Brian Nagele
Mesa is one of Arizona’s must-see cities. This city is a true metropolis with all the beauty you expect of a destination in the southwestern United States.
Whether you prefer cultural attractions, outdoor excursions, or both, Mesa has everything you could wish for.
As you plan your trip, make sure you have enough time to enjoy everything Mesa has to offer. When you’re in the downtown area, don’t miss out on its numerous cultural attractions, such as art studios, museums, and antique shops. The Mesa Arts Center is a major landmark, and there’s plenty of boutique shopping on offer too.
On top of all that, Mesa is a top-notch destination when it comes to the food scene. When I visited this Arizona city, I visited several of its popular restaurants.
I found a wide range of dishes available, from pizza and casual (but delectable) fare to grills and much more. Check out my list of the best Mesa restaurants below!
All Pierogi Kitchen
101-103, 1245 West Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 480-262-3349
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If you’ve never tried pierogies, are you ever in for a treat! I’ve long loved this traditional Eastern European food, with its creamy yet toothsome texture.
All Pierogi, as implied by its name, specializes in making delicious pierogies. It’s been a Mesa fixture since all the way back in 2010.
All Pierogi uses genuine Ukrainian recipes that have been known and well-loved for decades. What are pierogies? Put simply; they’re soft dumplings that are stuffed with specific fillings and boiled.
As pierogi specialists, All Pierogi features an exciting pierogi menu, including a wide range of fillings. My favorite is the Potato & Cheddar.
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480-813-5700
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With a truly unique and creative concept, Organ Stop Pizza offers live organ music as well as pizza! You can even request songs if you like.
This restaurant has friendly communal seating and features a wide-ranging menu, including specialty pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, and pasta dishes. There’s a salad bar too, as well as desserts.
And what about the organ? The pipe organ at Organ Stop Pizza has a long history, and it was originally built in 1927 for the Denver Theater. But let’s get back to the tasty food.
When I visited the Organ Stop Pizza, I enjoyed a specialty pizza. You can build your own pizza here, and I especially favor the Hawaiian combination (with ham, cheese, and pineapple).
Red White And Brew
6740 E McDowell Rd #102, Mesa, AZ 85215
Phone: 480-807-9393
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Red White and Brew is all about American cuisine, offering bold and exciting dishes always beautifully presented.
When you come to Red White and Brew for lunch or dinner, you’re encouraged to pair your meal with the perfect white wine, red wine, or beer.
The specials you find at Red White and Brew change regularly, so there are always surprises in store at this Mesa restaurant.
When I had dinner at this restaurant, I ordered one of its delicious pasta dishes, the Linguini with Meatballs. This hearty meal featured top-notch homemade sauce.
The Gourmet Beef Burger is a popular selection if you enjoy sandwiches. Likewise, the Chicken Club is always a hit if the chicken is more your thing.
India Oven
1315 S Gilbert Rd #5204, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480-892-3333
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With the best Tandoori Chicken you’ll find anywhere, India Oven provides an exciting menu of Indian cuisine.
If you’re a vegetarian or need gluten-free dishes, you’ll find plenty of options here. This local restaurant features a casual atmosphere, with fascinating cultural touches in the decor.
On my visit to India Oven, I was struck by the generous portions. And the food was delicious, I can assure you. I ordered the Tandoori Chicken dish I mentioned earlier, and this is one of the most popular dishes at this restaurant.
Another well-loved dish is the Lamb Vindaloo. Consider enjoying a drink with your meal, such as an Indian beer or even a scotch.
Republica Empanada Restaurant
204 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-969-1343
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Whether you’re an empanada fan or have yet to try this tasty dish, visit Republica Empanada Restaurant and enjoy the Latin American cuisine available here.
The empanadas here are replete with mouth-watering savory flavors, and they’re made in the South American style.
Stop for a meal at Republica Empanada Restaurant as you explore downtown Mesa’s Southside Heights neighborhood. The building where Republica Empanada Restaurant is housed features mid-century style.
In addition to this restaurant’s legendary empanadas, appetizers, platters, and more are also available.
Republica Empanada Restaurant offers both savory and sweet empanadas. In my opinion, the Cheese Empanada at Republic Empanada Restaurant is the best you’ll find anywhere.
T.C. Eggington’s
1660 S Alma School Rd #129, Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-345-9288
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T.C. Eggington’s is truly a Mesa institution, especially when it comes to breakfast. This welcoming local restaurant is famous for its top-notch service. The waitstaff is always friendly and attentive at T.C. Eggington’s.
While breakfast is an essential Mesa experience, T.C. Eggington’s also serves brunch and lunch. This restaurant opened more than three decades ago, and it’s been a favorite with the locals ever since.
Make sure you have breakfast at T.C. Eggington’s at least once during your time in Mesa. I went twice, and I’m here to give a rave review. If you love eggs, are you ever in for a treat! There is a wide range of egg dishes available for breakfast at this restaurant.
The Original Blue Adobe Grille
144 N Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480-962-1000
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As you explore downtown Mesa, make sure to stop by The Original Blue Adobe Grille to enjoy its famously delicious New Mexican-style cuisine.
This restaurant is located quite near the Mesa Arts Center and The Museum. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal after your adventures at these iconic local attractions.
In my opinion, the grilled wood-infused dishes served up at this restaurant are an essential part of the Mesa experience.
Two of the most popular dishes here are the Stacked Enchiladas, Chorizo Stuffed Chicken, the Blue Adobe Burger, and the Carne Adovada.
Enjoy some appetizers, such as Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, or Lettuce Wraps before the entree.
Charleston’s Restaurant
1623 S Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480-635-9500
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It’s easy to find Charleston’s Restaurant. It’s part of Stonehenge Center, a local shopping center, so it’s perfect for lunch or dinner after a long day of retail therapy. Charleston’s Restaurant features a full menu and bar.
When I entered Charleston’s Restaurant, I was immediately impressed by its enormous stone bar.
Whether you want a full meal or just drinks and appetizers, you’ll enjoy yourself at Charleston’s. Signature drinks at this restaurant are the Peach Bellini and Perfect Margarita.
This restaurant has a seasonal wine list, and you’ll be able to pair your meal with the perfect glass. The Charleston’s Restaurant dish I most recommend is the Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Crackers & Co. Cafe
Multiple locations
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I heard so many locals talk about breakfast and lunch at Crackers & Co. Cafe, so I simply had to go there and try its well-known dishes during my Mesa adventures. Crackers & Co. Cafe has been a well-loved eatery since its opening in 1984.
When I visited Crackers & Co. Cafe for breakfast, I ordered the California Eggs Benedict. I highly recommend this dish.
It includes two large poached eggs, avocado, spicy chorizo patty, and more on a grilled English muffin. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to return for lunch on another day. I went with the Classic Patty Melt burger. It was scrumptious!
Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
1947 N Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213
Phone: 480-832-3311
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Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante opened back in 1986, the creation of Italian immigrants Vito and Joanne.
The Chicago-style thin crust pizza here is amazing, and I highly recommend it. Just a couple of the other delicious pizza options here are the Double Crust Pizza and Deluxe Pizza.
Of course, there are traditional pasta dishes here, too. All the flour Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante uses is imported from Italy, and the cheese is exclusively from Italy and Wisconsin.
When you eat at Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante, you can taste the freshness of its ingredients.
Vito and Joanne truly understand the tradition of Italian cuisine, and they use the knowledge and skills they inherited from earlier generations. Make time to enjoy the delectable dishes available at Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
6622 E Superstition Springs Blvd, Superstition Springs, AZ 85206
Phone: 480-324-1675
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Just a short distance from Mesa in Superstition Springs, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is well worth a visit. The food here is mouth-watering, and as a brewhouse, BJ’s has plenty of refreshing beer on tap.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse has its original LightSwitch-Lager. This classic American beer is famous in the area.
This well-known area restaurant offers pizzas, entrees, handcrafted burgers, soups and salad, and much more. If pizza is your thing, check out the Signature Deep Dish and Gluten-Free selections.
The pizza here is fantastic, and the handcrafted burgers are another impressive option. I ordered the Bistro Burger on my visit to BJ’s. The verdict? It’s the perfect burger!
The only question is, where will you start? There are so many options in Mesa’s culinary adventures that you may not know which restaurant to try first. That’s where my list comes in handy.
Yes, you’ve got lots of shopping and golf courses to enjoy, but Mesa restaurants should be at the top of your itinerary. You’ll be missing out if you don’t visit at least a few of the best restaurants in Mesa I’ve listed above. And if you’re going to be more towards the Chandler area, you should check these spots out too!
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment and we’ll check it out!
