ello,
 
I am wondering if there are any remarkably excellent restaurants you insist a "foodie" tries while I am visiting Phoenix later this month.
 
I admit I most often spoil myself with fine-dining, however I also love great little finds that are neither famous nor high-end.  Small family owned restaurants with great food always have a certain charm I can appreciate...
 
My favorites include Italian, Spanish (after all, I'm of Mediterranean heritage), Japanese, Greek, Latin American, Caribbean......... oh who am I kidding?  I love ALL foods.
 
Lastly...... any great Chinese Dim Sum places in the area?
 
 
Thanks very much for your advice!
 
xo, Mia

I LOVE the Orange Sky at the Talking Stick, great food and wine and wonderful view of Scottsdale

Matt's Big Breakfast on Central, and The Breakfast Club on Scottsdale Rd. just south of the mall.

Sylvana has been written up in NY Times for her food.   Pizzaria Bianco was listed as best pizza in the USA a couple of years ago

Phoenix is pretty spread out, so not sure if these will be close to you. But general recommendations (I haven't tried all of these, but the conventional wisdom is they are the best) say:

Mia,

I am addicted to Malee's Thai bistro in Scottsdale downtown, been going there twice a week.

I appreciate all of your wonderful recommendations!  Looks like I'll be eating well during my visit