Savor the State: Your Ultimate Guide to Arizona Restaurant Week
Flavor Chasers, Get Your Forks Ready!
Arizona Restaurant Week is back—and it’s serving up flavor, flair, and fire all across the state! Whether you’re a seasoned taste explorer or just looking for an excuse to skip cooking, this 10-day culinary celebration (happening September 18–28) is your golden ticket to indulge in prix-fixe menus at some of Arizona’s most buzz-worthy restaurants.
What Is Arizona Restaurant Week?
Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) is a biannual event hosted by the Arizona Restaurant Association, offering diners multi-course meals at set prices—typically between $33 to $55 per person (sometimes per couple), excluding beverages, tax, and tip.
Think of it as a statewide tasting tour: participating restaurants roll out 3–4 course menus that highlight signature dishes, seasonal standouts, or even off-menu exclusives. Whether you're craving upscale elegance or cozy hole-in-the-wall vibes, ARW is a must-try event for food lovers of every flavor.
Why We Love It
Besides the drool-worthy menus and irresistible deals, Arizona Restaurant Week gives us the perfect reason to:
Discover new neighborhood gems
Revisit old favorites with fresh flair
Enjoy fine dining without the fine-dining price tag
Support Arizona’s vibrant and diverse food scene
From handmade pasta in Scottsdale to smoky barbecue in Phoenix to locally-sourced vegan eats in Tucson, there’s a plate with your name on it.
Trivia Break: Did You Know?
Arizona is home to over 9,000 restaurants, and Restaurant Week helps spotlight the local legends and hidden gems that make our food scene so vibrant.
💡Fun fact: The chimichanga was allegedly invented in Tucson when a burrito took a surprise dive into a deep fryer. Accidental genius.
Why You Should Participate
Explore New Cuisines
Arizona Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to ditch your comfort zone and explore something new. From sizzling Southwestern heat to authentic Italian, Japanese sushi, and classic American fare, the options are as diverse as Arizona itself.
Support Local Restaurants
ARW isn’t just delicious—it’s impactful. Dining out during the week supports local chefs, kitchen crews, and restaurant staff, helping Arizona’s culinary community thrive.
Experience Fine Dining for Less
Always wanted to try that upscale spot with the white tablecloths and curated wine list? Now’s your chance. Many of Arizona’s most celebrated chefs offer their signature dishes at a fraction of the regular price during ARW.
What to Expect — And How to Make the Most of It
1️. Preview the Menus
Check out ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com for the full list of participating restaurants and exclusive menus. Many include multiple choices for each course—appetizer, entrée, dessert and some even throw in wine pairings or cocktail upgrades.
2️. Book Early
Hot tables go fast! If there’s a spot on your must-try list, make a reservation ASAP. Pro tip: Some restaurants extend their ARW menus beyond the official dates—double bonus.
3️. Come Hungry, Stay Curious
This is not the week to stick to your usual order. Say yes to that mole-braised short rib or miso black cod—you just might discover your new favorite dish.
4️. Bring Friends, Share Everything
Dining with a group? Share the love! While each person gets their own prix-fixe menu, sharing bites lets you sample more dishes without the FOMO (or the food guilt).
Arizona Foodie Trivia
What popular restaurant in Phoenix is housed inside a former historic bank building?
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Our Must-Try Picks for This Season
With over 100 restaurants participating so far, Arizona Restaurant Week offers something for every craving. You can browse the full list at arizonarestaurantweek.com, but here are a few standouts we recommend taking advantage of this season:
Buck & Rider (Phoenix, Gilbert & North Scottsdale | $55 per person | Seafood & Steak)
Impeccably fresh and thoughtfully sourced, Buck & Rider works directly with small producers worldwide who practice sustainable fishing and oyster farming. Their seafood is flown in daily, and the same attention to quality extends to their steaks and cocktails.Chula Seafood (South Scottsdale, Grayhawk & Uptown | $55 per person | Seafood)
Family-owned and operated, Chula Seafood brings in high-quality catches from the Pacific Coast, East Coast, and beyond. A favorite for fresh, responsibly sourced fish in Arizona.Culinary Dropout (Scottsdale Quarter, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix & Gilbert | $33 per person | Gastropub)
A Valley staple, Culinary Dropout puts its own spin on elevated gastropub fare in a fun, lively atmosphere.EVO North Scottsdale (North Scottsdale | $55 per person | Italian, includes complimentary beverage)
Known for scratch-made Italian-inspired cuisine in a refined yet welcoming setting. With a spacious bar and lounge open until 2 a.m., it’s perfect for late-night bites with style.George & Gather (Chandler | $44 per person | American, GF & Vegetarian options)
A scratch kitchen rooted in nourishing, feel-good food. George & Gather focuses on organic produce, whole ingredients, and bold flavors—while eliminating processed foods and seed oils.Rodizio Grill (Mesa & North Scottsdale | $44 per person | Brazilian Steakhouse)
America’s first Brazilian steakhouse brings an authentic churrasco dining experience, offering endless grilled meats and traditional sides in a vibrant atmosphere.
With so many restaurants to choose from, these are just a handful of options that stood out to us. Be sure to check out the official Arizona Restaurant Week website for the full lineup—you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your mood.
What Restaurant(s) We’re Trying This Season
Arizona Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to discover hidden gems and revisit Valley favorites. While we haven’t officially locked in our reservations yet, here are a few standout spots on our must-try list this season:
Beginner’s Luck – a buzz-worthy newcomer serving playful twists on comfort food
Chop Chandler – a modern steakhouse with bold flavor pairings
Hearth ’61 – desert-inspired modern American dining in a chic setting
T. Cooks – Mediterranean elegance tucked inside the Royal Palms
Lon’s at the Hermosa – refined Southwestern flavors with a historic desert backdrop
Prado – Spanish-inspired plates and luxe resort ambiance
Yellowbell – seasonal, fresh, and locally driven cuisine
Have you tried any of these? We’d love to know your favorites and which dishes are absolute must-orders. Drop your recommendations in the comments and help us narrow down our foodie itinerary!
We’ll be chasing flavors all week long—follow along on our Instagram stories for real-time bites, behind-the-scenes peeks, and maybe even a few foodie surprises.
Savor the Giggles: A Side of Foodie Humor
Why don’t chefs trust Arizona Restaurant Week Menus? 😏
Want the punchline? 😂
👉 Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll dish it out in your inbox.
📩 Join the flavor fam—because good food comes with good laughs!
Final Bites
Arizona Restaurant Week isn’t just about deals—it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and community through food. Whether you’re splurging on date night or hopping between happy hours and desserts, don’t miss this chance to taste the best of what the state has to offer.
Tag us @ChasingFlavorsWithEandJ with your favorite ARW finds!
Stay tuned for our “Best of ARW” recap post coming soon…with rankings, outtakes, and more.
