweet, and perfectly balanced, it went down dangerously smooth. The kind of drink where you forget there’s tequila in the mix (probably should’ve asked which one).
Appetizers
We kicked things off with the Crispy Brussels Sprouts, charred just right, loaded with thick bacon bites, a squeeze of lemon, parmesan, and a balsamic drizzle. Bright, salty, and addictive.
Next came the Pork Belly Bites: golden-fried, tossed in hot honey and smoky mesquite BBQ. Sweet, spicy, and savory all at once, these disappeared fast, but then again, there were only three on the plate..
Entrées
For mains, we ordered the Sirloin Steak & Crab Chimichurri and the Grilled Guajillo Chili Chicken.
The steak was grilled to a perfect medium (as requested), topped with rich crab chimichurri, and served with crispy smashed potatoes and charred broccolini. The sides were standouts on their own, the broccolini’s char was spot-on, and those potatoes had the kind of crunch you want to chase down. Not sure if the crab chimichurri was intended to taste like crab, but there wasn’t much of a crab/seafood flavor to the chimichurri.
The Guajillo Chili Chicken stole the show. A beautifully charred chicken breast, crowned with melted Hatch chili gouda (that golden crust was a thing of beauty), served over cilantro lime rice and sautéed spinach. The orange tequila glaze tied it all together, making each bite a flavor bomb. Bonus points: it reheated like a dream, rare for leftovers.
Dessert
We ended on Churro Bites, piping hot and filled with caramel, with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping. Absolutely delicious. Our only regret? Being too full to truly savor every bite.
Service
Our server, Khalil, was phenomenal, knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely friendly. He answered every question we had about the menu and made us feel completely taken care of. The only hiccup was a longer-than-expected wait for food, but considering there was a private event happening outside, it made sense.
This spot nails that sweet spot between refined and relaxed. From standout cocktails to flavor-packed entrées, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to revisit again and again. Perfect for date night, a casual meetup, or even a special event, especially if you can catch that prickly pear margarita while it’s still on rotation.
Pro Tip: Parking downtown can be tricky; plan ahead. Also, take note: the entrées we ordered didn’t exactly match what we saw on the regular menu, so there may be rotating variations. Luckily, the appetizers (Brussels sprouts and pork belly) are permanent fixtures.
Restaurant #2: Saint Urban
Location: 8260 Hayden Rd, Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Cuisine: wine bar / small-plates / shareable cuisine restaurant
ARW Price Point: $55 per couple
What’s the Vibe
Tucked into the heart of Scottsdale, Saint Urban feels like a secret dinner party you’re lucky to crash. The lighting? Soft and golden. The wine list? Curated with the precision of a sommelier who moonlights as a poet. And the menu? A rotating cast of seasonal small plates that flirt with comfort food but always show up dressed to impress.
Expect bites like charcuterie and cheeses and bruschetta, each dish layered with flavor and a wink of surprise. The vibe is intimate but never stuffy, with warm wood accents, vintage glassware, and just enough clatter from the open kitchen to remind you: this is where the magic happens.
Whether you’re catching up with a friend or savoring a solo glass of Syrah, Saint Urban invites you to linger, laugh, and let the evening unfold.
What We Ordered
Their prix fixe menu offers a curated five-course tasting, an intimate sampling of Saint Urban’s greatest hits, designed to be shared and savored by two.
Drinks
We kicked things off with cocktails: a lemon drop martini and a dirty martini from the happy hour menu. The lemon drop was bright, citrusy, and unapologetically flirty. Its sugar-rimmed glass caught the candlelight like a wink across the table, and each sip was a zesty little mood-lifter. As for the dirty martini, well, we’re not exactly seasoned cocktail connoisseurs, so it definitely calls for a particular kind of palate. This one brought the brine and the bite. It’s a classic cocktail, bold and just salty enough to feel like it had secrets to spill.
First Course (Farmer’s Plate)
For our first course, we went with the Goddess Chopped Salad. Truthfully, chopped salads aren’t usually our go-to, but compared to the other first-course options, this one felt like the safest bet. It came loaded with fennel salame, manchego, pickled veggies, candied almonds, and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Each element played nicely with the next, sweet, tangy, salty, and rich in all the right places. That said, there was one hiccup: a gritty texture that showed up in every bite. We couldn’t quite pinpoint the culprit, but it distracted from the otherwise well-balanced flavors. Still, minus the grit, this salad has real potential
Second Course (Shareables)
We were honestly torn between all three second-course options; Koreatown Beef Tacos, Nueske’s Bacon Steak, and West Coast Wings. After much back-and-forth, we landed on the tacos, and let’s just say: no regrets. This dish is one of Saint Urban’s most popular for a reason. The beef was tender, the seasoning bold, and the toppings added just the right crunch and kick. It’s the kind of taco that makes you pause mid-bite and nod in approval.
Third Course (Saltwater Saint)
We love any excuse to dive into fresh seafood, so we were excited for this course. Normally, we’re shrimp cocktail loyalists, but this time we decided to switch things up. Enter the sweet sesame rice, a sushi-inspired dish that felt like a deconstructed sushi stack: creamy avocado on the bottom, followed by a layer of rice, then your choice of protein on top.
Options included Nordic salmon, yellowfin ahi tuna, or hamachi. We kept it simple and went with the salmon. It was our first time trying a dish like this, and honestly? Not bad at all. The flavors were clean and balanced, but we did miss a little heat, no wasabi in sight, which would’ve added that extra umph we were craving.
Fourth Course (Kitchen Favorites)
There’s no question, if chimichurri is on the plate, it’s an automatic yes from us. So when we saw that the Santa Maria Tri Tip came with blistered tomatoes and the one, the only chimichurri, we were all in. Served as three thinly sliced portions, medium rare (which seems to be the house standard), the trip tip was not as tender as we would like, but had great flavor. We were asked if medium rare was ok and we agreed, though in hindsight, we might’ve preferred it medium for a bit more tenderness. Still, the blistered tomatoes brought a smoky sweetness, and that chimichurri? Herbaceous, punchy, and the kind of sauce that makes everything taste like a celebration. Delectable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Fifth Course (The Bakery)
Saint Urban typically offers three desserts, but for Restaurant Week, the lineup was narrowed to two: the sweet ricotta & berry trifle and the flourless chocolate torte. No tough decisions here, if it’s chocolate, we want it. You can never go wrong with chocolate.
And this torte? Words barely do it justice. Rich, yes, but the salted caramel drizzle and espresso cream took it to a whole different level. Silky, indulgent, and just the right balance of sweet and bitter. It was the kind of dessert that makes you pause, close your eyes, and savor. A truly delicious way to end the experience.
As for the third option, the sea salt chocolate chip cookie, we can only imagine the magic. If it’s anything like the torte, we’re already dreaming of a return visit.
Service
Saint Urban offered the kind of thoughtful touches you don’t always expect from a small plates spot. With each course, they brought out fresh plates and clean cutlery, simple gestures, sure, but ones that quietly elevate the experience. It’s the small things, the subtle nuances, that we notice and appreciate. And they’re not always done, even at restaurants of this caliber.
Our server Jason? Phenomenal. Great personality, award-winning smile, and the kind of presence that makes you feel instantly welcome. He didn’t just serve us, he shaped the experience. And for that, we’re grateful.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying the Santa Maria Tri Tip, consider ordering it medium. The extra tenderness makes all the difference, especially with those blistered tomatoes and chimichurri riding shotgun.
And the flourless chocolate torte? Just order it. No questions, no regrets. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t ask for permission; it just shows up and steals the spotlight.
Restaurant #3: CHoP Chandler
Location: 2625 W Queen Creek Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248
Cuisine: Modern American Steakhouse
ARW Price Point: $55 per person
What’s The Vibe
CHoP Chandler’s vibe is polished, playful, and just a touch indulgent, like a steakhouse that got a glam makeover and decided to host happy hour. Think dark wood, leather booths, glowing pendant lights, and a sleek bar that practically begs you to linger. It’s upscale without being stuffy. As for your attire, you can dress it up or keep it casual chic, either way, you’ll fit right in.
The highlight for us? That bar. Framed by sleek stone and warm wood, it’s a visual centerpiece. Backlit shelves showcase top-shelf spirits like trophies, and pendant lights cast a golden glow that makes every cocktail feel like a celebration. It’s the kind of place where you sip slowly, chat freely, and maybe even stay longer than planned.
And the music, almost forgot! If you’re into mid-late ’90s and early 2000s R&B, this is your vibe sanctuary. Not sure if it’s a permanent playlist, but it felt intentional. Even if you’re not hungry, you could sit there, watch a game, soak in the views, and just vibe out. CHoP isn’t just a dinner spot, it’s a hangout worth savoring.
What We Ordered
Appetizers
As usual, we kicked things off with appetizers: the wagyu meatballs and the Iceberg B.L.T. Salad.
The meatballs came nestled in a vodka sauce with a slice of grilled bruschetta, a tasty dish, especially for sauce lovers like us. The only hiccup? Temperature. The sauce was partially cold, and the meatball leaned warm. Could it have been us, lingering over the salad? Maybe. But we didn’t wait that long. Either way, the flavor was there. Rich, savory, and satisfying.
Now, if you’re a fan of the classic iceberg wedge, CHoP Chandler’s version won’t disappoint. It’s familiar in all the right ways, but what stood out was the balance. Bacon bites, blue cheese crumbles, red onion, tomatoes, and dressing, each bite delivered the full ensemble. No chasing toppings around the plate. Just crisp, creamy, salty harmony.
Entrées
We went with two entrées: the 6oz Filet Mignon (medium) and the Ora King Salmon (also medium).
The filet? Cooked to perfection. So tender, you barely needed a knife. While we’ve had more memorable steaks elsewhere, there was something about this one, maybe the simplicity, maybe the seasoning, that made it quietly delightful.
It came with smoked Gouda mashed potatoes, port wine and porcini bordelaise sauce, and broccolini. The potatoes were good, though the Gouda didn’t quite come through, and the temperature leaned lukewarm. The sauce added a nice kick, an unexpected heat that played well with the richness, and the broccolini was spot-on: crisp, vibrant, and beautifully cooked.
Now the salmon? A standout.
Cooked perfectly, with sides that sang in harmony: dill buttered baby potatoes, charred leeks, and horseradish cream. The leeks had that ideal smoky edge, the potatoes were buttery and bright, and the horseradish cream? Oh so very good. Tangy, smooth, and the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the plate.
Definitely worth ordering again
Dessert
Last but never least, dessert. We did our usual thang and ordered the chocolate cake (no surprise there). What arrived wasn’t a slice, but a petite, cupcake-sized beauty, served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream perched on top like a crown.
The cake was hot, chocolatey, and gloriously ooey-gooey in the center. Rich without being overwhelming, indulgent without apology. Every bite was a warm hug in dessert form.
We’ve got our eyes on the bread pudding for next time. If it’s anything like the cake, we’re in for another sweet win.
Service
We arrived right as CHoP Chandler opened, which meant we were greeted and lightly looked after by both the hostesses and the bartender, a lovely touch that made the space feel instantly welcoming.
Our main server was attentive without being overbearing, friendly without feeling rehearsed. The kind of service that lets you settle in, breathe out, and know you’re in good hands.
Pro Tip: If you like your food hot-hot, not just warm, let your server know when ordering. CHoP Chandler nails the flavors, but a gentle heads-up ensures your dish arrives with the heat you crave.
Enjoy the vibes, sip something golden at the bar, and let the R&B playlist carry you into the evening. CHoP isn’t just a meal, it’s a mood.
Final Thoughts
Arizona Restaurant Week is officially over for 2025, and what a delicious ride it was. We ventured into three new-to-us restaurants, each one leaving its own flavorful mark on our dining journey. From standout service to unexpected delights, here’s how they stacked up:
Best for Date Night: CHoP Chandler — Glam steakhouse vibes, R&B playlists, and cocktails that sparkle
Best Value: Jacy & Dakota’s — Generous portions, bold flavors, and a price tag that made us smile
Most Surprising Experience: Saint Urban — Small plates, big personality, and service that felt like a warm hug
The best part? These gems aren’t just Restaurant Week exclusives; they’re here year-round. So if you missed the event, don’t worry. You can still savor the flavors, soak in the vibes, and discover your own favorites.
Trust us, they’re worth the visit.
That’s a wrap on our Arizona Restaurant Week adventures!
Which restaurant would you try first from our list? Let us know in the comments, or tag us on Instagram so we can see your foodie picks too.
👉 Follow us at @ChasingFlavorsWithEandJ for more foodie finds, local eats, and flavor-filled adventures.
