The Great Debate: Arizona’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In downtown Tucson, just a short drive south from Phoenix (about 2 hours southeast), the Sonoran Desert’s influence seeps into every bite at El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in the country continuously operated by the same family. This place is legendary for blending traditional southwestern flavors with a BBQ twist, especially their mesquite-grilled carne asada. Dining here is a taste journey through the Sonoran Desert’s bounty, where the dry heat and local mesquite wood impart a smoky, sweet flavor unique to this region. Visiting in the cooler winter months lets you enjoy the patio seating comfortably, gazing over the city’s historic Barrio Viejo district while savoring food steeped in local tradition.
Traveling north of Phoenix for about an hour and a half, the town of Prescott offers a different take on BBQ in a mountain town setting. The Raven Café, nestled near the historic downtown square, infuses its dishes with a blend of wood-fired smoking techniques and local herbs. Here, the high pine forests influence the flavors subtly, with hickory and juniper smoke complementing their brisket and ribs. Prescott’s elevation and cooler climate change the BBQ experience; a crisp fall afternoon is ideal, allowing guests to enjoy the open-air seating while the aroma from the smoker intertwines with the scent of ponderosa pines. This rustic spot reflects the town’s frontier history, making each meal feel like a step back into the Old West.
In Phoenix itself, the Gilbert Heritage District, about 30 minutes southeast of downtown, has become an epicenter for pizza lovers. The district hosts several pizzerias, but the standout is Pizzeria Bianco. Known nationwide, this spot crafts pies that marry traditional Italian techniques with Arizona’s fresh produce. Their wood-fired crusts are charred just enough to offer a smoky crunch, often topped with local ingredients like wild mushrooms harvested from the nearby Mazatzal Mountains. Visiting during the spring, when local produce peaks, offers the best chance to taste their seasonally inspired toppings. The district’s charming blend of historic buildings and modern eateries makes it a lively destination for wandering between savory bites.
About 45 minutes north of Flagstaff lies the quaint town of Williams, a gateway to the Grand Canyon and a surprising place to enjoy some of Arizona’s best seafood. At the Red Raven Restaurant & Lounge, diners find a menu that brings coastal flavors inland with a southwestern twist. Their grilled salmon, kissed with chipotle and complemented by a side of prickly pear salsa, captures the spirit of landlocked seafood dining elevated by local ingredients. The town’s proximity to Kaibab National Forest means many dishes incorporate foraged mushrooms or herbs, grounding seafood in an unexpected yet harmonious desert-mountain context. The summer months, with cooler evenings, provide a perfect backdrop to enjoy their patio and the historic Route 66 ambiance.
Driving into Sedona, about two hours north of Phoenix, the focus shifts to a different kind of culinary fusion at Elote Café, where southwestern flavors meet Mexican street food, but their seafood dishes deserve a special mention. Their shrimp dishes, often paired with roasted corn and chipotle cream, showcase the region’s agricultural gifts combined with the freshness of the nearby Verde Valley farms. The restaurant’s location amidst Sedona’s red rock formations adds a visual feast to the meal; the glowing sandstone cliffs at sunset provide a dramatic setting that complements the vibrant flavors on your plate. Visiting in late spring or early fall, when tourist crowds thin and the weather cools, enhances the intimate dining experience amid this scenic backdrop.
In the heart of Tucson’s historic Warehouse District, about two hours south of Phoenix, you’ll find a BBQ scene that embraces both traditional Texas styles and Arizona’s unique desert twist at Feast BBQ. The pitmasters use native mesquite and ironwood logs for smoking, imparting a signature flavor that’s lighter and more fragrant than heavier oak smoke typical in other regions. Their brisket is known for a peppery bark and tender interior, embodying the desert’s balance of heat and subtlety. The district’s transformation from industrial warehouses to hip eateries creates an energetic atmosphere, especially lively during the cooler winter months when outdoor seating fills up with locals and visitors alike.
Finally, a trip to Lake Havasu City, roughly three and a half hours west of Phoenix on the Colorado River, offers a surprising seafood experience at Mudshark Brewery, which doubles as a casual spot for fresh fish dishes. Here, the desert’s heat is tempered by the river’s presence, making grilled fish tacos with a zesty lime crema a local favorite. The brewery’s creative approach to pairing their craft beers with light, flavorful seafood makes it a must-visit. Late spring and early fall bring the best weather to enjoy their outdoor patio overlooking the lake, where the shimmering water and desert hills create a relaxed, uniquely southwestern atmosphere. This spot blends the best of desert life with a taste of the coast, unusual for Arizona but wholly satisfying.
Each of these places reveals a distinct facet of Arizona’s culinary landscape, shaped by geography, climate, and cultural history. From Tucson’s mesquite-kissed BBQ to Sedona’s vibrant seafood plates framed by stunning red rocks, the state’s food scene offers a rich tapestry that goes far beyond expectations. Whether you’re chasing smoky aromas in Prescott or savoring fresh fish by the Colorado River, these destinations invite you to explore Arizona’s flavors in settings as unforgettable as the dishes themselves.