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:

Italian: Cibo, Nook, Crudo
Spanish: Corduroy
Japanese: Harumi Sushi, Hana Japanese
Greek: Good Fellas Grill
Latin American: Republica Empanada, Guanaquito, Ticos Latin Kitchen
Caribbean: Ticos?

Hope this helps. I'm definitely hungry now!

Mia,

There are plenty of hidden gems in Phoenix, depending on how far you want to drive.What area of the Valley will you be staying in? I can suggest some places accordingly.

V

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  

 
xo, Mia