2024 Finalists & Winners

Over the past decade, the Foodist Awards have become a cornerstone event in Arizona’s culinary and beverage scene, celebrating excellence, innovation, and passion in the industry. Since its inception, the Foodist Awards have evolved into a prestigious platform that honors the very best tastes, faces, and places across the state. It’s a testament to the remarkable growth and diversity of Arizona’s food and beverage landscape, showcasing the talents of chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, and artisans who continually push the boundaries of creativity and quality.

Each year, the nominations pour in from enthusiastic patrons, industry insiders, and discerning foodies, highlighting the establishments and individuals that have made a significant impact on the culinary scene. From neighborhood gems to acclaimed fine dining destinations, the nominees represent the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that define Arizona’s gastronomic identity.

The nomination process is open to the public. Finalists and winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts, organized by The Arizona Restaurant Association.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

STANDOUT SIGNATURE DISH – The dishes in this category have become synonymous with the restaurant, and are often the dishes that customers rave about and come back for. These dishes are the chefs’ creative expression and showcase their culinary skills. These dishes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and are often a reflection of the restaurant’s concept, culture, and identity.

• Chula Seafood, Thai Peanut Poke Bowl
• Fire at Will, Hush Burger – WINNER
• Valentine, Elote Pasta

BEST DISH IN A SUPPORTING ROLE  – These are dishes may play a supporting role to the main course, but are no less important in elevating the overall dining experience. They are often the unsung heroes of the menu, but they are just as crucial in making a meal memorable.

• Bacanora, Baca Beans
• Buck & Rider, Voodoo Fried Rice
• CRUjiente Tacos, Grilled Street Corn – WINNER

BEST VEGAN DELIGHT- These vegan dishes go beyond just being meat-free; they’re culinary masterpieces that impress even the most devout carnivores. Bursting with flavor and presented with flair, these creations redefine what it means to enjoy vegan cuisine.

• Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., Vegan Bahn Mi – WINNER
• Pita Jungle, Portobello Mushroom Pita Pocket
• The Green Woodpecker, Hen of the Woods Mushroom Tacos

FAVORITE LOCAL CRAFT BEER –The winner of this category is a beer that not only has excellent taste but also provides an outstanding and enjoyable drinking experience, showcasing the richness and diversity of the local craft beer scene in Arizona.

• Barrio Blonde, Barrio Brewing Co. – WINNER
• Mango Foxtrot, Cider Corps
• Day Drinker®, Pedal Haus Brewery

MOST CREATIVE HANDCRAFT COCKTAIL PROGRAM – This category recognizes the establishments that are pushing the boundaries of mixology and making their mark on the local cocktail scene. The nominees in this category showcase their bartenders’ creativity, technical skills, and use of unique ingredients and techniques to create truly memorable cocktails. These cocktails are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and often reflect the establishment’s concept, culture, and identity.

• Across the Pond
• Garden Bar
• Quartz – WINNER

EXPERIENCES

OUTSTANDING BAR/NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE –This award highlights the bars and nightclubs that offer a unique concept, theme, or atmosphere, as well as those that are known for their live music, DJs or other forms of entertainment. These establishments are not only a place to get a drink but also a destination for a night out and a great social experience.

• Cham Pang Lanes
• The Little Woody – WINNER
• Quartz

EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE –Whether it’s at a sit-down restaurant, a catering event, or a pop-up dinner. This category recognizes the restaurants and culinary professionals that are providing an outstanding and memorable experience for their patrons, regardless of the format.

• Anhelo Restaurant – WINNER
• Binkley’s Restaurant
• Pa’La Wood Fired Cooking

BEST FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCE – This award goes to the food truck that delivers more than just a quick bite—it offers an unforgettable dining experience on wheels. With innovative menus and exceptional service, this food truck leaves customers eagerly tracking its next location.

• Baja Roots
• Lobstar
• Randizzle’s – WINNER

RESTAURANTS

PHENOMENAL FAST CASUAL CONCEPT –Honors restaurants that create unique and memorable fast casual dining experiences, and for their ability to balance speed and convenience with quality and taste, often with limited space.

• Joe’s Farm Grill – WINNER
• Taco Boys
• Taco Chelo

OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY GROUP – Recognizes groups that own and operate multiple restaurants, bars, or nightclubs in the state, and have demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguished themselves as pacesetters in hospitality space.

• Cast Iron Concepts – WINNER
• Genuine Concepts
• THAT Place Projects

BEST WORLD FLAVOR – This award category recognizes restaurants that specialize in a specific ethnic cuisine and have established a reputation for providing authentic and rich flavors through their menu offerings.

• Belly Kitchen & Bar – WINNER
• Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine
• Latha Restaurant and Bar

UNIQUELY ARIZONA –The nominees in this category showcase their creativity, use of locally sourced ingredients and dedication to honoring Arizona’s rich culinary traditions.

• Bobby Q BBQ
• El Chorro Lodge
• Queen Creek Olive Mill – WINNER

EMERGING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – Honors new and up-and-coming restaurants in Arizona that have made a significant impact on the local dining scene. This category recognizes restaurants that have opened in 2023 and have quickly established themselves as top contenders in the industry.

• Chilte PHX
• Course Restaurant – WINNER
• Latha Restaurant and Bar

PEOPLE

RESTAURANT TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR – Recognizes a front or back of house team member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience for the customers.

• Carlos De La Cruz, CRUjiente Tacos
• David Nguyen, Pho 43 Express
• Walker Miller, Ling & Louie’s – WINNER

RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Recognizes individuals who manage and lead the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly, effectively and efficiently. They lead by example and foster an atmosphere of growth and learning for fellow team members, creating a culture of excellence that is reflected in the restaurant’s performance, and in the satisfaction of the customers.

• Chadd Satterfield, 32 Shea – WINNER
• Joanna McCarthy, The Joy Bus Diner
• Terence Nowak, The Gladly

TOP MIXOLOGIST | BARTENDER – Honoring a bartender or mixologist’s ability to mix and serve drinks with precision, passion and creativity while providing excellent customer service. They have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to providing an outstanding drinking experience for customers.

• Adam Downey, Keeler Hospitality
• Maxwell Berlin, Quartz
• Moises Castro, Bacanora – WINNER

TOP CHEF – Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience. This individual has made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Arizona but still continues to  improve and develop their skills, and to make a positive impact on the restaurant and the community.

• Alex Trujillo, J.T. Prime
• Angelo Sosa, Tia Carmen
• Cory Oppold, Course Restaurant – WINNER

FOOD PIONEER – Lifetime Achievement Award. Honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona. Voted on by peers

• Matt Carter, Fat Ox, The Mission, Zinc Bistro