Plan Your Year of Dining: 12 Must-Try Arizona Restaurants

If you're a foodie, rest assured, there are plenty of amazing places to eat in Arizona. As a self-proclaimed food lover myself, I'm always on the hunt for the best dining experiences the Grand Canyon State has to offer. This coming year is no exception.

From the birthplace of the chimichanga (yes, you read that right) to a haunted hamburger joint and the most unique dining experiences, here are 12 of the most mouthwatering restaurants in Arizona to visit this year—one spot for each month. Get your bucket list ready and let's dig in!

1. January: Cibo Pizzeria - Phoenix

Winter is for all things cozy, and Cibo Pizzeria is the kind of restaurant that warms you from the inside out. Nestled in a restored 1913 bungalow, this charming eatery offers an outdoor fireplace and traditional, Italian-style pizza. It's one of the best pizza places in Arizona in my book. Cibo is open Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2. February: Reserve - Scottsdale

February is the month of love, so why not bring someone special to one of the most romantic restaurants in Arizona? Reserve is one of the best fine dining establishments in Old Town Scottsdale. It features a 12-course chef's tasting menu, as well as white-tablecloth seating on a gorgeous patio. You'll feel like you're entering a secret garden full of deliciousness. Reserve is only open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to close.

3. March: Gertrude's at Desert Botanical Garden - Phoenix

Ring in spring with a gourmet meal at Gertrude's—a scenic Arizona restaurant with a view of the Desert Botanical Garden. Not only will you get to enjoy delicious, farm-to-table cuisine, but you can also marvel at vibrant springtime vegetation, intricate glass sculptures, and other marvelous features of the property. The cafe is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

4. April: Turquoise Room at La Posada - Winslow

Who's up for an adventure? April takes us to The Turquoise Room at La Posada in Winslow, one of Arizona's most iconic restaurants. The Southwestern-inspired menu, vibrant cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere are so perfectly Arizona. You'll love strolling through the gardens and taking in the colorful spring scenery. Be sure to enjoy a margarita (or two) for us.

5. May: Old Town Tortilla Factory - Scottsdale

For Cinco de Mayo, stop by Old Town Tortilla Factory—a restaurant nestled in the heart of historic Old Town Scottsdale, known for its 1,400-square-foot patio and 100-year-old pecan trees. The menu boasts more than 120 different kinds of premium tequila, Mexican street food, and some of the best tortillas in Arizona. It's open Thursday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.

6. June: Agassiz Lodge & Restaurant at Arizona Snowbowl - Flagstaff

Agassiz Lodge & Restaurant in Flagstaff is the highest-elevation restaurant in the state. At 9,500 feet above sea level, this rooftop spot at Arizona Snowbowl offers a full bar, outdoor deck, and extensive menu with delightfully fresh fare. If you're ever in Flagstaff—for a ski trip or during the summer (also a great time!)—this might just be the best place to eat. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7. July: Cress on Oak Creek - Sedona

Midsummer is for dining al fresco, and Sedona's Cress on Oak Creek has one of the most scenic dining patios in Arizona. Under the shade of mighty oaks at L'auberge de Sedona Resort, enjoy a candlelit meal as the creek gently babbles along just steps from your table. We're not sure which is more beautiful: the view or the plates. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; reservations recommended.

8. August: Rustler's Rooste - Phoenix

There's no better place to catch Arizona's fiery summer sunsets than Rustler's Rooste. Perched atop South Mountain, the Western-themed steakhouse serves up "Beef and Brew With a View" on its spacious outdoor deck. The ribs here are probably the most delicious you'll find in the state. Rustler's Rooste is open Monday-Friday from 4:30 p.m. to close; Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. til close.

9. September: El Charro Cafe - Tucson

September 26 is National Chimichanga Day, so naturally, we're headed to the place where the dish originated. El Charro Café has been dishing out chimichangas since 1922, and no other restaurant even comes close to replicating its age-old family recipe. Learn more about the original chimichangas and other delicious dishes on the cafe's website. Hours are Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tucson location.

10. October: Haunted Hamburger - Jerome

Celebrate spooky season in Jerome—the most haunted small town in Arizona. One of its best burger joints, the Haunted Hamburger, features year-round Halloween décor, breathtaking panoramic vistas, and the most delectable chocolate cake out there. It's so good you'll probably forget about the ghosts... probably. It's worth the mountain drive to eat here, and it is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

11. November: Rock Springs Cafe - Black Canyon City

November is the month of Thanksgiving, so we've got pie on the brain. Rock Springs Cafe, established in 1918, is the best place to go when you're craving a big slice. The long-standing eatery sells more pie than any other restaurant in Arizona, with over two dozen kinds on the menu. Come see why this is the most famous pie in Arizona, no matter if you're a cherry, apple, or banana creme lover. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

12. December: ShadowRock Tap + Table - Sedona

To get into the festive holiday spirit, head to ShadowRock Tap + Table, a lively restaurant at the scenic Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. ShadowRock hops on the igloo dining trend every year for the holiday season, offering a special menu, festive cocktails, and a magical atmosphere. Learn more about igloo dining in Arizona on the official website.

There you have it: the best restaurants in Arizona to try this year. There's something for everyone on this list, from themed restaurants to budget-friendly spots. If you've already started planning your day trips or weekend getaways around these dining destinations, consider using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to help guide your days.