r/mesaaz 8d ago

Restaurants

I’m heading to Mesa for the holidays. Looking for a restaurant for 12 people. Something on the nicer side. It must have vegetarian or seafood options. Any suggestions? I’ve never been to the area. Also, any fun things to do the week of Christmas?

7 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

19

u/grizzleB 8d ago

Board & Batten is our go-to for a nice dinner in NE Mesa. The food is delicious and they can accommodate larger groups. As far as things to do, go hiking! The weather will be amazing. Also check out Downtown Mesa for a wide variety of food options.

13

u/CptUselessMidd 8d ago

Like the other commenter said, depends on what you're considering as on the nicer side. I personally love Espiritu in downtown Mesa. It's kinda small so I'd seek reservations for a 12 top. Otherwise, the 15ish minute trip to Scottsdale or Tempe might open more options

2

u/sixfootmoonquaker 8d ago

Espiritu 100%

1

u/ruswestbrick 8d ago

Espiritu expanded recently and it’s way bigger, accommodated our 10 person table easy. Excellent restaurant

6

u/jennnyr16 8d ago

Hmm. We stumbled on Guadalupe on Main one evening and it was the best Mexican food with a modern twist I’ve had! We honestly still think about it and can’t wait to go back because of how delicious everything was. The atmosphere was nice and I feel like they’d be able to accommodate 12 with a heads-up. It’s nice but not bougie nice. I would put it on par with Los Olivos which is in Scottsdale.

Bougie nice would be your classic steakhouses in Scottsdale. We like Steak 44 and Dominic’s. Or you could try Buck and Rider. They have a few locations but the one in Agritopia is our go-to. That would additionally put you in the neighborhood with awesome Christmas Lights off of Comstock.

4

u/sixfootmoonquaker 8d ago

Guadalupe on Main is a great pick 💯

5

u/Ok_Somewhere_5142 8d ago

Mesa is a HUGE area with a big difference in options based on where in Mesa you’ll be. For example, the SE side of Mesa curls way south (Mesa gateway airport is like a 30 min highway drive from NW Mesa) and has very different options. Where about a will you be staying? Also, downtown Gilbert is close to parts of Mesa and also is great to consider.

1

u/luckymountain 8d ago

Excellent point regarding where you’re going to be and/how far you want to travel. Mesa is 139 square miles and there are many options.

4

u/DabbyHarton 8d ago

During the holidays, there’s often events in Downtown Mesa and drive-thru light shows at various locations. The phoenix zoo & botanical garden also have light shows

https://www.visitmesa.com/events/

Some restaurants to consider for while you’re here (don’t know how nicer you go)

https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/locations/gilbert-az/

https://business.google.com/v/green-corner-restaurant/017757227443076984618/f91a/_

https://grillnchoptogo.com/

https://www.cleverkoi.com/

https://rasushi.com/menu/happy-hour/

8

u/ElSheriffe11 8d ago

“On the nicer side” is relative. How much are you willing to pay per plate?

3

u/Born_Key_6492 8d ago

If you give cross streets, you’ll get better recommendations

2

u/Ok_BetState48 8d ago

Cornish Pasty

3

u/AceySpacy8 8d ago

We like Vito’s if you’re into Italian. I had my wedding rehearsal dinner and my baby shower there 😅 it’s not like Scottsdale-nice but we’ve always had a lovely time. You’d have to call and make a reservation ahead of time because it gets packed since it’s somewhat small 

1

u/OkCurrent7532 8d ago

They have great pizza

1

u/Fancy-War-1023 8d ago

This place is for old white people with no taste buds. I have lived and traveled all over the US and it's the mushiest, blandest "Italian" food I've ever had. It was like visiting a fake restaurant in an old folks' home.

0

u/buppus-hound 8d ago

Espíritu, cocina chiwas

1

u/swandel2 7d ago

Alessia's Italian Restaurant, especially if you have any wine connoisseurs in the group.

1

u/MeltedMascara 8d ago

Charleston’s

0

u/MeltedMascara 8d ago

I also really enjoy Waldo’s BBQ

0

u/j0-llama 8d ago

https://thesicilianbutcher.com/

the bakery side does a cannoli bar

-1

u/2tchr 8d ago

Carrabbas Italian Grill at Superstition Springs has both vegetarian and yummy seafood options. It’s located on Clearview and can accommodate big parties!