Nook evokes images of a cozy place to sit back and relax with a hearty plate of comfort food. Fortunately, that's exactly what you'll find at this Arcadia eatery, tucked away in the Gas Light shopping center. The menu has everything from light cafe fare to hearty Mediterranean dinners. For starters, try the excellent poutine house fries, served with beef gravy and mozzarella curd. The restaurant also serves a variety of unique bruschettas, including a short rib variety featuring a mushroom duxelle and port demi reduction. Dinner entrees include a savory filet, savory halibut tacos, and a creamy pasta crepe. Gourmet pizzas, excellent desserts, and a winning wine menu make this the perfect destination for a special occasion dinner or date night.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Nook offers gourmet Italian fare and pizza, including several gluten-free options that are clearly labeled on the menu.
Patricia's expert tip: Don't miss the chocolate salami dessert.
"You don't have to be a die-hard Yogi to dine at True Food Kitchen," is the house motto at True Food Kitchen in Scottsdale. Even if you don't consider yourself a health nut or foodie connoisseur, chances are you'll find something to love on the eclectic (and healthy) menu. True Food Kitchen has built a menu based on the principles of anti-inflammatory eating, where food is used to repair the damage caused by the daily stress of living. That doesn't mean the food is not delicious. Take a bite out of the Turkey Lasagna, which is stuffed with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and organic tomato. The eclectic menu also includes gluten-free pizzas, salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes and more. There's also a long list of nutrient-rich smoothies and fine wines.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: True Food Kitchen specializes in anti-inflammatory dishes designed for the health-conscious diner, and the menu features several gluten-free options.
Patricia's expert tip: Looking for a healthy brunch? Indulge in the weekend tradition - without pigging out - at True Food Kitchen.
This regional chain specializes in wholesome, hearty and delicious pizza made with the finest organic ingredients. Most of the ingredients on the menu are locally sourced, and the restaurant only serves hormone-free and nitrate-free meats. Over 90 percent of the menu is suitable for gluten-intolerant diners. There's even a small selection of gluten-free beer. But whether you have dietary restrictions or not, Picazzo's Organic Kitchen has a menu that's built to please. Try Nonna's Favorite, which comes topped with locally made Queen Creek olive oil, garlic, Fontina, mushroom, tomato, goat cheese, Kalamata olives, basil and mozzarella.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Picazzo's Organic Italian Kitchen serves authentic, fresh pizza that doesn't skimp on flavor, with gluten-free crusts available.
Patricia's expert tip: Start with a baked portobello mushroom cap, which comes stuffed with herb-seasoned ricotta, Fontina cheese, spinach with a splash of fig balsamic vinegar.
Desert Roots Kitchen is a vegan and vegetarian cafe tucked away in a colorful alley in downtown Tempe. Chef and owner Leslie Robin, a vegan for more than a decade, dishes out hearty and delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. The menu changes frequently but often features pasta salads, rice and bean dishes, vegetarian tamales, vegetarian chili, soups, mixed greens, hummus, and an array of vegetarian deli items. Deli meals are prepared and ready for voracious diners. Only covered outdoor seating available, but there's plenty of shade to be had for an enjoyable, healthy and delicious lunch.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Desert Roots Kitchen caters to diners looking for fresh, healthy and delicious menu items.
Patricia's expert tip: Desert Roots Kitchen also caters to guests with gluten, soy, and nut allergies.
Delicious meets nutritious at this Chandler-area gem. Healthy, wholesome, yet still delectable, brunch and lunch selections are artfully created and served using only the highest quality ingredients. Try the Breakfast Burrito, made with your choice egg or tofu, seasonal veggies, harvest hash, anasazi beans, vegan or cheddar cheese and then wrapped in a spinach tortilla and served with the house salsa. French toast is an art here, and the a selection of fresh baked goods is available for you to take home. If greasy breakfasts are not your thing, head to the Pomegranate Cafe, where flavor and quality combine for a perfect first meal.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The Pomegranate Cafe is a family-run vegan gourmet cafe with lots of options for gluten-sensitive diners.
Patricia's expert tip: Sweet-tooths should try the Berry Pepita French Toast.
La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria is one of Phoenix's most popular grocery, cafe, breakfast bar and pizzeria. The pizzas here are sumptuous and unique, hand-crafted with the freshest ingredients available. Try "The Fallen Angel," made with schreiner's sausage, shaved fennel, roasted peppers, premium cheese and red sauce. Craving a spicy pie? Try "The Rocket Man," featuring spicy red fresno chiles, broccolini, roasted peppers, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You can even create your own specialty pizza from the wide selection of fresh veggies, meats and cheeses. "LGO," as it is known to locals, is quite popular, so be prepared for a short wait.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: La Grande Orange is one of the city's best-loved markets and pizzerias, featuring several gluten-free options.
Patricia's expert tip: Most pizzas can be made vegan.
This award-winning, family-owned pizza chain is a local favorite. Ken and Elaine Spinato, natives of Chicago, brought the deep dish goodness of the Windy City to the Valley of the Sun back in 1974, and Spinato's Pizzeria has been a local legend ever since. Made-from-scratch pizzas and a warm, homey atmosphere have made this a favorite place for families to enjoy a delicious specialty pie. Try one of the menu favorites, Mamma Spinato's "Signature" Fresh Spinach pizza, crafted from fresh baby spinach carefully marinated in Mamma Spinato's 'Secret Seasonings' sauce, then baked with fresh roma tomatoes and diced garlic to give it that extra kick of taste.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Spinato's is a smart option for gluten-sensitive diners who want to indulge in pizza. The menu offers plenty of gluten-free pies.
Patricia's expert tip: Salads, appetizers, sandwiches, pastas and other Italian specialties are also available.
Jewel's Bakery & Cafe in east Phoenix specializes in gluten-free pastries and bread, as well as light lunch fare. Owner and baker Julie Moreno has a well-deserved reputation as one of the city's most creative bakers, concocting gorgeous desserts that are gluten-free yet irresistibly delicious. Behind the pastry counter you'll find made-from-scratch cookies, muffins, cupcakes, cakes and breads. In the kitchen, light fare is served for breakfast and lunch. Gooey grilled cheese sandwiches and make-your-own pizza options make this a great stop for light breakfast or lunch. Even diners without dietary restrictions will appreciate the selection and carefully constructed menu items.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Jewel's Bakery & Cafe specializes in homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner options — all crafted without gluten.
Patricia's expert tip: If you're craving pizza, homemade baked goods or other gluten-laden foods, head to Jewel's for delicious gluten-free versions of your favorites.
Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar with a seasonally-inspired menu. The ambiance at this national chain is casual but sophisticated, just right for a business lunch or special night out. Service is approachable yet knowledgeable, so feel free to ask the waitstaff about the new menu items. The restaurant is very hospitable to dietary restrictions. There is a separate lactose-free and gluten-free menu, for example, so this is a good spot to accommodate larger groups. If you're in the mood for a gourmet burger, try the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Burger with blue cheese and a special truffle sauce. For dessert, don't miss the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Canoli — truly delightful.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Seasons 52 specializes in fresh, seasonal plates, and even offers a separate gluten-free menu for diners with dietary restrictions.
Patricia's expert tip: For gluten-sensitive diners, ask to see the restaurant's "alternative menu."
Beckett's Table is the brainchild of Chef Justin Beckett, his wife Michelle and two friends, who wanted to create a restaurant that celebrates the values of farm-to-table cuisine in a friendly, communal setting. The interior at Beckett's Table is industrial chic, with concrete floors, exposed block walls, subway tile, and leather-capped stools and cushioned chairs. The two patios have ceiling fans, misters, heaters, and a fireplace that can accommodate 70 guests. But the real star of the show here is the food, which features a menu rich with seasonal vegetables and the highest quality meats. The atmosphere is both sophisticated yet not stuffy.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Farm to table cuisine is at its peak at Beckett's Table, where several gluten-free options grace the daily menu.
Patricia's expert tip: Enjoy the restaurant's signature "social hour" every Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m.