Spring training season is one of the most exciting times of the year for baseball fans, especially in Arizona, where 15 of the MLB’s 30 teams share 10 spring training stadiums during the Cactus League season, which lasts from Feb. 20 through March 24.
If you’re bored of stadium food and want to end your day at the ballpark on a high note, or if you’re visiting from out of town and looking for a restaurant recommendation near the action, look no further. The Republic recently released its list of 100 essential restaurants for 2026, and many of the beloved restaurants are within a few miles of spring training stadiums.
Here is your guide to essential restaurants that are within a 4-mile radius (or about a 10-minute drive or less) from every spring training stadium in Arizona.
Restaurants near American Family Fields of Phoenix
American Family Fields of Phoenix, located at 3805 N. 53rd Ave. in Phoenix, is the spring training home to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Birriería Obregón
If you’re craving authentic Sonoran flavors, you must visit Birriería Obregón, a place where the specialties include seafood, birria, tacos and bichis (birria broth) along with caguamanta (manta ray stew) and beef head. Don’t miss breakfast, served with handmade flour or corn tortillas. And to finish on a sweet note, try one of their traditional Mexican desserts.
Details: 2500 N. 35th Ave., Phoenix. More locations at birrieriaobregonaz.com.
— Nadia Cantú
Great Wall Cuisine
As one of the first places in the Valley to specialize in dim sum, Great Wall has been like “the Grand Central station of the Asian community,” as the daughter of the couple who have run it since 1992 described it to The Republic. The large restaurant has been the go-to spot for community gatherings, business meetings and celebrations within the metro Phoenix Chinese and Asian American community. On weekdays and weekends, the dining room buzzes with conversation as people of all ages enjoy dim sum. When I visit, I always order the egg noodles, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce and shrimp shu mai. Then, I get creative and mix it up, perhaps choosing their soft, sweet custard buns or the thick, spiced beef tripe. Just point and pick your own adventure from the array on the rolling carts.
Details: 3446 W. Camelback Road, #155, Phoenix. 602-973-1112, greatwallcuisineaz.com.
— Reia Li
Los Pinos Surf and Turf
Los Pinos serves the best grilled butterfly shrimp in the Valley. They come doused in butter, accompanied by a perfectly spicy salsa. This family-friendly restaurant echoes with cheerful music under the watchful eye of the taxidermy bulls on the wall. As the name implies, it’s the best place for Mexican surf and turf, from a filet mignon served with baked potato and asparagus to a hearty caldo de siete mares (seven seas soup). Wash it down with a michelada or their aguas frescas, which are natural and delicious. Live music on the weekend makes it feel like a party.
Details: 3618 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. lospinossurfandturfaz.com.
— Nadia Cantú
Restaurants near Camelback Ranch-Glendale
Camelback Ranch-Glendale, located at 10710 W. Camelback Road in Phoenix, is the spring training home of the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mis Nietos Cocina Mexican Food
Mis Nietos Cocina Mexican Food is a small, cozy and family-friendly restaurant that offers the best homemade Mexican breakfasts in the West Valley. Freshly made tortillas, natural aguas frescas and crafted coffees are diner favorites. Be sure to try the red chilaquiles, served with beans and eggs any style.
Details: 10575 W. Indian School Road, Avondale. mi-cocina-mexican-food.menu-world.com.
— Nadia Cantú
Restaurants near Goodyear Ballpark
Goodyear Ballpark, located at 1933 S. Ballpark Way in Goodyear, is spring training home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.
PoNy’s Miches
In just a few short years, Jose “Pony” Flores and his wife, Analiz Gonzalez, grew PoNy’s Miches from a humble food truck to a fan-favorite restaurant that earned the third most votes in The Republic’s Top Taco 2024 for Gonzalez’s Baja-style seafood tacos. PoNy’s is the place to go for ceviche, micheladas and Mexican shrimp cocktails.
Details: 725 S. Estrella Pkwy., Goodyear. PoNy’s Miches on Facebook.
– Eddie Fontanez
Restaurants near Hohokam Stadium
Hohokam Stadium, located at 1235 N. Center St. in Mesa, is the spring training home of The Athletics.
Tacos Chiwas
Tacos Chiwas, Armando Hernández and Nadia Holguín’s debut restaurant, is basically taco heaven. If you’re ever in the mood to try all the imaginable taco variants, this is your ideal destination. From barbacoa, carne asada, lengua and al pastor tacos, to gorditas filled with picadillo and carne deshebrada, plus vegetarian options, Tacos Chiwas offers an incredible array of options and flavors, served with their very own Chihuahuan twist.
Details: 127 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-590-7163. More locations at tacoschiwas.com.
— Paula Soria
Myke’s Pizza
To find the best wood fired pizza in the East Valley, you’ll have to take a trip to the Cider Corps taproom in downtown Mesa. On my first visit, I marveled at the hanging Army helmets repurposed as lamps at the bar, listened to the tune of Chick Corea’s jazzy piano and sent my taste buds into overjoyed overdrive with one bite of the melt in your mouth blend of mozzarella, provolone and gouda cheeses and the savory-sweet sensation of the crushed tomato sauce on my pie. Whether you’re daring enough to try such adventurous creations as the butternut squash or chorizo and olive pizzas, or you stick with a traditional pepperoni pizza, the high-quality and flavorful ingredients will ensure it’s an experience you want to repeat as often as possible.
Details: 31 S. Robson, Suite 103, Mesa. 480-687-8526, mykespizza.com.
— Michael Salerno
Restaurants near Peoria Sports Complex
Peoria Sports Complex, located at 16101 N. 83rd Ave. in Peoria, is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
Fabio on Fire Pizzeria Italiana
Cozy is the first word that comes to mind when you first enter Fabio on Fire Pizzeria Italiana. Then the food arrives and that’s all you’ll be able to think about. Housemade bread in no time. You might end up ordering a second basket. Yes, it’s that good. But save room for other starters, like burrata with roasted tomatoes and pesto. Sharp basil gives life to the perfectly creamy burrata and the tomatoes add a warm acidity. Then move on to the main event, the pizza pies, with the likes of the Bianca Parma topped with arugula, parmesan and prosciutto. Every element holds its own and together they are more than the sum of their parts. Not unlike this charming, delicious restaurant.
Details: 8275 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria. 623-680-5385, fabioonfire.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
Restaurants near Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, located at 7555 N. Pima Road in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale, is the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
Andreoli Italian Grocer
When you walk into Andreoli’s it feels like you’re entering someone’s home, not a restaurant. The cozy space has family photos papering the walls, rustic tables and chairs and a cute patio perfect for dining under the stars. But the real star is the food. The menu is filled with Italian classics like cured meats and cheeses; massive sandwiches served on focaccia and pasta options ranging from delicate potato gnocchi to hearty rigatoni. Plus, the dessert case is always filled with delectable fresh cannoli, cakes and pastries.
Details: 8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. 480-614-1980, andreoli-grocer.com.
— Meredith G. White
Il Bosco Pizza
Il Bosco Pizza was named the best pizza in Phoenix by The Republic’s readers in a 2025 pizza poll, and I can’t think of a more deserving choice. Shortly after the pizza poll, I took my partner on a date to Il Bosco’s downtown Phoenix location and we completely devoured a wood-fired mushroom pizza and caprese salad. Even the gluten-free crust, made from a combination of tapioca and rice flour, is the perfect blend of soft, doughy edges and a crusty bottom.
Details: 7120 E. Becker Lane, Scottsdale. 480-335-8680. More locations at ilboscopizza.com.
— Eddie Fontanez
Indibar
Indibar is fun and a little loud and totally unexpected. Think fine dining but not pretentious. The chefs took Indian sauces and curries and paired them with elevated proteins and presentations with much success. I’m not going to recommend specific dishes because the chefs here execute everything well, just follow your bliss and have fun. If you order lunch for delivery, it will come in metal tiffins. Utterly charming. A recently added 10-course tasting menu offers its own unique journey and beverage pairing. Not your usual night out.
Details: 6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-219-9774, theindibar.com.
— Bahar Anooshahr
The Stand
The Stand is a tiny, roadside food tent in the Salt River Pima Community near Scottsdale. It may not look like much from outside, but The Stand has been serving some of the best fry bread tacos in metro Phoenix for over 20 years. Just follow the smell of fresh-baked bread and warm chili to owner Mick Washington’s front yard, where familiar neighbors and curious visitors alike line up fry bread topped with red chili, green chili or beans and cheese, even in the heat of the Arizona summer.
Details: 3996 N. Alma School Road, near Scottsdale. 480-519-1108, The Stand on Facebook.
– Eddie Fontanez
Restaurants near Sloan Park
Sloan Park, located at 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, is the spring training home to the Chicago Cubs.
Mekong Palace
Mekong Palace was one of the original restaurants that opened with Mekong Plaza in 2008. Since then, the plaza has gone from nearly empty to a bustling hub for Asian food, and the dim sum restaurant has played no small part in that. The large, open space is filled with intergenerational families chatting over steaming cups of jasmine tea. Aunties with impeccably neat hairstyles zip between tables touting an array of dim sum on their carts. On a recent visit, one proudly pointed out the shrimp shu mai and the tofu roll stuffed with mushrooms and bamboo that she’d hand-rolled herself. It’s the kind of place you can sit and talk with a friend for hours, savoring bite after bite of creamy egg tarts.
Details: 66 S. Dobson Road, Suite 120, Mesa. 480-962-0493, mekongpalace.com.
— Reia Li
Jin BBQ
If you’re searching for good Korean BBQ, then Jin BBQ is the place for you. Not only do you get plenty of meat options to choose from (everything from bulgogi to marinated short ribs and sliced brisket) but your meal comes with unlimited banchan (small side dishes) like corn with cheese, steamed eggs, kimchi, macaroni salad and more. The staff are super friendly and frequently replace the grill with a clean one. There’s plenty of other things to order off the menu, too, like a seafood pancake the size of your head, kimchi stew or fried rice.
Details: 111 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. 480-687-2124, jinbbq.com.
— Meredith G. White
Shaanxi Garden
We should all be grateful that the Valley has a restaurant like Shaanxi Garden. It specializes in the cuisine of northwestern China, which is known for its noodles and the use of lamb and cumin, thanks to its historic position on the Silk Road. Shaanxi Garden’s handmade thick, chewy noodles are the stuff of dreams. I drool over their cumin biang biang noodles with lamb. They’re also one of the few places in the Valley where you can find malatang, a spicy, creamy Sichuan soup. Our Chinese food scene is all the richer for a gem like Shaanxi Garden.
Details: 67 N. Dobson Road, #109, Mesa. 480-733-8888. @shaanxigarden on Instagram.
— Reia Li
Restaurants near Scottsdale Stadium
Scottsdale Stadium, located at 7408 E. Osborn Road in Scottsdale, is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants.
DeFalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery
Fulfilling a craving for just about any type of Italian specialty or sandwich leads me to DeFalco’s. The family-owned Scottsdale institution, with a menu based on family recipes passed down for a century, continues to be packed with diners old and young for everything from pizza and pasta to cheesesteaks and homemade sausage sandwiches. Consider getting a sweet treat from the dessert case, like their New York style cheesecake. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Details: 2334 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 480-990-8660, defalcosdeli.com.
— Michael Salerno
FnB
FnB is an essential restaurant for multiple reasons. In a state where cattle is one of five major economic drivers, James Beard Award-winning chef and co-owner Charleen Badman champions vegetables in her restaurant, and has been since long before it was common or cool to do so. The inventive, vegetable-forward menu earned her a James Beard award for Best Chef Southwest in 2019. She still procures local products whenever possible, including Arizona wine, such as Los Milics, her business partner Pavle Milic’s winery. Her contributions go beyond the walls of her restaurant. Badman launched The Blue Watermelon Project in 2017, recruiting Valley chefs to improve school lunches and teach children farm-to-table cooking. She’s a true icon of Arizona dining and so’s her restaurant.
Details: FnB, 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. 480-284-4777, fnbrestaurant.com.
– Bahar Anooshahr
Restaurants near Surprise Stadium
Surprise Stadium, located at 15850 N. Bullard Ave. in Surprise, is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.
Rito’s Mexican Food
Family-owned Rito’s Mexican Food first opened in 1977 inside the home of Rosemary and Rito Salinas. Now, the business has grown to a Mexican restaurant empire with four locations in the Valley. Rito’s is most famous for its signature green chili burritos, made with diced beef cooked in green sauce with green chili, jalapenos, tomatoes and onions in a flour tortilla. They’re so good, they won the Burrito Bracket in 2023.
Details: 15643 N. Reems Road, Surprise. 907 N. 14th St., Phoenix. 602-262-9842. Other locations at ritosmexicanfood.com.
— Eddie Fontanez
Restaurants near Tempe Diablo Stadium
Tempe Diablo Stadium, located at 2200 W. Alameda Drive in Tempe, is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Chuckbox
A half-pound cheeseburger, fries and a drink for less than $20 seems unthinkable in today’s economy. But Arizonans can find this unbeatable bargain if they order the Great Big One at The Chuckbox, an old-school burger joint near the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, which has been open since 1972. Aside from being reasonably priced, the burgers are phenomenal. Mesquite grilled to perfection, they pair well with the unlimited ketchup, pickles, onions and jalapeños from the condiment bar. The Arizona Republic readers chose well when they crowned The Chuckbox the winner of our best burger poll in 2024. Make sure to bring cash, they don’t take credit cards.
Details: 202 E. University Drive, Tempe. 480-968-4712, thechuckbox.com.
— Michael Salerno
Cafe Lalibela
This family-run establishment was one of Arizona’s first Ethiopian restaurants when it opened in 1996, serving traditional Ethiopian fare made from owner Anibal Abayneh’s mother’s recipes in a welcoming environment that celebrates the culture. If you’re into sharing food with friends, this is a perfect place to do just that while sampling much of what the menu has to offer by ordering a platter and digging in with your injera, the spongy Ethiopian bread that’s used as a utensil. The Lalibela Deluxe, a combination platter whose highlights range from doro wat (spicy chicken stew) to fosolia (a dish made with green beans and carrots) is recommended for parties of two, but it could just as easily serve three or four.
Details: 849 W. University Dr., Tempe. 480-829-1939, cafelalibela.com.
— Ed Masley
Casey Moore’s Oyster House
Casey Moore’s Oyster House has been an iconic hangout spot near ASU for generations. But you don’t need to be in college to enjoy a late-night order of raw oysters or steamed clams. Even if seafood isn’t your thing, Casey Moore’s also offers a large menu of burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. There are over a dozen beers on tap and even more whiskey. Local legend suggests the bar is haunted, but that has never stopped me from enjoying a game on the TVs. Still, the patio remains my favorite place to spend hours on a cool autumn night, sharing appetizers and conversation with friends.
Details: 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe. 480-968-9935, caseymoores.com.
— Eddie Fontanez
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.