Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, 3.5 stars

With two locations in the Valley, Kabuki is a stylish restaurant and sushi bar with a classical menu of sushi, sashimi, tempura, noodles and other Japanese favorites. Prices range from $1.95 to $21.95, making a customized menu easily affordable.

A Taste of the Caribbean, 4.5 stars

Paula Smith and her mother Cecily Fontanelle offer an authentic taste of the Caribbean at their simply furnished but cheery restaurant , where jerk, oxtail, curried goat and roti are available every day.

Marcellino Ristorante, 4.5 stars

Among the Valley's very best Italian restaurants, Marcellino Ristorante is notable for its homemade pasta, like rosemary-infused pappardelle with wild boar ragu. It also seems like the perfect fit for its new digs in Scottsdale.

Mr. Chao’s Asia Bistro, 4.5 stars

Andy Tran, founder of China Chili, owns this small, stylish operation, offering quality meat and seafood in such memorable preparations as honey-pecan prawns, sesame chicken and Mongolian beef.

Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, 4 stars

You don't have to be an expert to realize just how good the artisanal pizzas at Pomo Pizzeria are, with their thin, blistered crust, soft center and primo toppings. Outstanding appetizers and desserts, too.

Forefathers Gourmet Cheesesteaks & Fries, 3.5 stars

While they don't live up to cheesesteaks from Philadelphia, Forefathers' cheesesteaks are surely the best in the Valley. This simple, inexpensive Tempe spot gets the job done.

D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar, 3.5 stars

Cluttered and cozy, this east Mesa wine bar offers a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, awesome wine flights, affordable snacks and a full menu. Live entertainment draws a local, fun-loving crowd.

Siracha Lounge, 3.5 stars

Housed in an historic Chandler building, Pan Asian restaurant and sushi bar Siracha Lounge is slick but comfortable, drawing a diverse crowd for its imaginative sushi rolls and affordable pad Thai, bulgogi, pho and orange chicken.

Wandering Horse Buffet, 3 stars

The weekend dinner buffet at Talking Stick Resort delivers a surprising amount of quality. Choose right, and you'll have no trouble getting your $24.95 worth of value.

La Piazza Al Forno, 4 stars

La Piazza Al Forno has been turning out wood-fired pizza and pasta in Glendale's historic district since 2007. It has received much acclaim, great customer response and was featured on the Food Network's ''Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.''

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