25 Foodie Favorites in the Sonoran Desert

From wind-shaped caves and saguaro cacti to rocky canyons and incredible sunsets, Mesa, Arizona is known for its stunning desert landscape. What some might not be aware of, is how big its food scene is. With a bounty of locally sourced ingredients from nutrient-rich farm lands and an endless array of talented chefs pushing the boundaries of seasonal cuisine, this region serves as a culinary gateway to both Phoenix and Scottsdale, as well as the surrounding farms and agritourism attractions.

From an olive mill and peach orchard, to citrus groves and Arizona-style BBQ, visitors can look forward to food-focused experiences along what is referred to as Mesa's Fresh Foodie Trail, which goes through the city and into the neighboring towns.

Head to Jalapeno Bucks, a funky local favorite, for Mexican soul food and Arizona-style barbecue. Situated in the middle of a flourishing orange grove, this unique Mesa gem smokes incredibly tender brisket, pulled pork and ribs. While the red and green chile burritos are a staple, you need to try the smoked brisket sandwich. And if you're feeling adventurous, order it peanut butter and jelly style!

The goal of Agritopia is to preserve urban agriculture, while integrating it into a planned community that celebrates farming and the agricultural tradition. On these 166 acres of farmland you can find incredible dinning at one of Agritopia's restaurants, cafes and breweries that use the farm's organic goods when possible. Be sure to check out Barnone where you can shop from Arizona's top artisanal makers that range from woodworkers to winemakers.

Within Agritopia is Fire & Brimstone, a restaurant that prides itself on its wood-fire cuisine and innovative pizzas. Using locally sourced ingredients from the farm, this restaurant draws out their best flavors by cooking over open flames. Try the signature Fire and Brimstone pizza with spicy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, jalapeños, house-made merguez sausage and cilantro.

Operated by winemakers Todd and Kelly Bostock, Garage-East is passionate about fermented fruit drinks. This micro-winery is making a name for itself thanks to its experimentation with creating wines from varying fruits at different stages of the fermentation process.

Since 1985 this Arizona staple has been serving up award-winning family recipes for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Each week over 8000 eggs are transformed in to endless omelet creations. Other made-from-scratch favorites include their famous "English Toast" of fresh-baked cinnamon bread dipped in custard-rich batter or crab stuffed pastries.

Postino is a restaurant that offers 2,500 square feet of both indoor and outdoor seating in a former 1940's brick post office. With 36 unique wines and tasty dishes that range from a variety of bruschetta to soups, salads and paninis such as the Nine Iron with sugar cured smoked bacon layered with grilled chicken, it's a relaxed restaurant with a lively ambiance.

Head to Liberty Market, a restaurant that's situated in an historic building that dates back to 1935, for classics with an innovative touch. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this local favorite offers weekly and weekend specials that highlight the best of seasonal fare. With an espresso bar, house made pastries and wood-fired pizza, whatever you're craving can be found here.

For top-notch farm-to-table dining in a tranquil, setting take a seat in the sunshine at one of The Farm's several dining options which include the Morning Glory Café for a home cooked breakfast, The Farm Kitchen for a seasonally inspired lunch or Quiessence for contemporary American fare.

This family owned company is Arizona's only working olive farm and mill. The 100-acre property is home to over 7,000 olive trees, making for a special experience for guests interested how virgin olive oil is made. While at Queen Olive Mill, enjoy the gourmet marketplace which is home to a huge variety of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, locally made desserts, an Italian eatery, in-house roastery and even products for the home and body at the OliveSpa.

Beer drinkers will love the hand-crafted brew and food at Mother Bunch Brewing. Ran by husband-and-wife duo Julie Meeker and Jimmie McBride, this microbrewery whips up shared plates such as wings, pei mussels, loaded potato skins and beer mac and cheese, as well as, salads and burgers.

From U-Pick gardens, to fresh pies ranging from signature peach to classics like apple and strawberry rhubarb to treats from the Country Store, Schneph Farms is a foodie's dream. Stop by the Farm Café for the freshest breakfast and lunch items that feature the farm's produce and goods.

If you're looking for inspired, healthy fare in a trendy, hip atmosphere, True Food Kitchen is it. With a menu crafted in part by physician Dr. Andrew Weil, the food here is both tasty and good for you and satisfying. This popular eatery features health-driven, seasonal cuisine, along with fresh pressed juices, seasonal cocktails and mixed-tea refreshers.

For a truly unforgettable outdoor dining experience, book a dinner event with Cloth & Flame, a company that curates unique, chef-prepared meals in the wilderness of the West Coast. How awesome does a three course dinner under-the-stars in the Sedona desert with sweeping views of the Superstition Mountains sound? Exactly.

This fun camping-themed restaurant features nostalgic design elements such as tire swing seats at the bar, skee-ball and shuffleboard games and the 'Happy' Camper that sells Camp Social merchandise. The menu features creative, all-American fare including burgers, pizzas, entrées and desserts like s'mores and mud pie.

Situated on a former 1920's citrus farmstead and 1950's citrus nursery, Luci's at the Orchard is a delightful neighborhood market and café that serves everything from sandwiches and all-day breakfast to homemade gelato at Splurge. This lively, family-orientated spot also features a marketplace that sells a range of boutique items such as candles and artisan soaps.

This romantic, upscale restaurant at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort features stunning, panoramic views of the Phoenix desert landscape and city lights. The AAA Four-Diamond award winning Different Pointe Of View features a menu of American classics such as poached Maine lobster and diver scallops and coffee brown sugar short ribs. In addition, it offers a wine list that features over 500 selections.

Kai at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is the only AAA Five Diamond/Forbes Five Star in Arizona and offers a menu of Native American inspired cuisine. The influence of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes can be tasted in dishes such as the Fly South with cocoa and mesquite cured duck breast and blue corn tamale and the Wild Boar and Mangalitsa Belly fractured pima wheat berries.

For Latin American comfort food check out downtown Mesa's Republica Empanada. Its selection of over 20 authentic empanadas, ranging from sweet to savory, is the largest in the state. Try house favorites arroz con pollo or the cubano empanada which is filled with slow-cooked shredded pork, ham, mozzarella cheese and pickles.

For a taste of Hawaii head to Aloha Kitchen where you can try out a variety of traditional, Hawaiian dishes that include island-style saimin noodles, teriyaki chicken, breaded cutlets and more, all served with steamed rice and macaroni-potato salad or greens.

For a hearty Italian meal, head to family-owned Ristorante Giuseppe in Scottsdale. Get ready to fill up on classics like lasagna, chicken cacciatore or baked ziti. Specials include an indulgent veal pasta, as well as, Pasta Alex, which is pasta in a cardinal and pesto combination sauce with roasted garlic and spicy, Italian sausage. Don't leave until you've tried one of their homemade desserts-you can't go wrong with the flourless chocolate cake or tiramisu.

This casual dining spot serves seasonal cuisine, of which many ingredients are sourced from the nearby farmer's market. The Phoenix Public Market Café menu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers sandwiches, salads and bowls, as well as, vegetarian-, vegan- and daily-free-friendly dishes.

This cozy downtown Mesa eatery is known for its incredible range of artisanal, handmade sandwiches. Worth Takeaway's popular items include the crispy chicken with house made pickles and Sriracha honey and the Italian grinder with salami, mortadella, coppa and fontina.

This Phoenix restaurant boasts some of the best Mexican food in the country thanks to multi-time James Beard nominated Chef Silvana Salcido's culinary talents. Be sure to try out Barrio Café's signature dishes cochinita pibil, chiles en nogada, chef's tableside guacamole and churro rellenos.

Whether you're craving crispy or street style tacos, CRUjiente Tacos has you covered. This inventive eatery offers starters like grilled street corn and ceviche, while the variety of tacos ranges from pork belly with kimchi to a Texas wagyu steak to tempura avocado. Wash your tacos down with one of their famed margaritas.

Cool off with some handcrafted ice cream from Sweet Republic. Made with local ingredients and unique recipes, flavors include rhubarb crumble, blue cheese and dates, almond butterscotch and strawberry buttermilk, as well as classics such as Belgian chocolate and real mint chip.