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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in East Valley

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in East Valley? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Sea & Smoke restaurant
4.8
4.8 (697)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Chandler
About the restaurant
Utilizing the Marine Stewardship Council and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, we're committed to bringing responsible sourced seafood of the highest quality to our Chandler community. By supporting and building relationships with local farmers, our goal is for the menu to constantly evolve, offering sustainable seafood at a great value to guests.
Top review
BethVIP
Dined 6 days ago
What a great find this restaurant was! After living n the east valley for ten years we were told about this restaurant by friends. We were very impressed with everything. I would advise that the inside dining area is a little nosier because of the music the jazz plays. However, the music is good. Food and cocktails were marvelous. We dined outside and it was perfect. The heaters helped with the cool weather. Staff was quite attentive. White table cloths on the table which we miss seeing at other restaurants we visit. This place is on our return list!
A photo of Thirsty Lion – Tempe, AZ restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1219)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Tempe
About the restaurant
Offering gastropub fare and from-scratch cooking with a culinary commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, the food is both craveable and bold. At the bar, a wide range of local craft beers are available, an option for every palate and plate. Craft cocktails are made with fresh fruit purees, juices, and premium liquors, while wines come in 25 varieties. Enjoy your lunch, dinner, daily happy hour or weekend brunch craft brew while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, central bar and a patio that soaks up the sun. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or lunch with the whole office, Thirsty Lion is the perfect destination for any party size, including large groups and events.
Top review
Carmen
Dined on Jan 26, 2025
So fun! This place offers a wide variety of different types of foods. We all sampled six different entrees and two desserts. Wonderful food, very tasty. No leftovers!
A photo of The Patio & Grille at Las Sendas restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1687)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Mesa
About the restaurant
The Patio and Grille at Las Sendas, located just off Loop 202, in Northeast Mesa, is the perfect location to watch the sunset! With beautiful valley views and live entertainment nightly, we invite you to enjoy an evening with us. Check out our new winter menu along with daily specials and favorites. We offer an extensive list of spirits, great beers on draft, craft cocktails and over 165 wines to choose from.

We're proud to be an OpenTable Diners' Choice winner for 2024!

Top review
Gord
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic meal, excellent service, with lovely background entertainment all while watching the sun set over the valley. It doesn’t get any better!
A photo of VinciTorio's Restaurant restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2119)
$31 to $50
Italian
Tempe
About the restaurant
For more than 20 years Mario and Ginger Vincitorio have captured the essence of a neighborhood Italian restaurant. With fresh pasta hand made daily and nearly 200 premier wines to choose from, Vincitorio's has established itself as the place to be to experience an authentic Italian tradition.

From our roots in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, Mario Vincitorio was born and raised in the ancient hilltop town of Rignano (ren-yahno). Vincitorio's believes in traditional Italian meals that inspire warm and enthusiastic conversation. Thank you for sharing in our rich history of food, family, and friends.

Top review
KathleenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
We had a lovely evening and were blessed to have Brad as our waiter. He did an amazing job as usual and is such a delight to chat and so kind to all.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Gilbert restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2462)
$30 and under
American
Gilbert
About the restaurant
At Culinary Dropout, raise your glass to friends coming together. A place where food and music are life. Join us at happy hour for ice cold beer and our famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. At dinner, a signature cocktail and slow braised 36-hour pork ribs are a perfect pair. While you and your crew enjoy damn good food and drinks, a local band plays live for great vibes. Come hang out and stay a while.
Top review
Edward
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, great staff and overall great experience
A photo of Culinary Dropout at the Yard - Tempe restaurant
4.5
4.5 (3653)
$30 and under
American
Tempe
About the restaurant
At Culinary Dropout, raise your glass to friends coming together. A place where food and music are life. Join us at happy hour for ice cold beer and our famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. At dinner, a signature cocktail and slow braised 36-hour pork ribs are a perfect pair. While you and your crew enjoy damn good food and drinks, a local band plays live for great vibes. Come hang out and stay a while.
Top review
KristinaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food. Quick service. Need reservations as it can get busy.
A photo of The Forum Lounge restaurant
4.4
4.4 (24)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Chandler
About the restaurant
Revel in the lavish and alluring ambiance of the Forum Lounge, a trendy 21 and over sanctuary tucked away in the East Valley. This upscale haven is a well-guarded secret, offering a taste of Las Vegas-style glamour right in your backyard.

Our mission was clear: to craft a trendy, hip lounge where top-tier entertainment, exquisite cocktails, delicious food, intimate surroundings, and unparalleled service come together to redefine the nightlife experience in the East Valley.

Whether you're seeking an enchanting evening of live music, a high energy band with incredible sound and light system, a fun night out with friends or VIP table service. Discover the Forum Lounge for an unforgettable nightlife experience that is unique to the Valley!

Top review
Lidia
Dined 7 days ago
Always a great time great music great food perfect ambiance. I’ll be there again in the future!
A photo of Three Thirty Three Restaurant restaurant
4.4
4.4 (286)
$50 and over
Contemporary Asian
Tempe
About the restaurant
Intimate dining experience that showcases classic elegance with a contemporary twist. Three Thirty Three offers bold flavors, craft cocktails, and an elegant atmosphere for unforgettable dining experience.
Top review
Maja
Dined 1 day ago
100/10 recommend, such a cute place with AMAZING food! Loved the ambience, I felt like  royalty from the moment I walked up to those doors. Very elegant, pricey but so worth it! I will definitely be coming back!
A photo of Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert restaurant
4.1
4.1 (305)
$30 and under
American
Gilbert
About the restaurant
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row is an American Gastropub unlike any other. In a crowded industry, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row stands out with award winning food and drinks, exhilarating nightlife, and a rock & roll attitude inspired by Dierks Himself. Whether you join us for happy hour, enjoy live acoustic music during our Backyard Brunch, or jam out and dance the night away with our live bands on the weekends, Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row has something for everyone.
Top review
KathyVIP
Dined 4 days ago
We attended on a Monday night with a reservation for four. The sign was posted to wait to be seated with no one at the host station and a server difficult to find. It turned out there was one server in duty that evening; she was very cordial, extremely busy and apologetic. We were pleased with our food orders and drinks. Not her fault, but service was slow and we had to track her down to pay our bill, as the bartender could not close out our tab. The place is probably busy on the weekends. Our first experience here was not a great one.
A photo of Origen restaurant
4.1
4.1 (102)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Gilbert
About the restaurant
Origen Steakhouse is where tradition meets innovation, blending Yucatán flavors with a modern twist in an upscale setting. Located in Gilbert, Arizona, Origen offers a culinary journey inspired by authentic Mexican roots and reimagined for the modern palate. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and expert preparation, Origen presents a dining experience that’s both familiar and exciting, with dishes crafted to leave a lasting impression. Whether it's the signature Picanha Al Churrasco or carefully curated cocktails, each detail reflects our dedication to exceptional service and unforgettable flavors.







Top review
Wendy
Dined on Jan 30, 2025
Sebastian greeted us when I walked into inquiring about a HANDICAP entrance. He took us around to their gorgeous patio where Ray was soo able to enter. WOW ‼️🎈❤️. Absolutely LOVED every single view of this NEWEST GEM 🎈🎈🎈 Outstanding wait staff and the FOOD was delicious too ❤️💕❤️. We look forward to many future adventures at Origen🎈🎈🎈
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