It's hard to put into words how great this place is. Have you ever been somewhere when everything…read morejust feels "right, balanced, happy"? That is Farish House. The cozy, intimate comfort of what used to be Coup des Tartes blended seamlessly with the deep, peaceful, gentle "love" you felt from House of Tricks into one calm, warm, easy spot. Farish House is a real, soul-warming experience across the board. The service, care, comfort, ambience, food, value and clear love they put into everything make Farish House our new favorite place. We walked through the front gate, up onto the front porch and inside where we took one of three small tables in the cozy front salon of this soul-warming 1899 French Bistro. *Food: we started with a bottle of Australian Cab. Shockingly good. And not crazy expensive, especially on Thursday when bottles are 30% off, it was an amazing deal. Turns out, the owner, Greg, was in the wine distribution business for several decades, curating wine programs for top Valley restaurants, so he really knows his stuff and their vast wine selection is amazing. We were offered a basket of truffle popcorn, mmm, salty, crunchy, and rich. We ordered the Chef's Selection Charcuterie and Warm Noble Baguette & Marinated Olives to get started. Both were beautifully curated, balanced, and incredibly high quality. The flavors and textures blended perfectly. with cheeses broken from large wheels, rather than cut and sliced, house-made pickled grapes, unique and unusual ingredients, smokey meats, compound butters, just awesome! We then moved into one of the cozy dining rooms and ordered the slow roasted Peposo Short Ribs and fingerling potatoes pan fried in duck fat served with Moroccan spiced aioli. Both were rich, warm and delicious. For dessert, and yes we thought we'd explode from all this food, we ordered a massive slice of bread pudding, some of the best I've ever had, rich, gooey and incredible. Along with that we ordered a beautiful Espresso Martini and an off-menu banana cream martini. Their drinks are not "poured" or mixed here, they're balanced and expertly crafted. This is French Bistro comfort food at its finest and it's unmistakeable. *Service: it just doesn't get better. Everyone working there is "family". And that's how they make you feel; like family, cared for, wanted, welcomed. Service isn't a choreographed masterpiece, no tuxedos, cloths draped over arms, napkins frantically re-folded when you step away, dishes served and cleared in unison. No, it's relaxed, warm, friendly, kind, like being at your grandmothers house and knowing you're surrounded by people who care. Met Greg and Katherine, the owners, and their daughter Alexandra and several other "family" members taking care of us. Their appreciation for your presence is unmistakable. *Ambience: it's just plain comfy, cozy, easy, relaxed, warm, deep, gentle, worn (in a good way), wise, and calm, that's the best I can describe it. Hard wood floors, cozy rooms, soft, warm lighting. It's a non-pretentious, French bistro that feels like the home of a favorite grandma or great aunt living in a warm family cottage in the outskirts of Paris. *Value: it's perfect. It's not ridiculously expensive like Kai, Brinkley's, Cafe Monarch, Christopher's, or French Laundry where you go, "okay, that was fun but we'll only do this very occasionally/rarely and it's probably worth it, but dang that was pricey!" No, Farish House is 100% value to experience, not cheap, but not overpriced, the balance is just right. It's a place you can go often, and we will. Yes, our meal with apps, drinks and dessert, some on happy hour and the Thursday wine special, was around $200. I'd happily say this experience was worth every penny. *Overall: I can't recommend Farish House highly enough. Parking is on the street or in a nearby lot, and that's a downtown thing. There's a small lot in back. The food, ambience, service, quality, and experience were stellar. I wish I could rate them 6 stars instead of just 5. I'll return often and highly recommend Farish House to everyone. I genuinely hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Of all the restaurants I have tried during my recent visit to Phoenix, this establishment is a…read morestand out! We arrived just around dusk and since the weather was beautiful, we got a table on the patio. There is such a contrast of two vintage homes, one being the Farish House in a sea of highrise buildings in downtown Phoenix! If you like a restaurant with a great wine selection, this is your place. I was lucky enough to have both of the owners (Kathryn and Greg) come by and greet us. This bottle (pictured below) of Pinot Noir was suggested to us, and we decided to have with our meals since our chosen dishes were beef and pork. One of the best wines I have had recently. We had the stuffed date appetizers which were devoured so quickly I did not have a chance to snap a pho My friend chose the beef short rib dish, which was well presented and extremely flavorful. After carefully reading each item, it was very hard to make a choice. I ended up with the pork chop meal, see cauliflower/potato mash, asparagus, and the awesome sauce along with the perfectly cooked pork chop made my taste buds very happy! We had service by Ella who is fabulous and also got to meet the owners daughter Alexandria. But there's more! After much deliberation and compromise, we both decided to share the bread pudding. I have been to New Orleans many times where they make fantastic bread pudding. The Farish House bread pudding can stand up to the best of the bread pudding in New Orleans and that is saying a lot. If you are a foodie and like local family owned businesses, this is your spot. Since I am only visiting, I will not be here for their Saturday Tea Service! Thank you so much for providing me with another wonderfu and delicious memory of my Phoenix visit. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says "I'll be back!" Bob, the Farish House cat ‍ was a delightful "host" as well.

Moiselle is one of my favorite places in all of Phoenix! It's a wonderful little spot at the front…read moreof the Pemberton in downtown Phoenix. This pretty pink truck sells all the most delicious wines and gorgeous charcuterie plates - they're sooo yummy! Perfect for a sunny afternoon or an evening under the stars. Go hungry and thirsty... leave happy and a little tipsy Oh... and follow them on social, they have a super fun social media presence, and you get to find out about all their upcoming events like wine education/wine tasting nights and Galentine's day charcuterie board making lessons. Bon appétit et vin!

Everything, especially the customer service! The ladies who work there are unkind, and rarely…read moresmile. Why are they working in a card/gift shop!

Central Records is a rare spot that fully commits to its identity--coffee shop by day, indie dance…read moreparty by night--and it works. Came in for a party and it was exactly the kind of night you hope for. Great crowd, progressive and open, with that laid-back indie vibe that feels natural, not forced. The sound system was dialed in, the visiting celebrity DJ kept things moving, and the whole room just clicked. Cocktails are not really customizable, which might not be for everyone. Out of the two cocktails I tried, I really liked one. It's the kind of place you go for the atmosphere as much as anything, and on my latest visit, it delivered.

I came into Central Records on a Saturday night, randomly. The music coming out of the door with…read moreits neon sign drew us in like a moth to flames. It wasn't too busy and I could see the potential of it being a pretty fun place. We had a drink and listened to some music from the DJ spinning. I would definitely like to come back and hang out again. I didn't realize this place had day time things happening too.

A hidden, but well known gem in Phoenix, Sottise is an upscale restaurant set in what looks like a…read morerenocated Phoenix home from the 20s or 30s. I don't believe the server knew how to handle the less than formal style of the group I was with, but they did not turn us away and provided phenomenal service. The drinks had elegant garnish, and were well made. The most complicated might have been a vodka soda, but the additional touch was nice. For a start we ordered the oysters, which was kept everyone stuck between being nice and fair, and wanting to take all for themselves. We also ordered the octupus which was very good. For my main, I had the salmom rillete. Well made and pesented - I only thought to take pictures after I ate. Our group was never rushed for the bill and we enjoyed a beautiful evening sitting on their porch. I am looking forward to going back more "prepared" and enjoying their seabass or beef bourguignon.

I've been a loyal customer of this restaurant since they first opened and have consistently dined…read morehere about every two weeks because I genuinely love the food, atmosphere, and service. I even chose to spend Mother's Day here this year because it has always been one of my favorite local spots. Over the years, we've brought our small 12-pound bichon on several occasions and comfortably dined on the patio without issue. Unfortunately, during today's visit, we were told that animals are no longer allowed on the patio and were instead directed to sit on the metal benches in front of the restaurant ...benches that had no table space and clearly were not set up for dining. What made the experience disappointing wasn't necessarily the policy itself, but the way it was handled. As longtime patrons who have supported this restaurant regularly for years to be on a regular basis with staff, the interaction felt dismissive and honestly a little offensive. It was surprising to feel so unwelcome at a place we've consistently supported and recommended to others. I still value this restaurant and appreciate the many good experiences we've had here over the years, which is why this visit was especially disappointing. I hope management takes customer loyalty and consistency of service more seriously moving forward.

Super cute. Amazing wine selection! Anything you might need in the mood for- they've got you!!…read moreFirst time actually visiting this establishment, and I have to say- no complaints, everything was pleasing! When I'm back in town, I'll definitely return!

This place holds a special place in my heart. It is totally my full time vibe. I love the it! Great…read morestaff, great wine and amazing food. I am so happy I stumbled upon this place. I love vinyl Tuesdays BTW. Love the name, love the spot...love everything about it! I joined the wine club in the summer, loving it. Ok you get the point! Great place to hang out with your grown friends.

Out to say thanks for a special friend and his wife who helped us out last year. Under the radar…read moreis a small restaurant in downtown Phoenix named Flour and Thyme. Maybe 40 seats in a quiet, quaint and unassuming restaurant. The chef's tasting menu has six incredible dishes. There was no menu and the portions were generous. Great combinations, unique pairings, flavors that left you wanting more and beautiful presentations. No photos tonight as the camera was not eating first. Relaxing, able to converse and not rushed, all made this our best dining experience in Phoenix in a long time. Thank you to the chef and the staff. We were blown away with this gem in downtown Phoenix. Don't wait, book the chef's tasting menu at Flour and Thyme. You will be taken to a dining destination in the desert you won't forget.

Presentation is everything. Last night was a wonderful start to our New Year's celebrations at…read moreFlour & Thyme. We began with Cosmos and Old Fashioneds, along with a sample of the steak tartare, which was absolutely delightful. Unfortunately, an argument over the bill at a nearby large table was a bit startling, so we decided to order our entrées to go. This is where the disappointment of the evening came in. Once we got home, the meals looked as though they were thrown together, with little to no attention paid to presentation. My order of the branzino is pictured.

This was our first time checking out this location after being regulars at the Old Town spot (so…read moresad it closed!). Happy to say this one totally lives up to it. The service was just as amazing, friendly, attentive, and welcoming, and the food was just as fresh and delicious. Prices are still super reasonable, which makes it an even better go-to. Our favorite is the Forno 301 pizza, always a must-order. We also loved the wine selection, and of course, you can't skip the limoncello to finish. Highly recommend if you're looking for a delicious, affordable meal with great service!

Shared a delicious artichoke and eggplant pizza and it was the perfect size to share with fine…read more"pickupableness" with Neapolitan texture and flavor. An extra treat was that they have bottles of spicy oil on the tables, so I was able to enjoy the crusts by slathering them with the tasty oil as though they were breadsticks. On the way out, after mentioning to the bartender how good the oil was, I was gifted a couple of condiment cuplets to-go, which was a thoughtful and nice touch and sort of made up for the server who wasn't particularly warm or informative as I had to ask about the specials and whether or not all the pasta is freshly made, etc. Heck, if you have a great selling point like homemade pasta, talk it up and get us to drooling! There is a variety of seating available, including outside and at the bar--bar has an inside section as well as outside which is a nice design for the lovely weather days. However, it's unfortunate that the outdoor seating is on such a busy traffic corner, so it's not the little retreat it would otherwise be. The lunchtime music was more like happy hour music, not conducive to conversation--maybe for the cellphones-at-the -table crowd it's okay, but being near the Phoenix Art Museum and Arizona Opera, why not add to the cultural experience of the area by celebrating its Italian origins with some Italian music? Even if just added as interludes during every few pieces, it would enhance the ambiance. We had to raise our voices to carry on our conversation, but it was manageable. However, when I came back the next week with a friend with a hearing impairment, it became more problematic. She tried adjusting her hearing aids, but the thumping rhythm kept taking precedence as we tried to find a quieter corner, but it wasn't possible as it is a small space and speakers were close to each table. I felt so bad that she couldn't enjoy a meal there--we both were so looking forward to having a fresh pasta dish, but just couldn't stay. Upon leaving, I felt I should let management know why so I waited to speak to him, offering constructive criticism about the sound level but he was not the least apologetic nor said he would take it under advisement, but was completely dismissive and harrumphy as though we were annoying problems and not potential regulars with suggestions worthy of consideration. How hard would it be to have a quieter area or make a speaker accessible with volume control? People, whether on the spectrum, with hearing impairments, or just lovers of good conversation deserve respect and when it is not given, will go elsewhere....

If you know, you know. Il Bosco is hands down our favorite pizza in Arizona. Every single time it…read morehits. We started with the Fried Ravioli (crispy on the outside, perfectly cheesy inside) and the stuffed zucchini flowerse-- light, delicate, and fried to perfection. Not greasy. Just golden, cheesy and addictive. And then... The Valentina Pizza. We added Serrano for a touch of heat with the honey drizzle. Absolute magic. Sweet, spicy, savory -- the kind of balance that makes you pause mid-bite. The crust has that perfect wood-fired char with a soft, chewy center. It's artisan without being pretentious. Just straight-up delicious. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The service is top notch and they even remember our order from our last visit. We've had a lot of pizza in Arizona, but Il Bosco keeps us coming back. Every. Single. Time.

Tuesday night dinner before a concert. Lightly crowded, still some folks in there. Menu has a good…read moreassortment of choices. We opted for 2 pizzas - Sausage & Onion (Franca) and Spicy meat pie (Divina). The crust is very good, Crisp toward the edge, a bit softer toward the middle. Franca was our preferred pie, but both were very good. Service was good, ambiance was good as well. Half price bottles of wine were a great deal. N*joy!

Thoroughly enjoyed a Saturday morning brunch at the Match Market & Bar located inside the Found:Re…read morehotel. I ordered the ham eggs Benedict while my company ordered the Eggs Any Style which included bacon, breakfast potatoes, and sourdough toast. We both enjoyed a Bloody Mary. The Benedict was lovely in presentation and taste but the portion was not enough to be filling. I would recommend adding a side of breakfast potatoes to round out the dish. My counterpart throughly enjoyed his meal with the note that the side breakfast potatoes were perhaps a little too crunchy. Overall, this place is a vibe and definitely a cool spot to bring someone visiting from out of town. Service was quick and friendly, they were serving a large conference of folks with no impact to service.

The pizza was 10/10 but unfortunately the service lacked. We sat at a table during the week, and it…read morewas not busy. You order at the counter, and they do ask for a tip, but after the lack of service we received, I'd say it's best not to leave a tip in advanced since you don't know what service you will get. My personal opinion, bring cash if you want to tip. We received our food, and truly did not get checked on once. I had to get up to ask for a drink refill. Again, the restaurant was not busy and there was plenty of staff. The place itself is cool and I do plan to come back to give it another try. Hopefully it will be a better experience.

Wren & Wolf delivers a memorable dining experience with a stylish atmosphere and attentive service…read more The menu is creative and full of bold flavors - the pasta and steaks really stand out, and the starters are just as impressive. While not every dish hits perfectly, the overall quality makes it worth a visit. Definitely a spot I'd return to.

It had been over five years--five long, carb-less years--since I last let myself indulge in pasta…read more So when that plate of lobster tagliatelle arrived, it wasn't just dinner... it was a full-blown moment. From the very first glance, it felt like something I had been craving without even realizing it. The ribbons of tagliatelle were impossibly light, perfectly coated, not weighed down but lifted by a delicate, silky sauce that clung to every bite like it belonged there. And then--the lobster. Sweet, tender, and rich in that unmistakable way that only fresh lobster can be, it didn't just complement the dish, it elevated it into something unforgettable. But the real thrill? Breaking into that lobster claw. There was something almost ceremonial about it--the crack, the reveal, the reward. It turned the meal into an experience, something interactive and satisfying in a way that went beyond flavor. It was indulgent, yes--but also playful, exciting, and deeply gratifying. Every bite felt like rediscovery. Like reminding myself why pasta has earned its place as one of life's simplest but most profound pleasures. After five years, this wasn't just worth the wait--it exceeded every expectation I had built up in my mind. This wasn't just a dish. It was a comeback.