Heading into summer, Valley-dwellers might not see nearly as many restaurant openings, but don’t panic — this time can serve as a great opportunity to check out some of the 2019’s best additions to Arizona’s restaurant scene. Ranging from healthy paleo options to a new hot chicken concept. Check out our top picks below.

Hush Public House

North Scottsdale

Former Chelsea’s Kitchen chef Dom Ruggiero and longtime Zinc Bistro beverage manager opened Hush Public House in February and it’s already being touted as one of the Valley’s best restaurants. The menu features a lineup of imaginative, plant-centered dishes including hush puppies, fried cauliflower and grilled double-cut bacon.

Meat the Ball

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Biltmore

Pomo Pizzeria owner Stefano Fabbri is bringing a different kind of Italian concept to central Phoenix with the opening of the quirky concept Meat the Ball. The menu centers around ten meatball options, including two vegetarian and one vegan. It also offers salads, homemade pastas, sandwiches and an assortment of appetizers including shrimp, rice balls and bruschetta.

Modern Oysterbar Chophouse

North Scottsdale

The demand for great quality seafood in the desert is high, and it’s being met with high-end options like Modern Oyster bar and Chophouse which offers everything from steak filets and lamb to grilled salmon and of course, oysters by the dozen. True seafood lovers can opt for the chilled seafood plateaux which provide lobster, crab legs, crab claws, shrimp and oyster all on one plate.

Mrs. Chicken

Arcadia

The Nashville hot chicken phenomenon is sweeping the nation and Phoenix is no different. Mrs. Chicken serves as the Valley’s second hot chicken restaurant and is already receiving glowing reviews for its classic chicken-focused menu with five spice levels and Southern sides like collard greens and baked potato casserole.

Casa Terra

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Glendale

Casa Terra is the state’s first vegan, fine dining restaurant, and it’s located in the often overlooked West Valley, which is to say it’s a pretty big deal. The restaurant is headed by NY Times bestselling co-author Chef Wyrick which offers an ever-changing menu of items like pastas and flatbreads.

Topo

Downtown Gilbert

Gilbert’s renowned restaurateur, Joe Johnston of Joe’s Farm Grill, Joe’s Real BBQ and Liberty Market is back with a completely new concept. Topo is a taco stand with a simple, perfectly executed menu consisting of burritos, elote and soft serve ice cream.

Sapiens Paleo Kitchen

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North Scottsdale

Getting in shape for summer no longer means having to avoid eating out thanks to restaurants like Sapiens Paleo Kitchen that cater to the health conscious. The French-inspired menu includes escargot, oysters, paleo meatloaf and even a keto burger.

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