Submitted by Samantha Railey
From the Heard Museum to the Desert Botanical Garden, there are plenty of top-tier attractions in Phoenix, Arizona. And as you can probably imagine, I wasn't disappointed with its range of culinary offerings either.
Known for its authentic Mexican food – as well as international varieties like Brazilian, French, and Korean cuisines – you may be worried that offerings in Phoenix fall through the cracks. While I didn't find an overwhelming variety of ways to stay kosher in the beautiful city, there are some notable restaurants that deserve plenty of attention. Here are a few of your best kosher options in Phoenix, AZ.
Mozart Café & Bakery
Located in North Scottsdale, Mozart Café and Bakery is one of the latest additions to the kosher offerings in the Phoenix area. Specializing in Cholov Yisroel dairy-based cooking, this Mediterranean café is vegetarian-friendly as well.
According to Carey Sweet of AZCentral.com, Mozart Café and Bakery is part of other dining locations in the area that are supervised by Greater Phoenix Va’ad Hakashruth. It features a range of paninis and wraps, salads, and pizzas. Healthy options are commonplace on the menu. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Mozart Café and Bakery impresses: everything from the melted shakshuka to the eggplant rollatini left me wanting more.
They also offer a full espresso bar and daily fresh-baked pastries. With so many options, this is one restaurant that can be a staple in a kosher vacation.
Imperial Market & Deli
Phoenix-based Imperial Market & Deli is called “Arizona’s Favorite Glatt Kosher Restaurant and Marketplace.” It was called the “Best Kosher Market in Phoenix 2010” by the Phoenix Jewish News as well, so when it came recommended by a friend, I couldn't resist checking them out.
Variety is the name of the game for Imperial Market & Deli. Offering takeout and delivery, in addition to its elegant dining space, it serves a range of cuisines: American favorites, international cuisine, and Israeli and Sephardic family recipes to go along with Eastern European Jewish favorites. Attempting to try a little of everything, I soon found out, is a gastrointestinal impossibility (though it's a delicious one).
If you have to choose, I would recommend trying their potato salad and corned beef tongue sandwiches. The self-proclaimed “mom-and-pop store” has been growing along with the Phoenix Jewish community, and is another location that travelers would do well to consider.
Segal’s Oasis Grill
Just a few miles away from Imperial Market, Segal’s Oasis Grill is another local favorite that can help visitors make it a kosher vacation.
Able to ship anywhere in the United States, Segal’s Oasis Grill offers delivery and catering services, including special event catering services for all holidays. Certainly a favorite with visitors, they offer an extensive list of hotels and resorts that can be catered to, in case you feel like having a relaxing day in your room, but don't necessarily want to cheat with room service options.
This family-oriented establishment includes a menu with Chinese, Mexican, American, and Middle Eastern foods. According to Barbara Yost, you’ll find burgers, hot wings, and traditional deli items on the menu that are all kosher, from sushi and salads to chimichangas and pastrami. I ordered the Heavenly Potato Kugel and must say, it lived up to its name.
