11 Best Restaurants in Surprise, Arizona

The first place on our list has fresh seafood and fish from some of the best fishers in the world. The casual dining room at Bonefish Grill is nice and cozy, and people can eat the catch of the day or shrimp, salmon, tilapia, and other seafood cooked in a variety of creative ways.

You can start your dinner with Bang Bang Shrimp, which is crispy shrimp in a tangy cream sauce, or Ahi Tuna Sashimi. Then you can choose one of their wood-grilled or blackened fish main dishes. Remember to save room for a treat like the Macadamia Nut Brownie that Bonefish is known for. It’s no surprise that Bonefish Grill made our list of Surprise’s best places. They have great food, a great atmosphere, and great service.

2. Best Steakhouse – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

For expertly prepared steak and wine, look no further than Fleming’s. This upscale contemporary steakhouse serves the finest cuts of beef including filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and prime rib sourced from privately owned ranches. All steaks are aged for extra tenderness and flavor. Beyond steak, Fleming’s menu features seafood, chops, chicken, and more.

Try their Pork Tomahawk Chop or Lobster Bisque as a starter. Complete your evening with a glass from their extensive wine list boasting over 100 quality selections. The stylish dining room with its club-like ambience makes Fleming’s a popular spot for both intimate dinners and special occasions. Superb service and scrumptious food keep patrons coming back again and again.

3. Best Italian – Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

For superb brick-oven pizza and other Italian favorites, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria tops our list. Grimaldi’s specialty is their delicious thin-crust pizza baked hot and fast in a coal-fired, brick oven. Popular pizza options include The Slob with ricotta mozzarella and sausage and The Sinatra with spicy soppressata, olives, red onions, and hot cherry peppers.

Grimaldi’s also serves classic Italian appetizers like bruschetta and calamari and Italian classics like lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti with meatballs. Whatever you order, leave room for a cannoli or slice of their delectable chocolate cake. Grimaldi’s has an expansive brightly lit dining room with both booths and tables. Large parties can take advantage of their consistent food and friendly service.

4. Best Mexican – Carolina’s Mexican Food

Authentic Mexican flavors come alive at Carolina’s, a colorful little restaurant serving all your south-of-the-border favorites. Carolina’s is perhaps best known for their vast combination plate options with your choice of tamales, enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos and more.

All combination plates are served with rice, beans, and soup or salad. Seafood lovers rave about the Camarones Rancheros, peeled shrimp sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and ranchero sauce. Their sizzling fajitas are also first-rate. Enjoy a frosty margarita or Mexican beer with your meal. The lively atmosphere and excellent prices make Carolina’s a local favorite.

5. Best Asian Fusion – Sweet Basil Asian cuisine

For a taste of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese favorites all under one roof, Sweet Basil Asian Cuisine is the best restaurant in Surprise. This Pan-Asian dining spot prepares fresh innovative takes on noodle and rice dishes from across eastern and southeastern Asia. Popular picks include pad thai, curry udon noodles, sweet chili shrimp, and stir-fried udon.

Meat lovers will relish options like Mongolian beef and kung pao chicken. Sushi fans will also appreciate their wide sushi selection with nigiri, sashimi, rolls, and more. Sweet Basil’s also offers several gluten-free, vegan & vegetarian menu options. The contemporary casual interior with colorful Asian accents makes for a comfortable, welcoming place to enjoy this fusion of Asian cuisines.

6. Best Barbecue – Texaz Grill

Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the portions at Texaz Grill, our pick for best barbecue in Surprise. Texaz Grill brings authentic slow-smoked barbecue straight from the Lone Star State. Tantalize your taste buds with tender smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked sausages, pulled pork, and so much more. Loaded baked potatoes make for the perfect barbecue side.

Wash it all down with an ice cold Texas-sized beer or homemade lemonade. Open for lunch and dinner, Texaz Grill’s dining room has a funky rustic Texan vibe with cowboy signage and Americana bric-a-brac. Take home Texaz’ famous barbecue sauce so you can enjoy a taste of Texas anytime. With its finger-lickin’ barbecue, Texaz Grill is a little taste of Texas right here in Surprise.

7. Best Family Restaurant – The Black Bear Diner

For affordable comfort classics the whole family will love, look no further than Black Bear Diner. This wildly popular family restaurant serves stick-to-your ribs favorites like pot roast, chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, giant omelets, and more. Hearty skillets and combos come with your choice of meat paired with eggs, potatoes, pancakes and other tasty add-ins.

Their Million Dollar Breakfast Chenoa’s Favorite with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, pancakes and toast is a popular pick. Parents love Black Bear’s kiddie menu with Mickey Mouse pancakes plus coloring sheets & crayons that keep the little ones busy. Senior specials, all-day breakfast, and generous portions make Black Bear Diner a must-visit Surprise restaurant.

8. Best Fine Dining – Ocean Prime

For a refined fine dining experience in Surprise look no further than Ocean Prime. Upon entering, the upscale supper club ambiance with its dignified dark wood, deep booths, and grand piano welcomes patrons. Ocean Prime specializes in seafood and prime cuts of steak sourced from top producers and prepared European style.

Specialties range from Frutti di Mare, a medley of shrimp, scallops, and calamari in a white wine broth to the signature 14-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak. For starters, thedynamite ahi tuna tartare on crispy wontons delights. Their cocktail program focuses on fresh ingredients and homemade mixes resulting in libations like the Ocean Prime Manhattan and Basil Berry Lemonade. With its classic elegance and exceptional cuisine, Ocean Prime offers a world-class fine dining experience.

9. Best Wine Bar – Postino WineCafe

Wine lovers rejoice as Postino WineCafe opens its second Valley location right here in Surprise. Postino serves a variety of wines from small boutique wineries in a hip, rustic-chic atmosphere. In addition to wines offered by the glass and bottle, patrons can order popular “Board & Bottle” specials pairing select wines with artisan cheese and meat boards. Wine flights also available give you a chance to taste several varieties.

Beyond wine, patrons flock for bruschetta options, paninis, salads and sweets like their addictive butter cake. Postino’s indoor-outdoor space features reclaimed wood, vintage light fixtures, and comfy leather seating plus a sprawling patio. Gather with friends and enjoy great wine, snacks, and conversation day or night at this inviting neighborhood wine bar.

10. Best Vegetarian/Vegan – Bliss ReBAR

Vegans and vegetarians tired of salad can get their fill of plant-based comfort food at Bliss ReBAR. This casual vegan eatery turns out flavorful meatless versions of traditionally meaty favorites. Their menu stars items like the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich with housemade barbecue jackfruit, vegan mac and cheese, meatless sloppy Joes, and chik’n Parmesan.

Bliss also offers a nice selection of vegan burgers, tacos, bowls and even vegan chicken wings! Craft beer, wine, and housemade lemonades & teas wash it all down. The laid-back, welcoming atmosphere makes this vegan joint accessible and fun for herbivores and carnivores alike. When you need a break from salad without sacrificing your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, Bliss ReBAR satisfies.

11. Best Breakfast – Omelet House

For hearty affordable breakfast fare prepared lightning fast, Omelet House tops our list. This no-frills family restaurant dishes out giant omelets packed with your choice of fillings plus other breakfast essentials like pancakes, French toast, biscuits & gravy, etc. Generous portions ensure even the heartiest of appetites leave satisfied.

Popular picks like their Spicy Southwest Omelet with chorizo, jalapeños, onions, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese have earned Omelet House a reputation for spicy eats. Kids love choices from their kiddo breakfast menu. Daily specials, senior specials, early bird specials, and their rapid-fire service keep loyal patrons coming back again and again. When you need a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast on the run, Omelet House hits the spot for bargain eats.

12. Best Coffeehouse – Starbucks

No surprise here as the world’s most ubiquitous coffee purveyor tops our list for best coffeehouse. The Surprise location brings that signature Starbucks ambiance to the West Valley with stylish decor, comfy seating, and free WiFi. Patrons queue up for favorites from vanilla lattes to seasonal holiday drinks plus Starbucks’ extensive food menu with breakfast sandwiches, paninis, protein boxes, sweets and more.

This location also carries select beer & wine for after 3 pm. Convenient drive-thru service makes grabbing your morning Joe easy while the welcoming interior entices you to sit and sip awhile. The variety of food and beverage options plus their signature Frappuccinos make Starbucks Surprise’s number one coffeehouse.

13. Best Diner – Village Inn

When you think diner, Village Inn likely comes to mind, making it our pick for Surprise’s top diner. This family restaurant chain dishes out generous portions of classic American comfort cuisine around-the-clock. Their all-day breakfast menu stars skillet combos and fluffy pancakes plus hearty dinner fare like pot roast, fried chicken, meatloaf and more.

Daily lunch specials offer additional wallet-friendly options. Seniors and kids also love Village Inn for their respective discounts. Pie is king here so be sure to save room for a slice of their rotating selection of fruit, cream and other delectable pies. Whether you dine in their casual renovated dining room or grab a meal to-go, Village Inn brings no-fuss dining with that old-fashioned diner vibe Surprise diners crave.

14. Best Dessert – Frost Gelato

There’s no better way to end a meal than with Frost’s cool, creamy sweet treat. Every day, Frost’s makes gelato from scratch. It comes in fun and new tastes like chocolate peanut butter swirl, cookies and cream, mango, and many more. Want something fruity? Their Egyptian Cotton is wonderful. It smells like a bright mix of cherry and peach.

Frost makes more than just gelato. He also makes Italian ice, sorbettos, and cannoli boxes filled with gelato. Frost’s brightly colored little shop has mosaic tile tables and a rainbow of gelato buckets along the wall, which makes for a nice setting for enjoying these frozen treats. Frost also has ice made with coconut milk or almond milk that doesn’t contain dairy. For a sweet treat that isn’t like anything else in Surprise, Frost Gelato is the place to go.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of food available in Surprise, from casual to fancy. There is something for every taste, desire, and event. Restaurants that serve seafood, steak, and barbecue, such as Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s, and Texaz Grill, all have dishes that will make your mouth water.

A lot of people can afford to eat at family-friendly spots like Black Bear Diner and breakfast favorites like Omelet House. Other restaurants, like Sweet Basil and Bliss ReBAR, offer foreign and vegetarian/vegan food. This list of restaurants is the best of its kind in the Valley, making Surprise, Arizona a growing foodie spot.