Arizona restaurants earn national recognition in 2026

Details: 6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-219-9774, theindibar.com

Penelope Pizza

A Figgy Piggy — fig jam base, mozzarella, prosciutto, lemon Parmesan, balsamic drizzle and arugula — comes out of the oven at Tucson’s Penelope Pizza.

Kelly Presnell

Penelope Pizza in Tucson impressed the 50 Top Pizza inspectors with service and flavor. Two pizzas were shouted out. “Bubba stands out for its balance of garlic oil, pickled green onions, artichokes, mozzarella, arugula, ricotta, and lemon cheese,” 50 Top Pizza wrote. “The OTC is more indulgent, with red sauce, Ezzo cup & char pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, hot honey, and ricotta.”

Details: 800 N. Kolb Road, Tucson. 520-633-5571, penelopepizza.com.

Requinto

Requinto, a small Mexican pop-up brunch concept by chef Erick Pineda, who operates it at Linger Longer Lounge, was named one of the best brunches in the country by USA Today.

Details: Inside Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 N. 16th St., Phoenix. @requinto_phx on Instagram. lingerlongerlounge.com/food.

The Cork

The Cork opened in 1966 at 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road.  

Provided by The Cork

The Cork Tucson was named among the top 14 bars in the country in 2026, according to Esquire, for its friendly bartender and well-made, straightforward cocktails.

Details: 6320 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson. 520-296-1631, corktucson.com.

The Original Hamburger Works

The Original Hamburger Works, voted the best burger in Phoenix by readers in the 2026 Phoenix Burger Battle, was also named among the best burgers in America by USA TODAY.