Sharing a border with Mexico comes with a serious culinary reputation to uphold, and Phoenix restaurants have risen to the occasion. Across the Valley, chefs are embracing the diverse flavors and traditions of Mexico through mesquite-grilled meats, handmade tortillas, house-made guacamole, and ingredients sourced from both sides of the border.
Once, Mexican food in Phoenix was largely synonymous with border-style dishes blanketed in cheese. Today, the scene is far more expansive, celebrating the distinct cuisines of regions like Sonora, Baja California, and Oaxaca. These 15 restaurants showcase some of the best Mexican food the Valley has to offer.
Chilte
Chef Lawrence Smith and his wife, Aseret Arroyo, started Chilte in a 10-by-10 pop-up tent during the pandemic. By 2025, Smith was nominated for the James Beard Award for Southwest Chef. The restaurant offers new-wave Mexican food, influenced by Arroyo’s familial roots, at the Egyptian Motor Hotel on Grand Avenue.
“It’s all about putting love on the plate,” said Smith, who shared that he’s passionate about sourcing locally…