The City of Surprise and its Economic Development Department conducts annual Surveys of its residents regarding their choice for the Top 10 Favorite Restaurants
with the most recent survey in 2023, and within just four weeks,
“More than 5,300 people responded – telling us their most-loved dining spots!”
TWO NEW RESTAURANTS MADE THE TOP 10 LIST IN 2023!
– Surprise City Survey
LIST of Top 10+Bonus Favorite Restaurants in Surprise, Arizona
1. Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House
Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House continues its #1 ranking from 2022 into 2023 as the Top Voted Restaurant, and it is a locally owned and operated Family Neighborhood Restaurant and Sports Bar located in Surprise, Arizona. Be sure to check out their Facebook Page for Bonfire’s latest events. And this location must be doing well, as the owners now have a 2nd location in Tempe, Arizona!
2. Rio Mirage Cafe
Rio Mirage remains #2 on our list of top votes for 2021, 2022, and 2023 and has been in the community now for over 20 years with two locations, one in Surprise, and the original location in the neighboring City of El Mirage. Rio Mirage recently purchased some land in Goodyear, Arizona for a planned 3rd location.
“Rio Mirage Cafe is an inviting destination for Familia and Amigos to enjoy amazing Sonoran style recipes handed down for generations.”
– More: About “Our Story” on Rio Mirage Website
A few years ago, local TV Station 12News did a “Must Eat Mondays: Rio Mirage Cafe” Video. It is always good to see the personality and the Chef’s for a restaurant, and this news report helps bring that out. We have been to both locations, and they are both good. Which one will become your FAVORITE?
3. Vogue Bistro
Vogue Bistro deserves to be on this list. They are such an asset to the community and definitely a regular Favorite location for many. Whether you have a special occasion, or are just meeting friends, this is a great place for both. They have very tasty entrees and if you prefer to just have a Burger or a cocktail, they have those too. Vogue Bistro features inside seating for dining and at the bar plus patio seating for dining which they keep comfortable when it is hot or cold outside.
Vogue Bistro’s Website “About” statement: “Vogue Bistro is a locally owned and operated restaurant serving some of the West Valley’s most amazing, delicious French-American style dishes in a comfortable, intimate environment. Our very inviting patio is perfect for any occasion: whether for a group celebration or a cozy dinner for two, or just enjoying the sunset over the White Tank Mountains with one of our designer martinis.”
– More About Vogue Bistro
Vogue Bistro and Bar is a long-time favorite in Surprise and we found that it also inspired the following review by West Valley Eats by Alan Kushmakov in a YouTube Video. Be sure to also check out the Vogue Bistro Great Looking Website for their menu and specials.
4. Saigon Kitchen
Saigon Kitchen is so good! When you first click on their website, you can see the owner Chef Dennis preparing food. Be sure to also check out their food critic reviews here. This is such a nice place.
Try their Shaken Beef on one of your visits… no matter what you order, you will be back… so good!
Saigon Kitchen is so nice, and they keep making it nicer as they expand into adjacent locations! If you have not been for a while, come back to see the most recent enhancements! Special Place!
5. The Toast Craft Kitchen & Cocktails – Established 2021
The Toast Craft Kitchen & Cocktails made the Top 10 List in 2022!
Our philosophy is quite simple: treat our guests like our family, serve great food and always exceed expectations.
This philosophy was born many years ago, when owner Emily Bromm opened her first sandwich shop in Wickenburg, Arizona. Only in her 20’s at the time, she shared her commitment to quality and a generosity of spirit with every guest who walked through the doors.
And so it continues today . . . a place to not only enjoy a spectacular meal, but also catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate family milestones. The TOAST is a place where you can take a moment, connect through real conversations and enjoy an exceptional meal with the important people in your life. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Emily, at The Toast Craft Kitchen & Cocktails
6. Oregano’s
Oregano’s made it back into the TOP 10 List for 2023. While Oregano’s did not make the 2022 TOP 10 List, it is a regular favorite of Surprise and ranked #9 on the 2021 Top Ten List.
7. Hurricane Grill & Wings
“Hurricane Grill & Wings located at 11340 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ is a Casual Dining Restaurant offering award-winning jumbo wings, 35+ sauces & a bar atmosphere overflowing with beers and cocktails. Think of Hurricane Grill & Wings as that easy-going, beach lifestyle in restaurant form.”
– More About Hurricane Grill & Wings Website
Website:
Address:
11340 West Bell Road
Ste. 104 Surprise
Phone:
(623) 583-7300
8. Angry Crab Shack
“Angry Crab Shack is located at 11340 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ next to #7 Ranked Hurricane Grill and is a Fun & Casual Dining Restaurant.
– More About Angry Crab Shack Website
9. Babbo Italian Eatery
Babbo is so popular in Surprise that they expanded into their own standalone location on Bell Road close to Sam’s Club. Babbo’s has a long time Special on Spaghetti and Meatballs all day every Monday and Tuesday. Check out their extensive MENU HERE. Be sure to click on the other categories after you have seen their salads menu.
About Babbo: “Babbo Italian Eatery, a locally-owned restaurant with 8 Valley locations, serves Italian classics and modern Italian-American cuisine.”
From Babbo Italian Eatery Website – see more here.
10. State 48 Brewery
State 48 Brewery is not the first restaurant owned by Mario Rana, but the location in Surprise was the first Brewery. The Rana Family also operates other Restaurant concepts in the valley including another one here in the “The Grand” formerly known as the “Sun City Grand” neighborhood called Angela’s Kitchen with indoor and outdoor seating located on the golf course.
The Brewery Concept has been successful enough that an additional 5 locations have been opened in just the past few years. Each one of the State 48 Brewery locations is a bit unique.
Arizona was the 48th of the 50 US States to be admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912.
The 6 State 48 Locations include:
- State 48 Brewery in Surprise on Bell Rd – 1st location!
- State 48 Lager House in Scottsdale on Hayden Rd
- State 48 Tap House in Gilbert on East Williams Field Rd
- State 48 DTPHX in Downtown Phoenix
- State 48 Rock House in Phoenix on Happy Valley Rd
- State 48 Funk House in Glendale at Westgate Entertainment District
(you get to see glimpses of the food while they discuss reopening after the pandemic shutdown)
2022 rankings CLICK HERE
2021 rankings CLICK HERE
BONUS – New / Must Mention Favorites (these were not listed on the current Survey, and they are in no particular ranking order).
11. Big Buddha Restaurant
Big Buddha Restaurant jumped onto the Top Ten List for 2022 and is so good, that Realtors take clients from out of town that are considering moving to Surprise, Arizona. The food is good, and Big Buddah calls their Dining Room: “The Temple of Great Chinese Food.” Their website looks good and includes their Menu and To Go Orders
12. Nicks Diner II
Come out to try Nick’s Diner II for their American Breakfasts, Greek, and Italian Dishes with homemade Soups and Sauces. This is a Favorite Restaurant for good reason. They opened their new larger standalone location next to the AMC Theaters several years ago. We have enjoyed every meal we have had there… and yes, you get to feel like family at this Diner! Don’t be “surprised” if you see the owner talking with the regulars and newcomers!
13. Jim’s Burgers and Eggs
Jim’s Burgers and Eggs is another Favorite in Surprise as it ranked #10 on the 2021 Favorites List as Voted by 5,172 Survey Participants.
Website:
Address:
7019 W Greenway Rd Suite 118 Surprise
Phone:
(623) 584-8833
14. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger was number 1 on the Survey List year after year of MOST DESIRED LOCATIONS until Surprise was successful in attracting an In-N-Out Burger to our City. It is located on the corner of Bell Road and Civic Center which leads straight to City Hall! Long Drive Through Lane but they are fast and worth the short wait!
In-N-Out Burger Secret Menu Items explained
For those that need to hear the catchy Commercial from 1987… here it is:
15. OverEasy
Over Easy just recently opened in Surprise. Their tagline is: “A Modern Twist of Breakfast and Lunch” and they are. They even have an interesting twist of a Hawaiian Dish called “Loko Moko” in which they have their own style of mushroom gravy. Anyone for a Daytime Cocktails during Breakfast?
There is also patio seating available at the Surprise location. So much good stuff that we are going to post their MENU HERE so you can see it for yourself. They even have take-out!
Our Story from their website:
“Over Easy® was founded in 2008 by celebrity Chef Aaron May and was immediately heralded as the best breakfast in Phoenix. Critics and customers alike were wowed by the made-from-scratch cooking and inviting atmosphere.
Over Easy has been featured on several popular national TV shows including the Food Network, Bon Appétit Magazine, Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, The List, and more.”
Read More – on their website
16. Dillon’s KC BBQ
Dillon’s KC BBQ has FOUR Nearby Locations
- Dillon’s Ranch located off Hwy 60 in Morristown (which is inside the Surprise, AZ Planning Area)
- Dillon’s Zoo located just 2 miles south of Surprise at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
- Dillon’s Bayou located north of Surprise at Lake Pleasant
- Dillon’s Arrowhead located east of Surprise
RODEO & LIVE MUSIC YouTube Video
at LAKE PLEASANT YouTube Video
17. Whataburger
Brand New Whataburger opened in Surprise, AZ after being on the Retail and Restaurant Survey most desired locations as voted by Surprise residents.
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY! – Located right in front of the COSTCO which is also new after being number 1 on the Surprise Retail Survey of most desired locations.
18. Barro’s Pizza
19. Ugly Tuna Sushi
“Ugly Tuna Sushi, in Surprise, AZ, is the premier restaurant serving Glendale, Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria and surrounding areas. We specialize in sushi rolls. For your next meal, visit Ugly Tuna Sushi in Surprise.”
About Us: uglytunasushi.com/# – click About
Check out the photos of their artistic and tasty food creations on their website and click imagery. They also have their menu and testimonials on the website.
20. Irish Wolfhound Pub
21. Uni Sushi & Steak
22. Burger King – Now 5 Locations in Surprise
Common joke on Social Media is that Surprise has a Burger King on every corner after recent location additions due to many customers showing up to eat.
And so many more…
Such as Salad-N-Go, Longhorn Steakhouse, Biscuits, Red Embers Grill, Tailgators, Haldi Indian Cuisine, and so many more… including many new restaurants starting to open in the Village at Prasada a new 700,00+ square foot restaurant and retail area of Surprise, Arizona near Loop 303 and Waddell Road.
The City of Surprise also Surveys Residents for the MOST DESIRED NEW DINING EXPERIENCE
The Most Recent Survey indicated that the most desired types of dining experience that they want to come to Surprise are:
- Unique Foodie Eats
- Fine Dining
- Eat-entertainment
The Survey then shows the NAMES of the TOP 10 Most Desired Restaurants
The Survey also lists the Top 10 Favorite Retailers and the Top 10 Most Desired Retailers
See More about Surprise Arizona on That Surprise “LIST”
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