2025 Categories

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Standout Signature Dish

The nominees in this category are dishes that 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.

Most Crave Worthy Burger

These are dishes that play a supporting role to the main course, but are no less important in elevating the overall dining experience. These dishes are often the unsung heroes of the menu, but they are just as crucial in making a meal memorable.

Top Sushi

As Arizona’s sushi scene has flourished, the range of choices has become endless—from beloved local hole-in-the-wall favorites to globally recognized dining destinations. This award celebrates the sushi spot that sets the standard with impeccable freshness, authentic flavors, and creative flair. From classic sashimi to inventive rolls, these nominees deliver an exceptional sushi experience, elevating Arizona as a true sushi destination.

Arizona Grown Purveyors

This award honors the incredible purveyors who are the backbone of Arizona’s restaurant industry. From farm-fresh meats and dairy to artisan breads and locally distilled spirits, these suppliers ensure that chefs and restaurateurs have the best ingredients to craft unforgettable dining experiences. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and supporting the local food ecosystem helps define what makes Arizona’s culinary scene truly exceptional. These purveyors not only provide ingredients—they fuel the creativity and passion that make our restaurants thrive.

Most Creative Handcrafted 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.

Favorite Local Craft Beer

This category honors the best craft beers produced by local breweries in Arizona. 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.

Example: Mr. Pineapple (Beer Name), San Tan Brewery (Brewery Name)

• Must have been offered prior to Jan 1, 2023

EXPERIENCES

Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience

Honors the best bars and nightclubs in Arizona that provide an exceptional and memorable experience for their patrons. These establishments are known for their vibrant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and innovative drinks and entertainment.

This category also 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.

Exceptional Culinary Experience

The nominees in this category are judged on their overall experience, including the quality of the food, the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, the atmosphere of the restaurant, the level of service, the variety of menu offerings, and the level of creativity and originality.

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.

Ultimate Patio Experience

With Arizona’s beautiful weather for much of the year, an inviting patio is a must for memorable dining. This award honors those establishments that go above and beyond to create exceptional outdoor atmospheres where guests can enjoy the warmth, scenery, and ambiance unique to Arizona. From thoughtful design to comfort and style, these patios offer guests the ultimate al fresco experience.

Coolest Speakeasy Experience

This award celebrates the hidden gems that bring mystery and flair to Arizona’s nightlife. These standout speakeasies create an unforgettable experience, from secret entrances to unique decor, transporting guests to another era. With innovative cocktails, intimate vibes, and a touch of intrigue, these spots deliver a one-of-a-kind escape that keeps patrons coming back for more.

RESTAURANTS

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.

Uniquely Arizona

We are searching statewide for the restaurants that embrace the local food culture, ingredients, and flavors and are dedicated to preserving the state’s culinary heritage. The nominees in this category showcase their creativity, use of locally sourced ingredients and dedication to honoring Arizona’s rich culinary traditions.

Outstanding Hospitality Group

This category 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.

Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept

This category recognizes 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.

PEOPLE

Team Member of the Year

All of our industry team members deserve applause, but this category will help tell the stories of a few who are anchors of the industry. The category recognizes a team member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience for the customers.

Considerations include:
• Serves as a model employee and team player
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Contributes to a positive work environment
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2024

Manager of the Year

Every year The Foodist Awards honor a few finalists and one winner as the Manager of the Year. The nominees for this award is are 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.

Considerations include:
• Displays outstanding service, knowledge, and excellent work ethic
• Demonstrates positive qualities as a leader
• Serves as an ambassador of the restaurant’s vision, mission, and definition of success
• Facilitates positive work environment and prioritizes professional workplace culture
• Must include the name, restaurant name, AND reason for nomination to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2024

Top Mixologist | Bartender

This category recognizes 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.

Considerations include:
• Innovation in drink creations
• Personable, hospitable and generous spirit
• Demonstrates beverage knowledge, technical and practical skills
• Must work regularly behind a bar – at least 2 shifts a week or more
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination
• Must have been employed at location prior to March 1 2024

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.

Considerations include:
• Exemplary culinary talent
• Innovative menu creation
• Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
• Prioritizes a professional culture
• Must include the name and restaurant name to be a valid nomination

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

Considerations include:

Exemplary culinary talent
Innovative menu creation
Contributes to and facilitates a positive work environment
Prioritizes a professional culture