This week, I visited one of my favorite lunch spots, Zookz. The owner and I got to chatting about how competitive the Phoenix restaurant scene has become, and just how much courage, tenacity, and maybe a touch of naïveté it takes to open a restaurant.
Last year alone, around 340 new restaurants opened across the Valley, according to an estimate from Phoenix Magazine. Many chefs and restaurateurs work tirelessly to raise the bar (pun intended): refining menus, expanding concepts, sourcing local ingredients, and making more in house.
Places like the female-owned Zookz deserve our support. Because when we choose to eat local, we’re investing in our local economy, supporting our neighbors, and helping someone’s dream stay alive. With inflation still stretching budgets, eating out can feel like a luxury. But if you’re able, there’s ever been a more important time to support the restaurants you love or can’t wait to try.
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The 411
Seeing (Michelin) Stars
In 2025, The Michelin Guide announced its official move into the Southwest region, including Arizona. That means inspectors are already scouting the Valley restaurants, ready to dole out stars, accolades, and recognition. Restaurant selections and coveted star ratings will be announced August 26 in Las Vegas. Who do you think will make the cut?
Cooking with a Cause
Ling’s Wok Shop is donating a portion of sales through September to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale. Meanwhile, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill is hosting its “Big Hearted Brunch” every Saturday and Sunday through September, benefiting Teen Lifeline, an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide.
Half Off of Full Summer Fun
The Rack Lounge is bringing the summer savings with 50% off your bill when guests mention its Summer “Pool” Party, or show the flyer on either July 9 or August 13. You can also stop by Wednesday through Friday for $5 lunch specials, including one-topping pizzas and burgers.
Hydration Happy Hour
Eat Up Drive In in Arcadia is running a special: Half-price beverages from 3 to 5 p.m. daily include lemonade (frozen or iced), Arnold Palmers, and iced tea. Consider it one of the tastier ways to survive triple-digit temperatures.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
The Sicilian Baker’s “Gelato and Cannoli Happy Hour” returns this summer Monday through Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. through August 1. For $5, you’ll get a scoop of its award-winning gelato paired with a traditional cannoli.
On the Menu
Pineapple Feasts
Craft 64 is catering to the pineapple lovers out there with its new island-inspired “Pineapple Festival” menu, offering tropical pizzas, wings, appetizers, and desserts. Try the Adobo Pina’ Pizza, with a wood-fired tomatillo sauce, marinated adobo pork, and yes, pineapple. Or the Southwest Hawaiian Pizza, blending our region’s flavors with a jalapeño salsa, then topped with fire-roasted pineapple and Canadian bacon.
Tiki Time
The popular HULA’S Modern Tiki is kicking off a summer cocktail series offering a monthly rotation of tiki drinks like the Banana Rama Marg and the Fla-Mango-Rita and island-style bites, including the Habanero Pineapple Chicken Wings and Teriyaki Spam Slider. Because nothing cools you off like pretending you’re on an island far away.
Mastro’s Magnificent Menu
The elegant Mastro’s, known for world-class service and live entertainment, is hosting “Summer of Luxury,” a limited-time prix-fixe three-course menu offered Mondays through Thursdays. For $100 per person, guests can enjoy appetizers like the Nueske’s Maple Glazed Bacon Steak and French Onion Soup, entrees such as the Organic Lemon Pepper Chicken and blackened salmon. You’ll want to save room for dessert too, no matter if you pick the decadent cheesecake or warm butter cake.
Don’t Miss this Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Wednesday: We’re heading to The Rack Lounge today and plan to take advantage of the pub’s half-off offer (mentioned above). The only problem, we can’t decide between the smash burger or a pizza topped with ranch.
Thursday: I just tried Hearsay in the Biltmore area, and it’s the perfect spot to host a lunch date. The menu is just as refreshing as the airy space, with fresh-squeezed juices, grain bowls, turkey clubs, truffle fries, and roasted Brussels sprouts. There’s also a “listening room” where you can listen to vinyl records on the provided headphones.
Friday: Craft 64 (mentioned above) recently won the best pizzeria in Arizona by the prestigious Italian-run 50 Top Pizza awards, which operates much like the Michelin with undercover inspectors. It’s hard to imagine anyone can beat out the legendary Pizzeria Bianco, so now we’re headed there to try it for ourselves. Plus, pineapple pizza anyone?
