Food Network is a major force in the culinary world. The channel has made chefs like Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and countless others into household names thanks to its entertaining programming.
If you’re looking to try out dishes that you might have seen on Food Network, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled eight Arizona restaurants that have all appeared on the network’s shows. Many have been in business for years and some even note on their menu which dishes were featured and eaten by visiting hosts like Fieri.
Paradise Valley Burger Company
Two locations in metro Phoenix
Paradise Valley Burger Company is a television darling that has appeared on Food Network, the Travel Channel, and Arizona PBS. Star chef Guy Fieri is a fan, as the Paradise Valley Burger Company has appeared on the “Arizona All-Stars” episode of his show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
This local spot serves up decadent burgers, with a signature brulee burger that features a quarter-pound of beef, bacon, egg, Havarti cheese, pickled onion, lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing all on a burnt sugar bun. Two burgers have appeared on Fieri’s show: the booze burger made with beer-battered patties, green chili, bacon, and vodka cream sauce; and a country-fried burger made with lightly fried beef and a jalapeno/thyme reduction.
Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s Andreoli Italian Grocer is a storied Valley shop that is best known for its sandwiches. The Scottsdale eatery has appeared on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and counts legendary rock star and Arizona resident Alice Cooper among its fans. Chef Giovanni Scorzo is a native of Italy who trained as a cook in Florence before meeting his wife and moving to the United States.
The sandwich section of the menu offers a variety of options. Customers can sink their teeth into the Viva l’Italia—focaccia bread with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil—or the Cosa Nostra, a roast beef sandwich served with hot giardiniera. In addition to the stellar Italian cuisine, customers also can find a variety of imported Italian products on the shelves here.
Over Easy
Multiple locations throughout metro Phoenix
Photo courtesy of Over Easy
Scottsdale-based breakfast chain Over Easy has appeared on multiple Food Network shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” The dishes featured on the network include ham steak, banana nut French toast, Golden Waffle Dogs, and chicken-fried steak. The menu is rounded out by sandwiches, salads, make-your-own omelets, pancakes, and a plethora of egg-based dishes.
CRUjiente Tacos
3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
Photos courtesy of CRUjiente Tacos
Chef Rich Hinojosa—who appeared on the Food Network cooking competition show “Chopped”—has worked at Mary Elaine’s in The Phoenician, The Westin Maui Resort, and Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. He brought all the collected skills acquired at such fine-dining establishments to CRUjiente Tacos in Phoenix, where he creates elevated Mexican fare.
As you might have guessed by the name, tacos are a highlight here. Guests can top them with high-end ingredients like Korean fried chicken, strip steak, grilled pork belly, or crispy sweet potato.
Joe’s Farm Grill
3000 E. Ray Road, Building 1, Gilbert
The website for Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert states that the restaurant serves “common food done uncommonly well,” and that’s an apt descriptor for what customers will find on the menu here. Expect plenty of traditional American food made well. For breakfast, you can enjoy waffles and chicken, a breakfast sandwich, smothered pork tenderloin, and eggs along with pancakes, scrambles, omelets, burgers, and breakfast tacos.
For lunch and dinner, choose from a great selection of hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches. The fontina burger, gouda garlic bacon burger, onion rings, garlic fries, and ahi tuna sandwich have all been featured on Food Network. All these items are marked with a red dot on Joe’s menu. Lastly, the chocolate chip cookies are of note. They’re baked to order and delivered warm to your table.
Zemam’s
Two locations in metro Tucson
Zemam’s—another local restaurant featured on “Diners Drive-ins and Dives”—has been open since 1993 and claims to be the first Ethiopian restaurant in Tucson. Founder Amanuel Gebremariam fled his home country more than four decades ago to come to Arizona and eventually launch this restaurant.
Guests can find a variety of veggie-centric options, including dishes made with cauliflower, chickpeas, collard greens, red lentils, spinach, and yellow split peas. Meat and fish eaters can enjoy beef, lamb, tilapia, and chicken served with injera—a spongy bread that customers use to eat this well-spiced food.
Fat Olives
2308 E. Route 66, Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s Fat Olives is renowned for its wood-fired pizza, which is certified VPN by the Verace Pizza Napoletana. Translation? Fat Olives is dedicated to making truly authentic Neapolitan pizza. The oven here was even handcrafted in Italy. Guests can enjoy pizza topped with a variety of ingredients, including spicy shrimp, mushrooms, fennel sausage, pepperoni, and even BBQ chicken.
Looking to try what you saw on TV? According to the menu, Guy Fieri ate the Kenai pizza, made with ricotta, mozzarella, pecorino romano, house-smoked salmon, dill cream, sea salt, olive oil, and red onions. He also had a go at the Belgio Dolce pizza, made with mozzarella, pecorino romano, oregano, shaved brussel sprouts, chili oil, soppressata, local honey, and crushed pistachios.
Giuseppe’s on 28th
2824 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
Chef Richard Bock is behind Giuseppe’s on 28th. This no-frills central Phoenix restaurant is known for its down-home Italian cuisine, which is what earned it a segment on Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Bock worked as a cellist in Italy for nearly nine years and fell in love with the place. After returning to his native New York, he found that he missed Italian culture. When Giuseppe’s became available in 2001, Bock bought it.
Today, you can find a variety of classic Italian fare on the menu here. The pastas of note include gnocchi, ravioli, baked ziti, butternut squash ravioli, spaghetti alla carbonara, and eggplant parmigiana. End a meal here with one of four different house-made desserts: a key lime mascarpone tart, cannoli, tiramisu, or flourless chocolate cake.
Correction: This article was updated to accurately reflect which shows Over Easy has been featured on.
READ MORE: Brunch Bliss in Central Phoenix: Unveiling the 4 Best Brunch Spots Downtown
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