Looking for your next favorite restaurant? You don’t have to venture into the big cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Our small towns have some pretty great restaurants to choose from and some of them are even considered some of the best places to get a meal. Check out a few of the towns where you can find top-rated restaurants in the state.

1. Bisbee

This little mining town has become quite the tourist destination over the years and with that comes some tasty and unusual dining options for the area. Since Bisbee has become synonymous with hippies, it has brought in quite a few vegetarian and vegan restaurants that churn out some incredible dishes. Places like Poco and Thuy’s Noodle Shop offer these options in the form of Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine as well as menu items that will satisfy the carnivores in your party. Another great restaurant that has earned quite a bit of fame is Cafe Roka, which serves tasty, upscale meals for when you really feel like showing off.

2. Cottonwood

One of the Verde Valley towns on our list, Cottonwood has some pretty great local restaurants. One that stands out is Pizzeria Bocce, a restaurant that specializes in serving fresh pizza. If you’re not sure where to start, the traditional margherita is a cornerstone pizza that doesn’t skimp on flavor (and is still tasty the next day as leftovers) or you can try something a little more adventurous like the shrimp and hot pepper pizza.

3. Jerome

The former ghost town has more than just a few creepy places up its sleeve. You can find a lot of fantastic restaurants around here to keep you satisfied during a weekend trip. A few places to start: The Mine Cafe for a delicious breakfast and perfect cup of coffee, The Flatiron for a cappuccino and hearty brunch, The Bordello of Jerome for a burger, and The Asylum in the Jerome Grand Hotel for a haunted experience.

4. Miami

I’ll admit that when you drive by this town, it doesn’t look like much but don’t let that stop you from pulling over! You’ll find some well-known restaurants here like the famous Guayo’s El Rey that serves mouthwatering Mexican food you won’t forget! You’ll also want to check out Burger House for burgers and equally delicious Mexican dishes.

5. Pinetop-Lakeside

When spending time in the chilly air of the White Mountains, you’ll probably crave some warm food. For breakfast, you won’t want to miss a meal at Darbi’s Cafe, especially if you can get a seat right next to the fireplace. Then check out Johnny & Dee’s Picnic Basket for lunch in an equally cozy setting and Salt Restaurant & Wine Bar for a dinner of seafood and steak.

6. Tubac

Tucked away in one of Arizona’s oldest towns is one of the state’s hidden gems: Elvira’s Restaurant, a Mexican restaurant that serves homemade yet elegant meals. The fancy, unique décor will grab your attention but the food will make you keep coming back again and again. If there are any meals you need to try, it has to be one of the mole dishes.

7. Winslow

While it might be a bit of a stretch to call Winslow a small town (it has a population of more than 10,000, a little large in my opinion), it is home to the renowned Turquoise Room at the La Posada Hotel. This restaurant serves Southwest inspired foods that beautifully combine Mexican, Indigenous, and New American cuisine. It has been well-rated by plenty of food magazines and has maintained a 4.5 star rating on Yelp, Facebook, and TripAdvisor.

How many of these restaurants have you had the opportunity to dine in? If you want to check out another great small town restaurant that also happens to be an iconic stop along Route 66, check out our article The Small Town Restaurant That’s A Must-See Along Arizona’s Route 66.