Gilbert Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Gilbert. Your complete guide to dining in Gilbert.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Gilbert! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Gilbert has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Gilbert's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Gilbert like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Gilbert offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Gilbert.
Joe's Farm Grill
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 8925 reviews.
📍 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Buck & Rider Gilbert
Highly rated Seafood in Gilbert with 4.7 stars from 1461 reviews.
📍 3150 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.5 stars from 2948 reviews.
📍 1930 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Culinary Dropout
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.4 stars from 4188 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 383 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The Porch
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.1 stars from 935 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 312 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The Hidden House
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1712 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 159 W Commonwealth Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Postino East
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 3933 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 302 N Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Smoke & Grain
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 244 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1695 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The Gilbert House Restaurant
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1375 reviews.
📍 397 S Gilbert Rd #170, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
High Tide Gilbert
Highly rated Seafood in Gilbert with 4.5 stars from 3111 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2540 S Val Vista Dr #101, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
Rayoog Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 1179 reviews.
📍 78 N Cooper Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Origen Gilbert
Highly rated Steakhouse in Gilbert with 4.4 stars from 844 reviews.
📍 2472 S Recker Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Gilbert.
Fry's Marketplace
Highly rated Bakery in Gilbert with 4.4 stars from 931 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 4075 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Superstition Ranch Farmers Market
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 4.7 stars from 4191 reviews.
📍 4755 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85205, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1991 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1967 E Pecos Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 2044 reviews.
📍 1779 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Natural Grocers
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 4.4 stars from 456 reviews.
📍 1625 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 3913 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1363 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 4.7 stars from 3074 reviews.
📍 2050 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Fry's Marketplace
Highly rated Bakery in Gilbert with 4.4 stars from 1363 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 1455 N Higley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Gilbert.
Taste It Tours Scottsdale Food Tours
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.9 stars from 676 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Arizona Food Tours
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 5 stars from 556 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Taste It Tours -Food Tours Phoenix
Highly rated International in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 71 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Gilbert.
Mythical Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 578 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1090 S Gilbert Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
The Coffee Shop
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1364 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
La Taza
Highly rated Cafe in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 76 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2268 E Williams Field Rd #105, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Little Jupiter Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.7 stars from 249 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 876 N McQueen Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
GrindTime Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 328 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1430 W Warner Rd #148, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Mad Hatter Kava
Highly rated Cafe in Gilbert with 4.9 stars from 494 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 81 S McQueen Rd #107, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Rayoog Cafe
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4.8 stars from 1179 reviews.
📍 78 N Cooper Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85233, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Villa Meola Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Gilbert with 5 stars from 42 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 339 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Gilbert.
Signature Dish
A must-try Gilbert specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Gilbert dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Gilbert with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Gilbert specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Gilbert creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Gilbert classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Gilbert specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Gilbert dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Gilbert with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Gilbert specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Gilbert.
The White Rabbit
Highly rated Bar in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1303 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 207 N Gilbert Rd #002, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
UnderTow Gilbert at Epicenter
Highly rated Bar in Gilbert with 4.3 stars from 373 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3150 E Ray Rd Suite 184, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Whining Pig Gilbert
Highly rated Bar in Gilbert with 4.7 stars from 710 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2512 S Val Vista Dr #105, Gilbert, AZ 85295, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Porch
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.1 stars from 935 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 312 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row Gilbert
Highly rated Restaurant in Gilbert with 4 stars from 4497 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 323 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Hidden House
Highly rated American in Gilbert with 4.6 stars from 1712 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 159 W Commonwealth Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Gilbert's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Gilbert vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gilbert is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Gilbert offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Gilbert specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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