If you’re like me, you want to eat healthy most of the time, but aren’t afraid to splurge every once in awhile–especially at restaurants. You’ll find a nice balance of both. This is a work in progress, so be sure to check back regularly for updates. Later on, I’ll keep this post housed under the Recipes section of my website so you can find it. Don’t know me? Learn about my food street cred.

The mealtimes included (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are not necessarily all-inclusive, but rather the times of day that I have dined at each establishment.

Bon Appetit!

Michelle

The Best Restaurants in Phoenix Metropolitan Area (My Favorites)

Downtown/Oldtown Scottsdale:

Modern Steak (dinner)

What I order: scallops, Retail Therapy cocktail, raw oysters, braised short ribs, salad

Highlights: By Fox Restaurant Concepts (always a winner) gorgeous design, friendly service

Notes: bar, dining room, patio; located in Scottsdale Fashion Square; high dollar

Added: 8/21/12

R n R (breakfast, lunch, brunch)

What I order: The bloody Mary is killer (I ordered the virgin since I was driving), Hangover Fries (minus the bacon, since I already ate the nice big bacon strip in the bloody Mary

Highlights: Fun, loud (maybe too loud-does that sound old? yes) music, you’ll want to dance in your seat amongst the 20-30-somethings

Notes: Bar, indoor dining, patio; two levels; sit upstairs for less deafening music, wear sunglasses and look cool; be prepared to wait a long time on Sundays; not for the timid

Added: 8/27/12

Petit Maison (dinner)

What I order: steamed mussels, souffle, gougeres

Highlights: headed by Chef James Porter, quaint and cozy, perfect for getting your French food fix, French bistro cuisine

Notes: bar, dining room and patio, my post about Petit Maison

Added: 8/21/12

FnB (dinner)

Local foods and wine, nice dinner. Disclosure: I know the co-owner.

Baratin (dinner)

Incredible down-to-earth lunch and dinner. Disclosure: I know the co-owner. She gave me free granola once. It was the bomb.

Mabel’s on Main (late night fun)

Speakeasy-type lounge. Private room available.

Sushi Roku (dinner, in the W Scottsdale hotel)

North Scottsdale:

True Food (lunch, dinner)

What I order: sea bass, bison burger with half kale salad, half sweet potato hash; kid’s pizza; sangria; vegetable crudite for a large group, hummus

Highlights: I love this place and visit regularly. By Fox Restaurant Concepts (always a winner) and Dr. Andrew Weil, comfy patio dining, herb garden, caters to many dietary preferences including gluten free, endless healthy options, very friendly service

Notes: bar and dining room, located in Scottsdale Quarter and Biltmore Fashion Park

Added: 8/21/12

Stingray Sushi (dinner)

What I order: edamame, salmon sashimi, yellowtail sashimi, signature rolls

Highlights: amazingly fresh sashimi, some unique offerings

Notes: bar, dining room, patio; located in the Scottsdale Quarter and in Downtown Scottsdale; service quality is hit or miss at the Scottsdale Quarter

Added: 8/21/12

Phoenix:

Barrio Cafe (dinner)

Incredibly authentic Mexican cuisine. Live music. Sit at the bar and eat guacamole with pomegranate seeds while you wait. No shredded lettuce and tomato garnishes here. Disclosure: I am friends with one of its investors.

Midtown Phoenix:

Bink’s Midtown (dinner)

What I order: I was there for a private event so I didn’t see the menu and they brought us plate upon plate of deliciousness. Amazing standouts: pork belly (the largest cross-section I have ever seen) with kale and apricots, Bolognese sauce over garlic bread pudding (now this is how I always would like to enjoy this sauce), spaghetti squash with raisins, roasted cauliflower with curry sauce, cashews and currants, duck breast.

Highlights: by the same chef and owner of the acclaimed Binkley’s Restaurant

Notes: bar, dining room, private room; Disclosure: I am professionally acquainted with the co-owner.

Added: 5/19/13

Gilbert:

Joe’s Farm Grill (breakfast and lunch)

I love their burger with the egg on top, hand-spun milkshakes, and vegetable and pesto egg scramble. Guy Fieri featured this restaurant on his Food Network show. Sit outside under one of the gigantic trees and watch the kiddies run around.

Citywide, multiple locations:

Paradise Bakery & Cafe (breakfast and lunch)

What I order: Half sandwich (Chicken Walnut, Tuna, Tomato Mozzarella) with soup (Roasted Tomato) or salad (Blueberry Cranberry, Caesar); unsweetened passionfruit tea; cookies

Highlights: Homemade and fresh, kid-friendly; free cookie with your entree

Notes: Counter service, very casual

Added: 8/21/12

The Best Restaurants in San Diego (my favorites)

Gaslamp District:

Katsuya (dinner)

What I order: salmon and hamachi sashimi, miso black cod

Highlights: really fresh seafood, trendy and fun atmosphere, unpretentious service staff, they were even kid-friendly

Added: 9/2/12

Nobu (dinner)

What I order: miso black cod, you can’t really go wrong with your menu selections here

Highlights: really fresh seafood, trendy and semi-casual atmosphere, unpretentious service staff

Added: 9/2/12

The Best Restaurants in New York City (my favorites)

Upper East Side:

Rouge Tomate (dinner)

What I order: chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing

Highlights: simply amazing in every way, sustainable seafood, sleek decor, knowledgable and detail-oriented waitstaff, knowledgable sommeliers

Notes: If you’re a lightweight like me, share the wine pairing with a friend, I wish there was a Rouge Tomate in Scottsdale!

Added: 9/2/12

the best restaurants in Scottsdale – the best restaurants in Phoenix -  the best restaurants in Gilbert