Guide to the Top Restaurants in Mesa

Uncover the most popular spots across a foodie’s paradise in Mesa, finding spectacular meals and succulent drinks.

There’s no shortage of casual eateries and fine dining restaurants in City Limitless®. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly places to eat or seeking a date night spot, Mesa features an endless array of mouthwatering eats.

Mesa’s dining scene is as bold and diverse as its desert sunsets—where smoky mesquite tacos, sizzling ramen bowls and James Beard-worthy burgers share the spotlight with nostalgic classics like onion rings and fried fish.

1. 12 West Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant

12 W Main Street

Located in the heart of the downtown area, 12 West Brewing Tap Room infuses modern creations with your standard pub grub. With a spacious area and plenty of seating options, this spot is a perfect dining excursion for group gatherings. Must-try dishes include the Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese, katsu chicken sandwich, and green chile mac and cheese. Pair your meal with a refreshing glass of craft beer from a local brewery.

2. Espiritu Cocktails and Comida

123 Main Street

Make your way to an intimate setting, where hanging plants and rattan-covered lamps set the scene for an exquisite dinner. Espiritu specializes in creating modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes and ingenious cocktails. Bite into the ceviche mixto, taking in fresh ingredients such as poached shrimp and cured fish. This tasty spot is a local favorite and a hidden gem, so come taste it for yourself.

3. Backyard Taco

Multiple Locations

Step into a slice of Sonora at the original Backyard Taco. Known for its mesquite-grilled meats and vibrant street taco flavors, this casual spot transports diners straight to a backyard in Mexico. Signature menu items include the carne asada tacos and loaded burritos, complemented perfectly by smoky salsas and fresh guacamole.

4. Los Dos Molinos

260 S Alma School Road #137

Foodies with a spice tolerance will relish an assortment of Mexican bites that are kicking with fiery seasonings. Brimming with eclectic decor and friendly services, this family-owned restaurant provides an exceptional culinary adventure for your taste buds. Make sure to try out the New Mexican pizza – a crispy tortilla topped with melted cheese, red chile, tomatoes, and your choice of ground beef, chorizo, or machaca. Complete your meal with homemade flan, relishing bites of caramel and custardy goodness.

5. Myke’s Pizza

31 South Robson #103

Nestled inside Cider Corps, this pizzeria imbues an artistic touch on handcrafted savory pies. The Hawaiian pie will have the most hardcore pizza fans enjoying pineapple with additional toppings of pickled chiles, pork rolls, aged Gouda, and spicy honey. For a more savory twist, enjoy the potato- and bacon-topped pizza, which is seasoned with garlic cream and rosemary. Check out Cider Corps while you're here for an epic pair of delicious food and tasty drinks.

6. Organ Stop Pizza

1149 E Southern Avenue

Explore a one-of-a-kind dining experience with the booming melodies of an organ and the mouthwatering flavors of a custom-made pizza. Home to a mammoth-sized Wurlitzer organ, this dining spot will serenade you with iconic tunes while providing an array of lunch and dinner options, including savory pies, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and more.

7. Intentional Foods

1837 W Guadalupe Rd UNIT 103, Mesa, AZ 85202

This family-friendly gem offers a dining experience that is as safe as it is delicious. Intentional Foods specializes in allergy-conscious meals, making it a haven for guests with dietary restrictions. From vibrant power bowls to house-made muffins and sandwiches, every dish is crafted with care so everyone can enjoy a worry-free meal together.

8. República Empanada

204 E 1st Avenue

Situated in the Southside Heights neighborhood of the downtown area, República Empanada features Latin American comfort meals from various regions. Enter the restaurant and enjoy the stylish and bright space, filled with striking murals and artworks while you choose among a vast assortment of savory and sweet dishes. Roasted corn-and-cheese-filled empanadas are just some of the unforgettable delights from this dining place.

9. Knuckle Sandwiches

1140 N Higley Rd #103

This no-frills eatery packs a punch with hearty sandwiches and bold flavors. Knuckle Sandwiches serves up classics like the Philly cheesesteak alongside creative options like the El Diablo, a spicy, flavor-loaded specialty. Pair your meal with house-made sides for a casual, satisfying lunch in the heart of Mesa.

10. Pete's Fish & Chips

22 S Mesa Drive

A true Mesa institution, Pete’s Fish & Chips has been serving up golden-fried comfort food for decades. Fans flock here for the crispy fish and signature shrimp boats, paired with their legendary tangy sauce. Simple, fast and nostalgic, this spot is the definition of a hometown classic.

11. Worth Takeaway

218 W Main Street

Stroll along Main Street and step into the inviting ambience of Worth Takeaway. Discover elevated versions of your favorite sandwiches from childhood, including a turkey bacon club and a spicy candied BLT. Dining out with picky eaters? The kids' menu features classics such as chicken tender bites and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

12. Mensho

66 S Dobson Road #133

Located in Mesa’s Asian District, Mensho invites diners to experience authentic Japanese ramen in a sleek, modern setting. Each steaming bowl features rich, slow-simmered broth, springy noodles and carefully layered toppings. Pair your ramen with crispy karaage chicken or uni caviar for a flavor-packed meal that will warm you from the inside out.

13. Sizzling House

1935 S Dobson Road #103

Craving bold, sizzling flavors? Sizzling House delivers with an array of Chinese-style hot plates and stir-fried specialties that arrive at your table still crackling. From angus beef to spicy cajun chicken, each dish is bursting with fresh vegetables and savory sauces, perfect for sharing family-style.

14. Steadfast Diner

5111 Inspirian Parkway

Helmed by a James Beard-recognized chef, Steadfast Diner serves comfort food with an elevated twist well beyond breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the menu shines with a juicy signature burger stacked with fresh toppings and melty cheese, best enjoyed alongside their perfectly crispy onion rings. From hearty sandwiches to chef-inspired entrées, this diner proves that classic American fare can be both familiar and unforgettable.

15. Red White & Brew

6740 E McDowell Road

A beloved Mesa staple, Red, White & Brew delivers hearty American comfort food in a warm, inviting setting. Known for its flame-grilled burgers, hand-battered onion rings, and wood-fired pizzas, the menu also features hearty pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal chef specials perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair your meal with a local craft beer or a glass of wine and enjoy the relaxed, neighborhood vibe that keeps guests coming back for more.

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