6 Arizona destinations were named most 'travel worthy' foodie spots in the US. Here's why

Wine Spectator released its Great Travel Destinations for Food and Wine issue on Nov. 30 and Phoenix got a shout out on the front cover.

Noting that America's appreciation for dining out has reached a critical mass and connecting to a city happens through food, Wine Spectator chose 10 cities to highlight for food and drinks, including Phoenix. According to editor MaryAnn Worobiec, the population and food scene of the Valley have grown significantly. Chefs have a variety of local products to choose from and plenty of local wines, beers and spirits to pair with their foods.

"Within the greater Phoenix area, you’ll find sophisticated fare in an exciting farm-to-table movement," she wrote.

Here are the Arizona restaurants, wineries and gourmet shops serving the most destination-worthy fare, according to Wine Spectator.

Dateland Date Gardens

The grounds for General Patton's 1940 training camp are now home to a "pit stop" between California and Arizona. Worobiec recommends that travelers "check out the date palm grove, the selection of dates to purchase and, of course, the 'World Famous Date Shake' made from Medjool dates."

Details: 1737 S. Ave. 64 E., Dateland. 928-454-2772, dateland.com.

Lon’s at The Hermosa

Lon's received a nod for its ambience and creative flavors that combine comfort and fancy foods. The fritto misto, paired with Chimayo chile aioli and foie gras duet, served with an oat espresso granola and orange marmalade earned specific mention from Worobiec.

Details: 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. 602-955-7878. hermosainn.com/paradise-valley.

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

This tasting room belongs to musician Maynard James Keenan of the bands Puscifer and Tool. Keenan fell in love with Arizona wine and became a producer and proponent of it 20 years ago. Not only did he increase his production from 30 to 300 tons, but also he nurtured upcoming wine producers. The Scottsdale tasting room offers Merkin's wines, including Caduceus, together with a food menu made with local ingredients.

Details: 7133 E. Stetson Dr., Suite #106, Scottsdale. 480-912-1027, merkinold townscottsdale.com.

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Pizzeria Bianco Heritage Square

It's no surprise that Pizzeria Bianco made the list. Chris Bianco's restaurants have won him many accolades including James Beard Award for outstanding restaurateur in 2022 and an episode on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza" in 2022.

"The chef focuses on quality ingredients, which are more available in Arizona than ever, including heirloom beans, ancient grains, local wines and fresh produce," wrote Worobiec.

Details: 623 E. Adams St., Phoenix. 602-258-8300, pizzeriabianco.com.

Quiescence at the Farm

Quiescence is the fine dining restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain. Chef Dustin Christofolo offers three, four and five-course farm-to-table menus. "The details make this a memorable meal," Worobiec wrote. Grilled bonemarrow served with gently seared beef, gorgonzola aioli, poached cucumbers, pickled mushrooms with cilantro and parsley salad along with roasted beet salad with Meyer lemon emulsion, sugar snap peas, sunchoke chips, spiced walnuts, shaved apples and red vein sorrel won the heart of the Wine Spectator editor.

Details: The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-276-0601, qatthefarm.com.

Zak's Chocolate

Zak's is the brainchild of Maureen and Jim Elirzak. The husband-and-wife owners turned their love of chocolate into a small-batch bean-to-bar operation in 2015. They ethically source their beans and do everything by hand, from sorting the cacao beans to packaging. Their bars have won numerous awards including their must-try Belize Maya Mountain Sonoran Desert White chocolate, which won a silver medal at the International Chocolate Awards in 2019. In 2022, Tasting Table recognized Zak's as one of the best chocolate shops in the U.S., sharing the spotlight with the likes of Jacques Torres.

Details: 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 116, Scottsdale. 480-607-6518, zakschocolate.com.

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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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