With the first six months of 2008 in the books, it’s time for a mid-year look at the best restaurants that have opened in the East Valley. Despite our economic doldrums, it’s been a banner year. Here, no particular order, are the 10 new restaurants that have most impressed me, taking into consideration their respective categories and niches:

Humble Pie: This cozy pizzeria and wine bar (pictured above) at Hilton Village makes delicious 11-inch, wood-fired pizzas topped with locally produced meats and farm-fresh vegetables, complemented by wines and beers selected by co-owner Tom Kaufman (Rancho Pinot Grill). 6149 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 556-9900, humblepieusa.com.

Digestif: Restaurateur Peter Kasperski (Cowboy Ciao, Sea Saw, Kazimierz World Wine Bar) adds another jewel to his empire with this SouthBridge eatery, which sets chef Payton Curry’s rustic “Cal-Ital” menu to an indie music vibe. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 425-9463, digestifscottsdale.com.

Bar Tepo: This stylish yet casual New American eatery from Valley restaurateur Steve Short (Basis, Atlasta Catering) offers unusual treats, such as roasted artichoke and Boursin cheese puffs with a bacon fondue or brown suger Hoisin chicken tacos with mango salsa. 1652 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, (480) 633-0155, bartepo.com.

Fine’s Cellar: Michael Fine, founder of Sportsman’s Fine Wines & Spirits, started with a great wine list — also available in the barrel-vaulted restaurant’s retail shop — then tasked chef Cullen Campbell to create an all-day menu of gourmet sandwiches and entrees to match it. 7051 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, (480) 994-3463, finescellar.com.

Cork: Robert and Danielle Morris’ ambitious small-plates restaurant and wine bar in Ocotillo offers delicious nibbles of everything from lobster to pheasant to antelope to ostrich. Traditional-sized dishes are served for lunch and Sunday brunch. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773, corkrestaurant.net.

Roka Akor: Trendy London restaurant Roka chose Scottsdale for its first North American spinoff, where marinated meats, seafood and vegetables are cooked over oak charcoal on a large robata grill. Sushi and Japanese kitchen dishes also are available. 7299 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 306-8800, rokarestaurant.com.

Latitude Eight: Novice restaurateur David Fliger’s simple yet modern Thai grill is the latest gem in restaurant-rich downtown Chandler. The family-run eatery — Fliger’s mother oversees the kitchen — boasts a wonderful five-course tasting menu for a mere $13. 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 722-0560, latitude-eight.com.

Eddie’s House: Chef Eddie Matney’s first public foray into the East Valley presents his eclectic versions of American comfort foods in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Look for Matney bantering with guests and handing out samples nightly at the chef’s counter. 7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, (480) 946-1622, eddieshouseaz.com.

Bourbon Steak: Taking over the former space of the Fairmont Scottsdale resort’s well-regarded Marquesa, celebrity chef Michael Mina brings the American steakhouse into the 21st century with three tiers of beef, topped by a $175 Japanese “A5” Kobe New York strip. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 513-6002, michaelmina.net.

Culver’s: Yes, it’s a fast-food restaurnt. But this Wisconsin-based chain’s famous ButterBurgers — the buns are buttered, then toasted — are the epitome of fast-food burgers. Delightful frozen custard desserts cap off this guilty pleasure. 1909 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, (480) 733-5330, culvers.com.

Related links:
• View this story as a slideshow with photos of all 10 restaurants
• Review my top East Valley restaurants of 2007

Posted in: Chandler • Mesa • Scottsdale |

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