Mesa Local Restaurants Serve Traditional Favorites With a Twist

Mesa, Arizona, offers a rich blend of wild West adventures and modern amenities. While many come here for outdoor recreation and arts, the city also has a diverse dining scene and attracts foodies. From casual and fun to romantic hot spots, these Mesa local restaurants welcome everyone to relax and enjoy a good meal.

Best Mesa Local Restaurants to Sample While on Vacation

Charleston’s Restaurant

Offering American cuisine in a casual environment, Charleston’s Restaurant has served the area since 2001. While it operates restaurants in other states, its Mesa location is a favorite when visiting Arizona.

Start with dynamite shrimp or soup of the day. Then select from salads, burgers, sandwiches, chicken and steak. For a home-style feel, try Charleston’s specialties. Examples include meatloaf, grilled pork chops, catfish and ribs. In addition, the restaurant features a daily seafood catch. Most entrees come with homemade sides such as baked potatoes, fried okra, and seasonal veggies.

Bobby-Q BBQ Restaurant and Steakhouse

Bobby-Q has served the valley for more than 15 years and has three locations in Arizona. Plus, it has earned accolades for best barbecue and a favorite weekend brunch spot.

As the name suggests, barbecue is the main star. Pulled BBQ sandwiches, tacos and burgers cater to those who want some handhelds. For something lighter, try a fresh salad. Those traveling with family and friends should try the family feast, which includes beef brisket, pulled pork, rotisseries chicken, St. Louis-style ribs and two sides. Sides range from mac-and-cheese to pecan coleslaw.

Red White and Brew

This Italian hot spot ranks among the top Mesa local restaurants for its menu and family-friendly vibes. At Red White and Brew, a casual-classy atmosphere pair well with plenty of flavor.

Start the meal with asparagus fries or caprese platter. Then select from salads, burgers, pasta dishes and gourmet brick-oven pizzas. Signature pizzas include Chicago with meats, BBQ chicken and eggroomato with eggplant. Those craving pasta should try fettuccine with alfredo, roasted vegetable and Gouda ravioli, and linguine with meatballs. In addition, Red White and Brew serves steaks, seafood, and chicken.

Cornish Pasty Co.

Created from a love of pasties served in the United Kingdom, Cornish Pasty Co. strives to bring English flavors to Mesa. A pasty is a pastry filled with different ingredients. Don’t forget to try the brews, too.

Cornish Pasty Co. offers more than 40 different pasties. Items include the Oggie, bangers and mash, royale with cheese, and meatball. For something savory, try lamb vindaloo, peppered steak or Guinness stew. Vegan and vegetarians also feel at home. They can select from more than a dozen options such as vegan Oggie, vegan pot pie, the Greek and veggie Mexican.

T.C. Eggington’s

For an awesome start to the day, head to award-winning T.C. Eggington’s. Ranked among the best Mesa local restaurants for breakfast, T.C. Eggington’s has served the area for more than 35 years.

All dishes are made from scratch every day. T.C. Eggington’s serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. For breakfast, try omelets, Benedicts, frittatas, waffles and French toast. House specialties include crab stuffed pastry, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and hot skillet entrees. Lunchtime brings cold and hot sandwiches, homemade soup, and fresh salads. Popular sandwiches include the Natie Bomb, Sir Edgar Rueben and plenty of melted goodies.

República Empanada Restaurant

República Empanada Restaurant lays claim to the offering the largest selection of empanadas in Arizona. No matter the dish, they all showcase rich Latin-American flavors.

Empanadas can come with chicken, potatoes, beans, cheeses, seasoned meats, jalapenos, mushrooms and other fresh ingredients. Or try the fresh salads or tortas. In addition, República Empanada Restaurant serves specialty dishes such as arroz con pollo, gallo pinto and a vegan platter. There are sweet empanadas, too.

Vito’s Pizza and Italian Ristorante

Another family-owned favorite is Vito’s Pizza and Italian Ristorante. This Italian gem has ranked among the best Mesa local restaurants for more than 35 years. Visitors will find all their favorites served in an authentic setting.

Start with calamari, garlic knots, bacon-wrapped scallops or mozzarella marinara. Then select from pasta entrees such as seafood lasagna, sausage and peppers, spaghetti and tortellini sunrise. Chef specialties range from beef stroganoff to lobster risstio and thin-crust pizzas. For something lighter, order from a large selection of soups and salads.

After sharing a meal with loved ones, find fun things to do in Mesa. Then book a private vacation home in Mesa, Arizona.