Top 10 Restaurants in Surprise, Arizona Survey 5,785 Votes + Bonus List


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 April 2022, and within just four weeks,

“Over 5,000 people responded – telling us their most-loved dining spots!”

TWO NEW RESTAURANTS MADE THE TOP 10 LIST IN 2022!

– Surprise City Survey

LIST of Top 10+Bonus Favorite Restaurants in Surprise, Arizona

1. Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House

Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House is the 2022 Top Voted Restaurant and 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 have just opened their 2nd location in Tempe, Arizona!

YouTube video by Armando Gomez on the BONFIRE Craft Kitchen & Taphou

2. Rio Mirage Cafe

Rio Mirage remains #2 on our list of top votes for 2021 and 2022 and has been in the community now for over 20 years with two locations, one in Surprise, and the original location in El Mirage, our neighboring City.

“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
Rio Mirage YouTube Video by 12NEWS

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.

Vogue Bistro in a YouTube Video by West Valley Eats and

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 episode of PBS “Check Please!” on YouTube

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. 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 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:

  1. State 48 Brewery in Surprise on Bell Rd – 1st location!
  2. State 48 Lager House in Scottsdale on Hayden Rd
  3. State 48 Tap House in Gilbert on East Williams Field Rd
  4. State 48 DTPHX in Downtown Phoenix
  5. State 48 Rock House in Phoenix on Happy Valley Rd
  6. State 48 Funk House in Glendale at Westgate Entertainment District

ABC15 Arizona News Story on YouTube Featuring State 48
(you get to see glimpses of the food while they discuss reopening after the pandemic shutdown)

6. 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.
https://youtu.be/ab8HaR51Q6g
Babbo Italian Eatery YouTube Commercial

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

Address:

11340 West Bell Road

Ste. 104 Surprise

Hurricane Grill & Wings Franchise Video from YouTube

2023 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. Oregano’s

While Oregano’s did not make the 2022 TOP 10 List, it is still a favorite of Surprise and ranked #9 on the 2021 Top Ten List.

https://youtu.be/9YriluePb4o
2009 Oregano’s Pizza Bistro Video on YouTube
Review by SharkNoms – Oregano’s in Phoenix, Az – YouTube Video
https://youtu.be/YMviGYnX9V0
Stick with an Original – Oregano’s most viewed YouTube Video
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro Ad – Talk With Your Mouth Full YouTube Video

12. 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.

https://youtu.be/FUMeTzwOt04
Jim’s Burgers and Eggs 2013 YouTube Video

13. 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

Huell Howser – In N Out Burger Hidden Menu Video on YouTube

For those that need to hear the catchy Commercial from 1987… here it is:

https://youtu.be/_UUmpogN-RM
In-N-Out TV Ad (1987) on YouTube

14. 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

https://youtu.be/lHlJ9H_WgNg
2010 Over Easy Scottsdale on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives – YouTube Video

15. Dillon’s KC BBQ

Dillon’s KC BBQ has FOUR Nearby Locations

  1. Dillon’s Ranch located off Hwy 60 in Morristown (which is inside the Surprise, AZ Planning Area)
  2. Dillon’s Zoo located just 2 miles south of Surprise at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
  3. Dillon’s Bayou located north of Surprise at Lake Pleasant
  4. Dillon’s Arrowhead located east of Surprise
Dillon’s BBQ We have 4 ELITE, UNIQUE & MEMORABLE locations. – YouTube Video
Dillon’s BBQ OUTDOOR EVENT –
RODEO & LIVE MUSIC YouTube Video
2020 SHARK WEEK in the DESERT! 🦈 DILLON’S at WILDLIFE WOLRD ZOO – YouTube Video
2021 COUNTRY MUSIC WEEKEND
at LAKE PLEASANT YouTube Video

16. 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.

OutWhataburgered in Phoenix | The Rookie and the Regular 2019 YouTube Video

17. Barro’s Pizza

Barro’s Pizza, A Family Tradition YouTube Video

18. 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.

19. Irish Wolfhound Pub

20. Uni Sushi & Steak

21. Burger King – 4 Locations in Surprise

And so many more…

Such as Salad-N-Go, Longhorn Steakhouse, Biscuits, Reel Pizza Pies, Red Embers Grill, Tailgators, Uni Sushi and Grill, Haldi Indian Cuisine, and so many more…

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:

  1. Local Eatery / Brewery
  2. Fine Dining
  3. Unique Foodie Eats

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”

Recent Posts