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Arizona Pizza Company, 3 stars: The Glendale location of the Arizona Pizza Company is the back-East chain's first foray into its namesake state. It's basically an expansive sports bar, complete with servers dressed like referees and more than two dozen televisions tuned in to all kinds of sports events. But the menu is far more than just wings and burgers.
Pho Ao Sen, 3.5 stars: This upscale Vietnamese restaurant, one of the prettiest in town, offers pho and other Vietnamese classics, as well as a handful of unique and utterly delicious specialties.
Pollo Campero, 3 stars: Guatemalan-based Pollo Campero offers fried and grilled chicken. Grilled chicken is a thing of beauty: skin on, a little charred in spots, served with wedges of lime. The chicken burrito is a chubby roll of tortilla wrapped around bits of chicken, cheese, peas, chopped carrots, beans and rice.
Shimogamo Japanese Restaurant, 4 stars: Traditional yet contemporary Shimogamo offers sushi and traditional Japanese dishes alongside modern Japanese specialties, including BBQ beef tongue, panko-breaded fried oysters with tonkatsu sauce and miso-marinated black cod. Don't miss inspired sushi rolls, such as the Shimogamo and the tsunami.
Phoenicia Mediterranean Grill, 3 stars: More streamlined and modern-looking than its original Tempe location, this small Gilbert outpost for Middle Eastern food offers all the basics - hummus, tabouleh, falafel, gyros, lamb and baklava - at reasonable prices. For a real bargain, check out the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($8.99 per person), offered Fridays-Sundays.
Verona Chophouse, 3 stars: It's a popular go-to for an affordable, predictable Sunday brunch, featuring the usual options such as shrimp cocktail, build-your-own omelets, prime rib and petit fours.
Lon's, 4 stars: Lon's is the complete restaurant package: a beautiful Old Arizona hacienda setting, exemplary service and well-crafted contemporary fare. Standouts include a chile-rubbed pork tenderloin/pork belly duo and moist, snowy white Alaskan halibut.
LuLu's Taco Shop, 4 stars: It's Gilbert's go-to for tacos and so much more. This affordable, family-run Mexican restaurant, going strong since 1989. Naturally, the tacos are first rate (try the pastor the chicharron verde and the grilled mahi mahi), but so are the shrimp culichi, shrimp endiablados and ceviche tostada. If there's still room: dreamy, creamy flan for dessert.
Nourish, 3 stars: Nourish's healthful, comfort-food fare takes dead aim at the gluten-free, lactose-intolerant and vegetarian crowd, with dishes like quinoa salad and raspberry apple pork tenderloin. Even the cocktails are organic.
Cornish Pasty Co., 4 stars: Dean Thomas, a native of Cornwall, takes the traditional Cornish pasty and turns it on its ear at his comfy, UK-inspired pubs in Mesa and Tempe. Fillings include everything from Philly cheesesteak to bangers and mash.
Bobbie's Cafe, 3.5 stars: Whether you opt for the classics or more healthful choices, Bobbie's offers surprises and quality and should definitely be on your breakfast radar.
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, 3.5 stars: With two locations in the Valley, Kabuki is a stylish restaurant and sushi bar with a classical menu of sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles and other Japanese favorites. Prices range from $1.95 to $21.95, making a customized menu easily affordable.
A Taste of the Caribbean, 4.5 stars: Paula Smith and her mother Cecily Fontanelle offer an authentic taste of the Caribbean at their simply furnished but cheery restaurant , where jerk, oxtail, curried goat and roti are available every day.
Marcellino Ristorante, 4.5 stars: Among the Valley's very best Italian restaurants, Marcellino Ristorante is notable for its homemade pasta, like rosemary-infused pappardelle with wild boar ragu. It also seems like the perfect fit for its new digs in Scottsdale.
Mr. Chao's Asia Bistro, 4.5 stars: Andy Tran, founder of China Chili, owns this small, stylish operation, offering quality meat and seafood in such memorable preparations as honey-pecan prawns, sesame chicken and Mongolian beef.
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, 4 stars: You don't have to be an expert to realize just how good the artisanal pizzas at Pomo Pizzeria are, with their thin, blistered crust, soft center and primo toppings. Outstanding appetizers and desserts, too.
Forefathers Gourmet Cheesesteaks & Fries, 3.5 stars: While they don't live up to cheesesteaks from Philadelphia, Forefathers' cheesesteaks are surely the best in the Valley. This simple, inexpensive Tempe spot gets the job done.
D'Vine Bistro & Wine Bar, 3.5 stars: Cluttered and cozy, this east Mesa wine bar offers a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, awesome wine flights, affordable snacks and a full menu. Live entertainment draws a local, fun-loving crowd.
Siracha Lounge, 3.5 stars: Housed in an historic Chandler building, Pan Asian restaurant and sushi bar Siracha Lounge is slick but comfortable, drawing a diverse crowd for its imaginative sushi rolls and affordable pad Thai, bulgogi, pho and orange chicken.
Wandering Horse Buffet, 3 stars: The weekend dinner buffet at Talking Stick Resort delivers a surprising amount of quality. Choose right, and you'll have no trouble getting your $24.95 worth of value.

Reviews courtesy of Arizona Central