Met a friend here right when they opened at 5. The ambiance was so cute. Waitresses were nice and professional helped me select a wine I liked and let me taste some before deciding. The menu changes every so often and I was lucky enough to get to try the Pork Belly and the Spiced Octopus. The Pork belly was with some kind of grain or oat but there was a crunch and the sweetness was so good! I cleared my plate. There was a cute patio out back. I'll definitely be returning and I definitely suggest this for a cute date night spot! read more

Restaurant Progress - Spiced Octopus - Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Since moving closer to downtown, my husband and I have been trying to find places to bike to. Visited this place for the first time and loved it so much. Manny was our bartender and not only did he make great drinks, but was happy to make suggestions for us. I'm currently working and in school full time and literally only have several evenings off each week. It's been a lot, so I'm feeling more than ever my free time is very precious. I really appreciate the experience Manny gave us tonight. I definitely did not feel like one second of my time was wasted here, and every single item we ordered was perfection! read more

I had high hopes for this place, and in many ways it did deliver, but I do feel the food sort of fell short. We both got the tasting menu, starting with the scallops and beef tartare. This was one of the more stronger courses, with the scallops winning the round. The beef was good but the flavors in the scallop dish came through a little more. The next course is where things got odd - a salad with brussels in a butter vinaigrette and a salad with pea shoots and radishes on top of herbed butter. Having butter on a salad was a bit too out there for my tablemate even though the flavors I thought were good. The next course we were given another salad with pea shoots which I found repetitive, but the carrot purée on the bottom this time made it tasty. We also received a generous portion of pork belly and farro- a dish that was a bit too sweet with nothing really to cut it or balance it out. The entrees and desserts were unfortunately the weakest courses of the night, with the octopus being a bit too chewy for my taste, accompanied with an under seasoned sauce and undercooked chickpeas. The duck was cooked well, but the dish was flat otherwise and a bit cold. The desserts were a chocolate mousse dome with marshmallow whip and a poached pear with gelato, the pear being the better dish here. Being chocolate lovers, we were very disappointed in the lack of chocolate flavor, it was just overly sweet. If it wasn't for the impeccable service and good cocktails, and the fact I just want places like this to succeed (being in the industry), I would've given this place 3 stars. There were a couple standouts, but overall the meal just felt "meh" compared to our high expectations and the check at the end. read more

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Wow!!!!!!!! We came here for our 15th anniversary and what an incredible night! Quite honestly this is the best dinner experience we've ever had! I have a few food allergies and we chose "leave it to the kitchen" - they brought out plate after plate of incredible food which they adapted to my dietary needs. I have never dined so freely and deliciously!! Stephanie presented each dish with such a beautiful story and passion. We chose the patio and it was quaint and quiet such a beautiful and romantic space. It will now be our go to spot for special celebrations!! My husband said best pasta he's ever had and I feel the same about the salad! Thank you to all the team that made our evening so special and dreamy! Thank you! read more

The food and service at this restaurant is AMAZING! They have such a unique menu that I had to go there two days in a row to try different things because I was only in town for the weekend. The food is so good here that even my picky teenager wanted to go twice. The chicken is sourced locally and it is cooked to perfection. Also highly recommend the scallops and muscle dish as well as the pork chop. Manny is the bartender and he makes the best drinks. TJ and Esther, I can't wait to try your new restaurant once you guys have it up and running. I'm inviting myself to the opening! read more

Delicious food! Cheese plate snd bread were amazing. One of the best salads I've ever had. Perfect pasta. Great everything! Cozy place, nice wine list, cute atmosphere, a wonderful foodie experience! Can't wait to go back. read more

Great food. Tried the tasting menu, some are very unique and delicious. Cute little place for a casual date. read more

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Let me preface this review by saying I am comparing it to other high-end restaurants in the same realm, not all restaurants. While my dinner here was quite good by most standards, I left feeling a bit disappointed. Since Restaurant Progress came highly recommended, I decided to go all out with the 5 course Chef's Choice tasting menu and the accompanying wine pairing. The first course of the Tartare Toast and Brut Rose was fantastic, but the quality of each subsequent course deteriorated. The midcourse pairing of Roasted Carrot and rosé of Pinot noir was far enough off the mark that it felt like the team was starting to get lazy. I had really hoped for main course redemption, but despite an appealing Thai curry flavor concept, the Striped Bass fell a bit short and a particularly poor pairing with a Nero d'Avola didn't help. The zucchini cake dessert was wonderful, but was too little too late. I will note that my date ordered a few a la carte items including the Gnocchetti, which was top notch. Until the chef and sommelier craft the tasting menu and pairing more thoughtfully, I'd suggest ordering to your own tastes from the menu. read more

Super creative flavor combinations. The owner/chef is adventurous and highly skilled! We had all three "Beginnings," each were fantastic! I then had the Tuscan Kale Salad and the flavors and textures truly popped! For my main dish I had the Beef Cheek, which was done perfectly with dehydrated horseradish in a very tasty ju. Wow! Love the location - in the same building as The Melrose Pharmacy. The restaurant is tiny, but has a very cool, very gritty & authentic vibe. Our server was absolutely fantastic. With each delivery of our order she would describe each dish in immense detail... This is a MUST visit for sure and we will certainly be back for more! Well done and keep up the great work guys!! read more

I have dined at Progress a few times now (four? five?) which means that it kept me coming back for more. I've always had the tasting menu just to have a little bit of everything (protip -- bring a date so you get to try their plate!). I can say that I've always had one stellar dish out of the 5, and all 5 are good. But I can't say that all 5 have been so slam dunks, which is why I can't quite give em the full rating. Nevertheless--few of my faves: (1) That magical soy-watermelon dish. My tastebuds were so confused and elated at the same time. (2) The usual starter crudo that they have. So fresh. So light. So yes. (3) The service! Solid team. They're fun and attentive. Cocktails are good as well. Ambiance? Another yes for me. read more

I *almost* don't want to leave this review so it's easier for me to snag a reservation--but I have to give credit where it's due. RP is easily one of the best meals I've ever eaten, and not just here in Phoenix. Their service attention to detail (even during COVID!) were impeccable. The food...wow. Do yourself a favor and get the Steamed Mussels. The sage butternut pasta, Bavette (steak), and butterscotch custard were equally as amazing. My only regret was not getting ANY pictures of the food or our night out--we were just so enveloped by the whole food experience. We will back back. More than once. read more

Took my boyfriend here and he loved it. We got the tasing menu, total was $180 after tip. With no drinks or alcohol. This was the best dessert I have ever had though! The rest of the food was so interesting. Unlike any food I have ever had. Rabbit meatballs, octopus, and watermelon cured in soy. We went on a weeknight around 7:30 and were there past closing 10:30. We were the only couple there, that wasn't at the bar. It was a 3 hour 5 course meal, and the interior plus mood of the place made it a great experience! read more

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We went last Thursday night. The food were great! The seasonings are very on point. I love their seasonal menu. Perfect for date night! Also, I feel like you can actually walk in instead of trying really hard to get a reservation. They do have a lot of empty tables read more

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This is such a cool spot and perfect for a romantic dinner. Sitting on the patio of the weather is nice under the lights. I loved the experience of coursed meal with wine pairings and the chef picked. It was such a great experience and everything was incredible. In fact I tried foods I've never had and I really enjoyed coming out of my comfort zone. I'm looking forward to going back! read more

Progress is impossible without change, their seasonal menu has never disappointed my tastebuds. The cocktails has always been a delight then there's the ambiance because whoever manages their playlist needs a raise. read more

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Visited Restaurant Progress on Valentine's Day. AMAZING! The ambiance was great, vibe amazing. Food...Wow! The tasting menu was great and catered to each one of us. It was a masterful night, the kitchen rocked. A definite must visit. Flavors hit home on every dish. Thanks! Looking forward to visiting again soon. read more

A few months before COVID in mid-2019, I was able to enjoy my first dinner here with my brother who was visiting. Every dish was amazing, flavors and textures just hit the spot each time. I don't remember all that we ordered.. but the happy memories of perfect flavor profiles sustained me through the COVID eating-out drought. Thank you, Restaurant Progress! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Oh my goodness this was a delicious treat meal. We decided to do a la carte instead of the chefs meal because we had very specific cravings. We really enjoyed this whole meal though the portions were large and we left stuffed! read more

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Good food for sure. Can't knock that. The place was trendy and busy but wasn't bad. Go check it

What a wonderful dining experience! After hearing about this place for years, we finally made it here to celebrate my birthday and it did not disappoint! From the cocktails to the warm bread to the variety of items we ordered, my family and I could not stop eating the frisée salad! Despite the pandemic, the restaurant proactively spaced out the tables and left the doors open for proper ventilation so we felt very comfortable there. The waitress was very accommodating and checked on us throughout the evening. I highly recommend the whole chicken, it was to die for. It made me feel like I was back in SF! I definitely will be returning. read more

Hidden gem! Very cute patio. Good lighting! Great food! The cheese course was delicious. The pork belly was great! The cocktails were perfect. Had the whiskey with egg white off the menu! read more

A menu out of this world. Like nothing else. I found it hard to find as there is no a sign sticking out and it's very small. The food is crazy good, and they explain everything in it when they bring your meal. Wines and drinks are fantastic. I watched the bartender make new fashions (yes, a twist on the old fashions) with so much attention to detail. The bathroom could be scary for a woman. You have to go outside to a little studio looking place that is more like an empty location. Huge door and huge bathroom for some reason doesn't feel safe, but I guess it is. read more

Omg yum. Went last night and my mouth is already watering thinking of our next visit! VERY small restaurant but very cute! As soon as we walked in we were immediately greeted with the AMAZING aromas from the kitchen!! I started w the burata and my bf got the little gem salad both were to die for!!! I mean the flavors and ingredients in my burata were just .... DELISH!! We finished w the mussels and the chicken both were so good!!! Such a cute date night spot! read more

Hands down one of our favorite places to go when the wife and I head out. At the bar or on the patio it is always a great time. Food and drinks are legit, staff is always on it. read more

I've you haven't been here, you are missing out. The food is incredible and the hospitality is even better. Craft cocktails and the wine list is fantastic. The atmosphere is bright and if you're lucky they will brown some butter while you're there and the aroma will make your heart swoon. read more

Best Foodie Adventure written and with my Pastry Chef Lovie @jolie.anne.marie and Chef husband Richie! Our hearts and tummies are full. Our time together felt so short. Can't wait til our next time together...soon! Love you and thanks for a wonderful evening #liveloveeat #lifestooshort #goodfriendsgoodfoodgoodtimes #iamblessed read more

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First time in. Owners and staff had a respectful combo of nice/hipster/millennial/quality/posh/trending but old school cool vibe. Patrons chill and diverse. Food and essence was a glorious reminder of the exquisite taste and richness through simplicity...although sauces/reductions/pairings were anything but. Fried green tomatoes with burrata...EAT YOUR FACE OFF GOOD followed by an equal Foie gras with fennel etc. amazing. New York strip flavor is equally exquisite except that it was overcooked. I will be back again and again and again... read more

This might be my favorite restaurant in town so far. My husband and I have done the Chef's tasting menu with wine pairing during two visits and loved each entree we received. None of the items we got from the Chef's menu would be anything we'd ever order either. The wine paired very well with each entree. The service we've received has been extraordinary which has us returning every time. Super friendly and knowledgable staff on both the food and beverages fronts. I'd recommend visiting with an open mind as they don't have many safe/boring options on the menu. Overall, can't go wrong frequenting a restaurant that has a talented Chef, creative mixologist and knowledgable servers. read more

First time here. Awesome food, great ambiance. Not sure what was better: Salmon, steamed mussels, beef tartare, crispy pork belly. All were great. If you want a great experience, awesome food, great place to sit down with friends.... This the place read more

I was expecting amazing food from this restaurant based on the reviews, and man I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The combination of flavor that the chef creates was amazing and breathtaking. I had the buttered radishes with pistachio as an appetizer and man what a mixture of crunch, spicy, zest, and crisp accompanied with the pistachio butter. I followed with the seared foie grass and uni, man!!! I've never had something that delicious in my life , the combination of the foie grass , Polenta cake and uni was excellent! I followed with dessert and it was super delicious as well, vanilla ice cream with peaches , I think it was Rosemary? And house made cream. I didn't had any of their drinks but had coffee and it was pretty good as well. Overall super good experience eating at this place. I can't wait to go back and try something different! read more

Enjoyed this spot. Nice vibe and attentive staff. Started with a New York sour cocktail. Beautiful and tasty! We were not very hungry so we opted to share the grilled octopus entree as an appetizer. It was wonderfully done. We all ordered a mid course and finished off with the dessert. Quail and pork belly were the favorites. The pouched pear is a must have. read more

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Bit skeptical at first but once we were inside it was an amazing experience. We decided to sit at the bar for the view of the kitchen. We had three people so we shared two appetizers ( melt in your mouth scallops, the ahi), two light dishes (gnocchi, the squash linguini) and one entree (duck and omg the carrot purée) and everything was incredible and I can't pick a favorite. We were full before we started desserts but we got one each of the desserts anyway and they were all amazing, perfect consistency like your grandmothers baking with the exception of the lemon semifreddo which was nothing like anything I've had before. Everything we had was full of flavor and you could taste every ingredient he used. In addition to the food the team atmosphere there was what really made the experience over the top. Peaceful and comforting and exotic all at the same time. read more

Awesome spot with great food. Ester and the entire staff took amazing care of us. A must try if in the Phoenix area. We love it and will be back. read more

Progress is hands-down, one of the finest restaurants in Phoenix. Tucked in next to the pharmacy in Melrose, they're serving some of the most creative, delicious plates and creative cocktails in town. They're friendly consummate professionals. The buratta with ancho chile marmalade over fried green tomatoes was delicious. And the best crispy pork belly I've ever had. Run, don't walk, to this Melrose gem. read more

We just love this place. We went for my birthday last year (January 2019), than again for a 12 person birthday dinner for my wife (March 2019) and we are going again this month (February 2020). The servers are amazing and we love the Manager Ester. Not to mention the food. We haven't had anything we didn't love. We wish we could go more often but it's a bit far from our home. read more

Every time we are in Phoenix, we have a great meal here. Consistently excellent food and fabulous service. Chase = FIRE (but emojis don't work on Yelp). read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. I came here a year ago, 2 days in a row, came back this year and so glad I did, the hostess remembered my name and where I was from! The staff is SO attentive, well educated on everything they serve and the food.... It's not a mistake, you can't go wrong. How they point out that quality of food in such a time open kitchen I have no idea. But GO. If you are wavering GO. Thank me later. read more

Restaurant Progress - Menu as of October 2018 - Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Came here for an evening out and was not disappointed. The server/bartender did an amazing job of describing the menu along with tending to our needs and questions. The team service that was present here kept our waters full and the ninjaesque which I always appreciate. We started off with the beet Escarole which was delish. My lady and I appreciate beets done to perfection and the dish did not disappoint. We then did the entrees which were all good portions size and something that I love is that the menu is always rotating. Overall I love the ambiance of the restaurant, the service and the unpredictable menu. If I'm going to walk into a restaurant and have expectations squished for the good this is the place to go. Always exciting and always a beautiful outcome!!! I will be back!!! read more

This was our first time to try this hidden neighborhood gem. We are so very happy we did! We sat at the bar and had amazing service. We shared the farro salad, the tortellini and the duck. Everything was absolutely perfect. We will be back often and will recommend this place to our friends. read more

Restaurant Progress - Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The restaurant itself, inside, has a cozy ambiance---sort of unexpected. I would actually not give this place four stars but, perhaps, three and a half (but that is not an option). Anyhow, we opted for the outside area where there is a fan and overhead shelter. Unfortunately, as is often the case in this rainier than normal year, there were a few pesky flies and mosquitoes. The round tables are a tad small and the chairs petite, so something to keep in mind if you're a larger framed person. I would say their mixed cocktails were outstanding---the standout--I had a concoction with Capari (the Frenchmen) and it was excellent! I also tasted a few other drinks and they were equally good. This is a place to return to the bar for mixed drinks and an appetizer and leave satisfied. We order a range of cheeses, bread/olive oil, and accompaniments as appetizers--there wasn't a single slice of cheese that screamed aged flavor to me, and the raisin compote was missing a savory or sweet flavor to pull it together. My mussels were of a nice size, but the sauce was not flavorful (if you're a true mussel person). Moreover, I had to order bread, which usually comes with mussels. I tried my son-in-law's pork shank and it was quite flavorful and an abundant portion. I somehow feel the menu offerings, as described, try too hard to sound sophisticated, and the overall mannerism is sort of snobbish, but this isn't a French restaurant or even New York/Chicago. The service was prompt and the food came out fast, almost too fast, but the service is more mechanical than warm. I added to the reservation that it was a birthday, and it was, but they didn't know it until mentioned, but this isn't a small muffin size cake surprise place. Overall, we had a pleasant evening, but it doesn't beckon us back. I think for the higher price and attempts at social pretense, it misses the mark. read more