Located in the northwest Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, Surprise is a thriving and expanding city. Surprise is a popular destination for seniors due to its pleasant weather and reasonably priced housing, but it also draws a sizable population of young families.
Due to the city’s business-friendly atmosphere and diversified population, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from that cater to all tastes and price ranges. Surprise’s restaurant scene spans tiny family-run businesses to major chains, serving everything from traditional American fare to regional delicacies. A peek at 13 of Surprise’s greatest eateries is provided here.
13 Best Restaurants in Surprise, Arizona
Best Dessert – Frost Gelato
Nothing like the cool, creamy richness of Frost’s gelato to finish a meal. Frost’s gelato is made fresh everyday in-house and is available in a variety of exciting and light flavors, like cookies and cream, mango, chocolate peanut butter swirl, and many more. Are you craving any fruit? Their vibrant strawberry-peach mix, Egyptian Cotton, is delightful.
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Frost creates more than just gelato—he also makes Italian ice, sorbettos, and cannoli shells stuffed with gelato. Frost’s colorful tiny shop provides a delightful setting for indulging in these frozen delicacies, with mosaic tile tables and a rainbow of gelato buckets lining the wall. Additionally, Frost provides dairy-free gelato choices made with almond or coconut milk. A visit to Frost Gelato will satisfy your sweet need for a refreshing dessert that’s unlike anything else in Surprise.
Best Diner – Village Inn
Our choice for the best diner in Surprise is Village Inn since it’s probably what you think of when you think of a diner. This family-friendly restaurant franchise serves hearty quantities of traditional American comfort food all day and all night. They serve hearty supper dishes like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf, and more on their all-day breakfast menu, which also features skillet combos and fluffy pancakes.
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There are also more affordable options with the daily lunch specials. Village Inn is also a favorite among children and seniors due to its various discounts. Remember to leave room for a slice of their ever-changing assortment of fruit, cream, and other delicious pies—pie is king here. The Village Inn offers hassle-free dining with the vintage diner atmosphere that Surprise diners long for, whether you choose to eat in their newly renovated informal dining area or grab a bite to go.
Best Coffeehouse – Starbucks
It comes as no surprise that the most popular coffee vendor in the world is ranked #1 on our list of the greatest coffee shops. With its chic interior design, cozy seating, and free WiFi, the Surprise store offers the West Valley a taste of that distinctive Starbucks atmosphere. Customers wait in line for seasonal holiday drinks, like as vanilla lattes, as well as the full menu of Starbucks’ extensive breakfast sandwich, panini, protein box, desserts, and other options.
After 3 p.m., this establishment also sells a selection of wine and beer. The friendly interior invites you to sit and sip for a while, and the convenient drive-thru service makes getting your morning coffee easy. The greatest coffee shop in Surprise is Starbucks because of its extensive menu of food and drink options as well as its famous Frappuccinos.
Best Breakfast – Omelet House
Omelet House is the best option for satisfying, reasonably priced morning food that is served quickly. Large omelets stuffed with your choice of ingredients are served at this straightforward family diner along with other morning staples like pancakes, French toast, biscuits & gravy, etc. Sufficient serving sizes guarantee that even the most voracious appetites are satiated.
Omelet House has gained a reputation for serving spicy food thanks to its well-liked dishes like the Spicy Southwest Omelet, which includes chorizo, jalapeños, onions, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese. Chooses from their kiddie breakfast menu are a hit with kids. Loyal customers are drawn back time and time again by their rapid-fire service, daily specials, senior deals, and early bird prices. Omelet House is a great place to get affordable, satisfying food when you’re on the move and need a hearty breakfast.
Best Vegetarian/Vegan – Bliss ReBAR
Bliss ReBAR offers a satisfying selection of plant-based comfort food for vegans and vegetarians who are sick of salad. This laid-back vegan restaurant serves delicious meatless takes on classic dishes. The BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich, which features homemade bbq jackfruit, vegan mac & cheese, meatless sloppy Joes, and chik’n Parmesan are some of the standout products on their menu.
Additionally, Bliss has a good assortment of vegan tacos, bowls, burgers, and even vegan chicken wings! To wash it all down, enjoy house-made teas and lemonades, craft beer, and wine. Both vegetarians and carnivores will find this vegan restaurant to be enjoyable and accessible due to its friendly, laid-back ambiance. Bliss ReBAR fulfills when you need a break from salad without compromising your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Best Wine Bar – Postino WineCafe
Wine enthusiasts may now celebrate the opening of Postino WineCafe’s second Valley location in Surprise. Postino offers a selection of wines from small, boutique vineyards in a stylish, yet rustic, setting. Customers can order the well-liked “Board & Bottle” specials, which pair certain wines with artisan cheese and meat boards, in addition to the wines available by the glass and bottle. You can sample a variety of wines by booking one of the various wine flights.
In addition to wine, customers come for paninis, salads, and sweets like their butter cake, which is highly addicting. Postino’s indoor-outdoor area includes a large patio, cozy leather seats, reclaimed wood, and vintage light fixtures. At this cozy neighborhood wine bar, hang out with friends and enjoy excellent wine, snacks, and conversation day or night.
Best Fine Dining – Ocean Prime
Go no farther than Ocean Prime for an elegant fine dining experience in Surprise. Patrons are greeted by an elegant dinner club atmosphere featuring deep booths, a grand piano, and stately dark wood. Ocean premium is a restaurant that specializes on European-style seafood and premium steak cuts that are supplied from leading producers.
The trademark 14-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak is among the specialties, as is the Frutti di Mare, a combination of shrimp, scallops, and calamari in a white wine broth. The explosive ahi tuna tartare over crispy wontons is a great appetizer. Their handcrafted mixes and fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of their cocktail program, which includes concoctions like the Ocean Prime Manhattan and Basil Berry Lemonade. World-class fine dining is available at Ocean Prime, with its timeless elegance and superb cuisine.
Best Family Restaurant – The Black Bear Diner
You need look no further than Black Bear Diner for reasonably priced comfort classics that the whole family will enjoy. Feast your eyes on hearty dishes like pot roast, chicken fried steak, biscuits & gravy, enormous omelets, and more at this enormously popular family restaurant. Your selection of meat is combined with potatoes, eggs, pancakes, and other delectable toppings in these hearty skillets and combos.
Their Million-Dollar Breakfast A popular choice is Chenoa’s Favorite, which goes well with eggs, pancakes, toast, bacon, sausage, and ham. With Mickey Mouse pancakes and coloring pages and crayons to keep the little ones occupied, parents adore Black Bear’s kiddie menu. Black Bear Diner is a must-try restaurant in Surprise because of its large portions, all-day breakfast, and senior specialties.
Best Barbecue – Texaz Grill
Everything in Texas is larger than life, and that includes the portions at Texaz Grill, which has the greatest barbecue in Surprise. Authentic slow-smoked barbecue is brought from the Lone Star State by Texaz Grill. Savor succulent smoked brisket, succulent ribs that fall off the bone, smoky sausages, pulled pork, and much more. Loaded baked potatoes are the ideal side dish for a barbecue.
Enjoy it all with a fresh lemonade or an icy cold Texas-sized beer. The dining area at Texaz Grill, which is open for lunch and dinner, features Americana trinkets and cowboy signs, creating a unique rustic Texan atmosphere. Bring some of Texas’ best barbecue sauce home with you to savor at any time. Here in Surprise, Texaz Grill offers a tantalizing flavor of Texas with its succulent barbecue.
Best Asian Fusion – Sweet Basil Asian cuisine
The greatest restaurant in Surprise is Sweet Basil Asian Cuisine, which offers a variety of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines all under one roof. This Pan-Asian restaurant serves creative, freshly made versions of rice and noodle dishes from all throughout eastern and southeast Asia. Stir-fried udon, sweet chili shrimp, curry udon noodles, and pad thai are popular choices.
Carnivores will adore the kung pao chicken and Mongolian beef selections. Their extensive sushi collection, which includes rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and more, will appeal to lovers of sushi as well. Additionally, Sweet Basil’s menu includes a number of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Enjoying this fusion of Asian cuisines is made comfortable and pleasant by the modern casual environment with vibrant Asian touches.
Best Mexican – Carolina’s Mexican Food
Carolina’s is a vibrant little restaurant that serves all of your favorite Mexican food from south of the border. The most well-known aspect of Carolina’s is probably their extensive selection of combination plates, which include tamales, enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos, and more.
Rice, beans, soup, and salad are served with every combination plate. The Camarones Rancheros—peeled shrimp sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and ranchero sauce—are highly praised by seafood enthusiasts. They have excellent sizzling fajitas as well. With your dinner, sip on a Mexican beer or a cool margarita. Carolina’s is a popular among the locals because of its great prices and lively atmosphere.
Best Italian – Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Top of the list for delicious brick-oven pizza and other Italian classics is Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Delicious thin-crust pizza baked fresh and quickly in a coal-fired brick oven is Grimaldi’s specialty. Popular pizza combinations are The Sinatra, which has spicy soppressata, olives, red onions, and hot cherry peppers, and The Slob, which has sausage, ricotta mozzarella, and red onions.
Along with traditional Italian fare like lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti and meatballs, Grimaldi’s also provides classic Italian appetizers like bruschetta and calamari. Make room for a cannoli or a slice of their delicious chocolate cake, regardless of what you order. There are tables and booths in the large, well-lit eating area of Grimaldi’s. Their excellent service and dependable meals are great for large parties.
Best Steakhouse – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
You need look no further than Fleming’s for expertly prepared steak and wine. The best beef cuts, including filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and prime rib, are served at this chic, modern restaurant. The cattle is sourced from privately held ranches. To provide even more taste and softness, all steaks are aged. Fleming’s menu offers seafood, chops, chicken, and other items in addition to steak.
For an appetizer, try their Lobster Bisque or Pork Tomahawk Chop. Enjoy a glass of wine from their vast selection—which includes over 100 high-quality options—to round off your evening. Fleming’s is a well-liked location for special occasions as well as private meals because of its chic dining room and club-like atmosphere. Excellent food and service entice customers to return time and time again.
Best Seafood – Bonefish Grill
Serving up fresh fish and seafood from some of the top fisheries in the world, this establishment is the first on our list. In the cozy, sophisticated informal dining area of Bonefish Grill, patrons can savor the catch of the day or select from a range of inventively prepared shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and other seafood dishes.
Start your lunch with Ahi Tuna Sashimi or Bang Bang Shrimp, which are crunchy shrimp in a zesty cream sauce. Next, try one of their fish entrées that have been blackened or wood-grilled. Make room for a Macadamia Nut Brownie, one of Bonefish’s specialty desserts. It’s hardly surprising that Bonefish Grill made our list of Surprise’s top restaurants given its delicious food, fantastic service, and wonderful atmosphere.