Peoria is one of the top ten largest cities in Arizona and is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the United States!
However, Peoria is gaining a reputation among tourists as a popular place to visit, right up there with Scottsdale and Phoenix. With tons of things to do in the area, like boating at Lake Pleasant or spring training games at Peoria Sports Complex, it’s no wonder this suburb is popular among visitors!
Fortunately, if you spend time in Peoria during your upcoming trip to Arizona, there are many great restaurants and places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read the list below to discover the best places to eat in Peoria — conveniently sorted by North, Central, and South Peoria.
Top Local Restaurants in North Peoria
These restaurants are all located in North Peoria along Lake Pleasant Parkway, and most are located in (or near) the Lake Pleasant Towne Center, an upscale strip mall known by locals as the “Four Corners.” North Peoria has fewer tourist attractions, so you’ll likely be surrounded by friendly locals.
1. Fabio on Fire
Fabio on Fire is one of the best restaurants in Peoria to visit for authentic Italian food and a friendly atmosphere. Chef Fabio Ceschetti focuses on making delicious food inspired by Southern Italy passed down by his grandparents. The menu at Fabio on Fire is constantly changing. Still, on the menu, you can expect variations of wood-fired pizzas, pasta, lamb, seafood, and delicious desserts, like tiramisu and gelato. They also offer a gluten-free menu.
2. Cantina Gueros
Cantina Gueros is one of the best spots for Mexican food and happy hour in North Peoria. The food at Cantina Gueros has a “Mexico City” vibe with many options on the menu — from street tacos and enchiladas to elote and handmade guacamole, salsa, and queso. During happy hour from 3 PM – 6 PM on Monday – Friday, you can get beer, wine, margaritas, and appetizers for cheap. Try their Peoria Prickly Pear Margarita — a staple at Cantina Gueros!
3. Peoria Artisan Brewery & Gastropub
Peoria Artisan Brewery & Gastropub is a laid-back spot for local craft beer and scratch food. They offer a fabulous happy hour (or “Hoppy Hour”) from 3 PM – 6 PM on Tuesday through Friday, where you can get any PAB (Peoria Artisan Brewery) beer for just $5 and discounts on wine, cocktails, and appetizers. Peoria Artisan Brewery also has good food (especially burgers), so be sure to come hungry for dinner. In addition to the casual dining room, they offer outdoor patio seating.
4. Lakeside Bar & Grill
Lakeside Bar & Grill is a casual, family-friendly American restaurant in North Peoria. There is always something going on at Lakeside — they offer great specials, like Taco Tuesday and the Friday Fish Fry (all-you-can-eat fish and chips), and kids eat free on Tuesdays. Lakeside Bar & Grill has a dog-friendly patio and wall-to-wall TVs, so it’s a fun place to watch the “big game” with family members or friends.
Best Local Restaurants in Central Peoria
The following restaurants are located in (or near) the P83 Shopping Center on Bell Rd. and 83rd Ave. They’re in a great location if you’re attending a spring training game at the Peoria Sports Complex or shopping at the Arrowhead Towne Center.
5. Arrowhead Grill
If you’re looking for a fancy spot for a date night, look no further than Arrowhead Grill. This locally-owned steakhouse offers friendly service and delicious food on par with popular chain steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse or Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. Arrowhead Grill is known for its Delmonico Steak and Signature Butter Cake but also offers non-steak options, like grilled chicken and seafood, and delicious made-from-scratch sides,
6. Brushfire Tacos y Tapas
Brushfire Tacos y Tapas is a local Mexican fast-food chain with reasonable prices that has gained tremendous popularity among locals. At this restaurant, you can order tacos, burritos, or Spanish tapas, like elote, papas bravas, and croquetas. Brushfire is perhaps best known for its breakfast tacos, burritos, and bowls, served daily until 12:30 PM. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab food in Peoria that is quick and easy — pay a visit to Brushfire!
7. Revolu Modern Taqueria & Bar
If you’re looking for another happy hour with good prices, head to Revolu Modern Taqueria & Bar at P83. This restaurant specializes in Mexican street food made from scratch and fun, innovative cocktails and mocktails. On Taco Tuesday, visit Revolu Modern Taqueria & Bar to get any tacos for just $3 each all night long, but you can still enjoy select tacos and cocktails during happy hour from 2 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays through Fridays.
Fabulous Restaurants in South Peoria
The majority of popular restaurants in South Peoria are located in Old Town Peoria or Park West. These restaurants are in a convenient location if you’re attending a sporting event or concert at the State Farm Stadium, shopping at the Westgate Entertainment District, or staying nearby in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, or another up-and-coming city in the West Valley.
8. Driftwood Coffee Co.
Driftwood Coffee Co. is one of the best coffee shops in Peoria, located in the quaint district of Old Town Peoria. This locally-owned shop offers delicious handcrafted coffee drinks, homemade pastries like pop-tarts and macarons, and espressos and teas. Stop by this Peoria coffee shop to get caffeinated — you won’t have any regrets!
9. The Sicilian Butcher
The Sicilian Butcher is a local Italian restaurant in Peoria operated by a family-owned restaurant chain, The Maggiore Group. The Sicilian Butcher specializes in craft meatballs, and you can “build your own” meatball dish by choosing the meatball recipe, pasta, and sauce. However, this restaurant also offers charcuterie boards, pizza, paninis, bruschetta boards, and salads if you’re not in the mood for meatballs. For dessert, head next door to The Sicilian Baker for a cannoli, gelato, or another delicious Italian treat.
10. Hash Kitchen
If you’re looking for a brunch spot with large portions in Peoria, you’ll definitely want to head to Hash Kitchen. This local chain actually has two locations in Peoria — one at P83 and one at Park West — so you can visit whether you’re in Central or South Peoria. Hash Kitchen is known for its “Build Your Own” Bloody Mary Bar, but you’ll also find creative dishes on the menu, like the Huevos Rancheros Hash, Cannoli Pancakes, and the Effin’ Huge English Muffin.
11. Winery 101
Winery 101 is a family-owned and operated tasting room in Peoria that serves local wines from a vineyard in Cottonwood — located just a few hours north of Peoria! The “Weekend Wine Down” is a fun weekend event you can attend to meet the owners. You can also visit on any day between Thursday – Monday for a red, white, sweet, or mixed wine flight.
Dine at the Best Restaurants in Peoria During Your Stay in the West Valley with PrimeNest AZ
If you’re planning to visit Peoria, Arizona, soon — whether for a spring training game or a concert — we hope this list of excellent local restaurants will keep you full and happy!
If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay in the West Valley, we invite you to explore our collection of vacation rentals in Peoria and beyond with PrimeNest AZ. Our rentals offer luxury, comfort, and convenience — everything you could want on vacation!
Browse our rentals to find the perfect place to stay in Peoria.
