You’re in Gilbert, Arizona, and you’re craving more than just a glass of house red. Where do you find the perfect pour paired with exceptional food? That’s the question we’re tackling today, so you don’t end up settling for basic bar fare when this desert town is brimming with vinous treasures.
Eatalio Pasta & Wine
$$ | (480) 625-3860 | WEBSITE
For Italian in Gilbert, many will tell you to go to the big chains. That’s not a bad recommendation, but for a (slightly) more authentic experience with better pasta and more locals enjoying garlic bread, head to Eatalio Pasta & Wine. The warm room is inviting and lit by soft pendant lights, and the cheese raviolis are consistently al dente. Put your name with Tracy at the host stand, then relax at the bar until your table is ready.
Even if the place is busy, you shouldn’t have to wait more than 20 minutes or so.
Sam and Luca Rustic Kitchen
$$ | (480) 659-6716 | WEBSITE
Gilbert has several Italian spots that have opened in recent years, but Sam and Luca feels the most like a family kitchen, due in large part to the rustic wooden beams and warm lighting throughout the cozy dining room. The neighborhood institution is known for its celebration-friendly atmosphere, with a menu of classics like osso buco and risotto, and you too can savor tradition with a perfect, slow-braised short rib and creamy risotto.
Just make sure to leave room for their signature Eggplant Parmigiano. It’s a family-style favorite that you won’t find done this well many places in town, and you can share it as an appetizer or enjoy it as a main.
Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge
$$ | (480) 855-2848 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect generic wine lists or stuffy atmospheres at this always-buzzing, lounge-style spot in Gilbert. Instead, the cozy space has perfectly crafted bruschetta topped with flavorful herbs, jams, and meats, comfortable seating including couches and high tops both indoors and outdoors, and one of the best wine experiences in town, flowing with attentive service and gluten-free options. The atmosphere is inviting and homey, and it feels like Arizona comfort on a plate.
You can—and should—get the live music. It’s soulful and served with half-price drinks on Whiskey Wednesday, but add on the open-air patio for extra breeziness. Make a reservation to avoid a wait, especially on weekends.
Zola Cultural Kitchen
$$ | (602) 562-5403 | WEBSITE
On your first few trips to Gilbert, you’re going to spend an unreasonable amount of time in the Heritage District. (Hit the water tower, skip the chain restaurants.) For a memorable meal within walking distance of downtown and the Riparian Preserve, grab yourself a table at Zola Cultural Kitchen. The cozy eatery has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with rustic wooden tables, but this place isn’t just about looks.
Sit near the open kitchen, watch the chefs prepare vibrant dishes with care, and enjoy some of the most flavorful sub-$20 West African cuisine you’ll find in the Valley.
La Locanda Italian Bistro
$$ | (480) 393-3606 | WEBSITE
When a bistro has been serving Italian classics in Old Town Scottsdale for years, there’s a good chance it’s worth a visit. A short stroll from the main square, La Locanda Italian Bistro is one of those places that still prepares dishes just like they did when they first opened. Sit at a cozy table, order some calamari or an excellent chicken picatta, and watch the attentive staff serve generous portions of fresh, hot pasta while maintaining that friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Hair of the Dog Gilbert, AZ – Coffee, Wine, Beer
$ | (480) 219-5489 | WEBSITE
When you’re in Gilbert and options that aren’t chain restaurants with overpriced appetizers are limited, unless you’re in the mood for a fast-food drive-thru visit, you’ll find Hair of the Dog, a cozy neighborhood spot where locals sip craft beers and enjoy Thai food truck fare on the patio. Hair of the Dog isn’t filled with tourists looking to snap photos of artisanal cocktails just to post them online.
It’s the sort of place you should come when you want to feel like part of the community, and pet a friendly dog while enjoying a cold draft at least once a week.
Alessia’s | Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (480) 396-2888 | WEBSITE
The competition for Gilbert’s best Italian dining is fierce, but the experience at Alessia’s is the refined, elevated form of what a neighborhood ristorante can be. At this East Mesa gem, you’ll find an upscale dining room, professional service, and super high quality Italian dishes. It’s the perfect sit-down meal for a special occasion, family celebration, or romantic evening.
Refuel with lasagna featuring a red sauce with a spicy kick, or the highly recommended Bruschetta Arros—and if you’re visiting during happy hour, they offer an extensive wine selection and excellent cannolis for dessert.
Grounds on 2nd
$ | (480) 590-6489 | WEBSITE
You can’t find a cozier spot for coffee, work, and a glass of wine than Grounds on 2nd in Gilbert. This spacious coffee shop has distinct areas: a main room with picnic tables and a couch with a chess board perfect for getting work done, and a cute wine shop next door with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Grab some fantastic food, like the smoked salmon bagel that stands out as a popular choice, or the bacon egg and cheese croissant sandwich with homemade dill aioli, or their delicious Roast Beef Panini for something more filling. The staff is incredibly friendly, treating customers like old friends, and owner Jauncy is super awesome.
With her husband’s roasted coffee, locally-sourced ingredients, and a wide variety of drinks including beer and wine, it’s a must-visit for breakfast and a cozy atmosphere. Just remember they’re closed on Sundays.
Bottle & Bean
$ | (480) 265-9996 | WEBSITE
Bottle & Bean is popular. It’s in neighborhood guides, it’s a stop for coffee and wine lovers, and it now draws crowds from across the valley, including those seeking a relaxed evening. But regulars like this place too. It’s a great representation of the sort of charming, inviting, supremely comfortable spot often imitated in chain cafes. The drinks are varied and refreshing, the patio is lush, and the service is friendly and attentive.
Reserve
$$$$ | (480) 970-7682 | WEBSITE
Reserve opened in the 2020s, and it’s quickly become Scottsdale’s most celebrated fine dining destination. It’s intimate and exclusive—tucked away in a quiet corner of old Scottsdale—and the hushed, candlelit atmosphere makes it feel like a secret culinary sanctuary. You’ll find a mix of wine connoisseurs and special-occasion diners inside, and the elegant, minimalist décor sets the stage for the magnificent six-course meal with high-end wine pairings.
The food surpasses what you’d find in Los Angeles, but it’s an essential Scottsdale experience. Come for the impeccable service, knowledgeable sommelier, and exceptional dishes like the caviar with sweet onion custard, chilled apricot gazpacho canapé, corn pudding with lobster, Rohan duck breast, and strawberry banana Neapolitan.
The newly conceived aguachile with Argentinian shrimp, serrano, mango salsa, and tomatillo broth is a star, along with the quail leg lollipop and French onion feuille de brick cannoli. Don’t miss the sea bass, veal sweetbreads, truffle chestnut tortellini, or A5 wagyu. Reserve is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable dining experience.
Crave Pizza
$ | (480) 503-4444 | WEBSITE
If you’re here to find the best pizza in Gilbert, you should know about Crave Pizza. Located in a cozy spot with outdoor seating and a welcoming bar area, it’s a semi-hidden gem where you can avoid the typical chain restaurant crowds. When you need a break from the usual dining options, pop in for their butter crust pizza. There’s also a variety of pasta dishes made on site, in case you want to sit down for some meatballs or sausage.
The friendly staff and owners make it a great value at around $15-20 per person, with limited seating that gives it an intimate feel—best to arrive early or consider takeout for a quiet meal with good drinks.
La Locanda Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (480) 571-4932 | WEBSITE
La Locanda Ristorante Italiano, from the team behind some of Gilbert’s most beloved Italian spots, is not your typical neighborhood trattoria. It’s more like a polished celebration of one, and it’s a delightful experience. If you’re planning a special evening in Gilbert, start with dinner here. Get the filet, try the penne with salmon and vodka sauce, and keep an eye out for regulars celebrating anniversaries.
Reservations are recommended, but you can also just stop by and put your name in for a table. The wait shouldn’t be more than forty-five minutes.
The Sleepy Whale
$ | (480) 758-4979 | WEBSITE
The relaxed version of yourself will fit right in with the rest of the crowd at this Downtown Chandler spot, not to mention with The Sleepy Whale’s staff, who always seem to be welcoming everyone. This easygoing place with rustic wooden benches and cozy lighting has an unbelievable selection of craft ales, featuring things like rotating local taps and fine brews. The rotating food vendors are great too: don’t skip the tacos on those nights.
The Whining Pig Gilbert
$ | (480) 696-4004 | WEBSITE
This cute little tap room in Gilbert makes a mighty grilled cheese. It’s gooey in the middle and crispy around the edges, with a sharp cheddar blend under what may at first seem like an excessive amount of buttery toasted bread. We’re a little bit obsessed with their classic version, with tomato soup for dipping, but we’d never say no to the one loaded with bacon and caramelized onions, stretching toward the plate as if thanking the comfort food gods for making it so satisfying.
They also do a great selection of 31 beers on tap, and have a chill atmosphere perfect for playing card games after work.