Mesa

Travelers' Takes

Getting There

Favorite Restaurants in and around Mesa, Arizona

A travel journal to Mesa by azsunluvr

It occurred to me that people do actually come to Mesa for a vacation and may want some tips on places to dine. In this journal I've mentioned a few of our favorites. Some are chains and others are unique to this area. All are appropriate places to take the kids.

  • 14 reviews

Favorite Restaurants in and around Mesa, ArizonaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The Phoenix Metropolitan area is very large and because Mesa itself is quite big, we don't venture past the city limits often. This journal consists of reviews on the restaurants we go to most often. None are more than 20 minutes from our home in North-central Mesa. Our very favorite place to take out of town visitors (drum roll, please): Rancho De Tia Rosa for a flying saucer. A few of our guests have phoned once they got home to say their mouth was watering for another saucer!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Renting a car is the only way to go around here. Mesa is central to Tucson, Mexico, Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Rancho De Tia RosaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Tia Rosa's has 2 options: a sit-down restaurant or a take-out taqueria with limited seating and a limited menu. The restaurant's decor is fabulous and will make you want to move in, or at least take a trip to Mexico. It will also keep you busy admiring for several minutes during your long wait on a Friday or Saturday night. I suggest dining early to beat the crowd. Some of our favorites on the menu: Flying saucer with pork (a delicious tostada meal), carnitas (beware-this is a LOT of meat),shrimp taco with orange-mango salsa, enchiladas Monterrey, and Carne Asada. I don't like seafood, so the pork taco suits me fine when I want something not too filling. The chimichangas are also very good. Don't forget to ask for the green sauce for chip-dipping or to put atop your taco or saucer. The red is good, but the green lime sauce is outstanding! The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Rancho De Tia Rosa
3129 East McKellips Road Mesa, Arizona
(480) 659-6787

Vito's Pizza Place & RistoranteBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Vito's Pizza Place & Ristorante"

I really enjoy the pizza here. It's a thin crust, but I don't hold that against it! They've got a light touch on the sauce which I love. The round pizza is cut into squares and served on a cake platter. The antipasto salad is a perfect accompaniment for the pizza. The staff is friendly and prompt. There is a varied menu, but we haven't tried anything else here--yet!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Vito's Pizza Place & Ristorante
1947 North Lindsay Road Mesa, Arizona 85213
(480) 832-3311

Rubio's Baja GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We like to stop at Rubio's either before or after a movie at the theater next door. My personal favorite at Rubio's is the grilled chicken salad. It's a mix of lettuce and cabbage, with crushed tortilla chips, chicken, shredded cheese and a delicious somewhat spicy dressing. My husband likes to try their featured specials. The one he went back for several times was a calamari taco. They've featured shrimp tacos and stuffed quesadillas which have also been excellent. They're famous for their fish tacos. Try the green lime salsa--mmmm! There are tables both inside and outside of this restaurant. In the heat, the misters keep it somewhat comfortable outside and on the weekend it's a great place to people watch.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Rubio's Baja Grill
1649 South Stapley Drive Mesa, Arizona 85204
(480) 633-3119

Mango's Mexican CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Mango's is an adorable little place downtown on Main Street. It's popular at lunch with those who work in the area. The walls are painted lime green with a huge gila monster coming at you. There are tables indoors and out. On a spring or fall afternoon, it's lovely to sit outside. The chimichangas are delicious. The killer burrito has the works. The burros are very popular. You can get authentic melon drinks or horchata as well as the usual fountain drinks. They also have freshly baked Mexican pastries. I don't care for flan, but my grandmother gobbles this one up before I even realize it's been delivered to the table!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Mango's Mexican Cafe
44 West Main Street Mesa, Arizona 85201
(480) 464-5700

Cindy's Arizona CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Cindy's is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner, but we've only been there for breakfast. The fluffy pancakes are a favorite, as well as the huge cinnamon rolls. Service is sometimes a little laid back, so go when you want a relaxing breakfast. There is outdoor seating, but we've always sat indoors. This is a down home cooking type of restaurant.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Cindy's Arizona Cafe
124 East McKellips Road Mesa, Arizona 85201
(480) 655-1349

Denny'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I only include this entry because sometimes you just need a place where the kids can always find something they like. I don't always trust Denny's but this one is clean. It's exterior and interior are decorated like a 50's diner. Don't forget they're open 24 hours and sometimes there's not much else open!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Denny's
1210 East Main Street Mesa, Arizona 85203
(480) 962-4457

Romano's Macaroni GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a chain, but there are some particular items that we sometimes crave here. The bread they bring you to start off your meal is incredible! Hot, moist and dipped in peppered olive oil, it's out of this world. Our favorite appetizer/insalata is the mozzarella ala caprese. Fresh tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella slices, basil, olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Oh my! Be sure to dip some of the bread in the oil & vinegar when the salad is gone. My husband enjoys the Penne Arrabbiata with a spicy, creamy tomato & herb sauce. My favorite is the Pasta Milano with bowtie pasta, grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and a garlic cream sauce. The Capellini Pomodoro and the Penne Rustica are also great choices. For dessert, share the chocolate cake. It's very moist and has small bits of chopped nuts, hot fudge and fresh whipped cream. Ahhh! A side trip to the restrooms can be very entertaining. They've usually got Italian music, or even better, a tape of "Learning to Speak Italian!"

Update 2008: Still one of our favorites! Consistently good with great service. You can now find some of their entrees in the frozen section of Costco or your supermarket, including the Pasta Milano.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Romano's Macaroni Grill
1705 South Stapley Drive Mesa, Arizona 85204
(480) 632-2699

YC's Mongolian BBQBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

YC's is in the Scottsdale Pavilions shopping center off of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Rd. This is a unique experience and we enjoy taking visitors here. It's around $8 per person for dinner, slightly less for lunch. Grab a tray and a bowl. Walk down the bar putting any ingredients you like in your bowl: any of several VERY thinly sliced frozen meats (pork, chicken, turkey, beef), carrots, fresh spinach leaves,cabbage, celery, sprouts, mushrooms, broccoli, chinese noodles, etc. Some people like to cram a lot into their bowl. Be aware they do not allow doggie bags at dinner and you very likely will not be able to eat it all, so just take a little of everything you want. On the menu board are the recipes of several different types of sauces you can use to flavor your meal: teriyaki, hunan, mandarin and more. Follow the directions for the taste you want, then take your tray to the cooks. They dump your meal onto a large, round grill and, using water, they cook and steam your combo, then slide it into a new bowl for you. At this point you may add some extras like peanuts, pineapple, crushed wonton chips, or a hot oil. You can take a side of rice and or soup if you wish (I've found that makes just too much food). Get your drink and take it all to your table and enjoy! There is indoor and outdoor seating. During the hot months, misters are running at the outside tables and it's quite pleasant.

Update 2008: YC's now has 2 locations open in Tempe, 1 in Chandler, and 1 in Gilbert in addition to the Scottsdale location.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

YC's Mongolian BBQ
9120 East Indian Bend Road Mesa, Arizona 85250
(480) 948-8011

Kona GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Kona Grill features Pacific Rim cuisine. My husband enjoys going there for the sushi. They have a huge sushi menu. Since I don't know anything about sushi, all I can tell you is there is a lot of variety and my husband likes what they've got. That said, MY absolute favorite item here is the Macadamia Chicken. It's a large portion, so be prepared to share or take some home with you. This meal has two large slices of chicken dipped in a macadamia nut coating, cooked perfectly. A macadamia gravy on the side is heavenly. Cheesy mashed potatoes and grilled mixed vegetables on the side are perfect. A dollop of what tastes like an apple/passionfruit sauce finishes the plate. The Hana salad was good, but a little too much ginger for my taste. There is lovely, indoor seating as well as outdoor seating with misters. You can't miss the HUGE saltwater fish tank dividing the restaurant from the bar. If it's crowded (and it is on the weekend) sometimes you can find a seat at the sushi bar and watch your sushi being prepared.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Kona Grill
7014 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
+1 480 429 1100

Rustler's RoosteBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Rustler's Rooste is at the top of a hill overlooking the surrounding cities. To get there, you drive through the grounds of the Pointe Hilton at South Mountain Golf Resort. This restaurant has a casual, country atmosphere. It's a great place to take the kids and enjoy a traditional BBQ meal. There is even a slide to take you to the lower level (unless you chicken out and take the stairs). Outdoor seating is available. Country music plays in the background as you watch the twinkling of city lights below. I'm sure the view at sunset is incredible.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by azsunluvr on August 8, 2002

Rustler's Rooste
7777 South Pointe Parkway Mesa, Arizona 85044
(602) 431-6474

Gecko GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I love the way this place is decorated! It's not nearly as elaborate as Rancho de Tia Rosa, but it's Mexican theme is carried out well. You feel as if you're sitting in the courtyard of a Mexican hacienda. A red-tiled eave juts out from a wall, with silk bouganvilla cascading down. The walls are a somewhat mild pink.

I've tried many of the dishes here and have not been disappointed. The veggie burrito is just right for a light lunch. The chicken soft taco is delicious, with the chicken being moist and flavorful. A veggie quesadilla containing cheese, zucchini, carrots, red peppers & onions is one of my favorites. The chips brought to the table are fresh. A red salsa, a green salsa and warm bean dip are served with the chips. Try mixing the bean dip with the red salsa for a very tasty treat!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on November 12, 2002

Gecko Grill
835 North Gilbert Road Mesa, Arizona 85234
(480) 892-8099

Monte Cello'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "A Little Piece of Italy in Mesa"

http://www.montecellos.com/mesa_italian_restaurant.html

New to Arizona, this Pennsylvania chain is branching out. Unfortunately, I think they've picked a location that will not be extremely successful.

I've eaten at Monte Cello's twice now; once for lunch and once for dinner. I really enjoyed my meal both times and want them to succeed. I've started telling all my friends to give them a try. They were written up in a small local newspaper. But still, on this Saturday night at prime dinner-time at other Mesa restaurants, this one only had 3 other tables occupied.

Located at McKellips and Power Roads in a strip-mall, there's nothing to draw your attention to the restaurant. Once you know it's there, however, you'll want to go back.

The dining area has the feeling of sitting in the courtyard of an Italian villa. Beautiful faux finished paint, murals and "windows" with lights strung across the across the room give an outdoor feel. White tablecloths and burgundy cloth napkins give it an elegance, though casual dress is certainly acceptable.

My daughter and I ate lunch one afternoon soon after the restaurant opened. I enjoyed my Fettucine Alfredo very much. The sauce was creamy with the right amount of garlic. My daughter ordered whole wheat pasta, half with Palamino sauce and half with Pesto. She mixed it together when it arrived and I have to admit, it was fabulous. The wheat pasta does not look brown like most wheat pastas and was very good.

At dinner with my husband, I ordered the Stuffed Shells with Palamino sauce. The Palamino sauce is a pink sauce...marinara mixed with alfredo. The shells were delicious. The cheese was wonderfully melted and the sauce had a small crust around the edges, proving that it had just come from the oven.

My husband ordered the Stromboli and ate every bite. It was stuffed with meats and vegetables, with lots of cheese. Marinara sauce on the side was the perfect dip.

We had begun the meal with the Artichoke Pizza Dip. Yummy! Very creamy with lots of garlic, it was served with thin pizza crust topped with garlic butter, oregano, basil and parmesan cheese.

Mangiamo!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on September 7, 2008

Monte Cello's
2015 N. Power Road Mesa, Arizona 85215
480-218-9211

Red, White & BrewBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "All-American--Red, White & Brew!"

http://www.rwbaz.com/index.php

Red, White & Brew is one of our favorite Mesa restaurants, but it's also the favorite of many others. On a weekend night, and sometimes mid-week, the wait can be over an hour. OK, when I'm hungry, I'm hungry! I don't want to wait!

When we can catch the restaurant at a slower time, we have enjoyed meals such as the Marinated Sliced Steak Salad and the No Meat Steakhouse Salad, Pesto Chicken over Cheese Tortellini and our favorite, the Marinated Flat Iron Steak.

The restaurant has somewhat of a pub feel and is not a quiet little place to dine. When the weather isn't too hot, sitting outside on the patio is lovely. There are misters running when necessary to keep you cool.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by azsunluvr on September 7, 2008

Red, White & Brew
6740-102 E. McDowell Road Mesa, Arizona 85215
480-807-9393

About the Writer

azsunluvr
azsunluvr
Mesa, Arizona

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