fare like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash pair well with the ciders and beers on tap. Until we can hop the pond again, George & Dragon gives us that British pub experience, right in the heart of Phoenix. EEEEE Mountain View Pub 7033 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-575-7782 mountainviewpub.pub Sure, you got your McCaffrey’s, your Dub- liners, your suburban corner pubs. But in downtown Cave Creek’s crowded food- and-drink scene, look for the giant Guin- ness banner and head toward Mountain View Pub. It has the usual Irish bar traits: imported beers, appetizers, an assortment of antique furniture, an internet jukebox. But there’s also a stage framed by exposed cobblestone, some natural sunlight, and a massive back patio with absolutely breath- taking views of a river valley and the north Valley mountains. To drink, order a mar- garita, a house favorite that’s served in a Guinness pint glass. To eat? Stay on the ol’ Emerald Isle; we like the Irish breakfast platter, Irish pub nachos, and the Reuben, which is made with corned beef cooked daily in Guinness. EEEEE Haus Murphy’s 5739 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale 623-939-2480 hausmurphys.com OK, maybe German isn’t the trendiest cui- sine at the moment, but there’s no denying its effectiveness as comfort food. The menu at Haus Murphy’s in Historic Down- town Glendale is stocked with hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare. We like to start with the giant Bavarian soft pretzel, which comes with butter, mustard, and (for an ex- tra fee) cheese sauce. The schnitzels are the best in town; if you order the sampler plate, you’ll get to try the chicken, paprika, and steak schnitzels, all of which are per- fectly fried without being too heavy. Our fi- nal bit of advice? Come to Haus Murphy’s on a mostly empty stomach — not just to enjoy the large portions, but also so you can sample the restaurant’s impressive beer selection (and maybe a Black Forest torte). EEEEE Francine 4710 North Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale 480-690-6180 francinerestaurant.com Inside this lofty temple of breezy, white- painted woods, exposed rafters, and brassy accents, an elegant modern French restau- rant hums. It’s not elegant just because of the postcard bar with its smooth hewn- rock top and plant leaves jutting from atop the brass back bar. Francine unites coastal French cooking with strong influences from Spain and southern Italy, the dishes ranging from old to new. Brian Archibald cooks them with a true hand. Some of his highlights are a citrus-touched crab ravioli and a whole branzino baked in a salt crust. Archibald prepares textbook panisse, the classic French chickpea cake, but also mixes it up with dishes such as wood- roasted octopus with chorizo. In 2021, lots of French dining can feel sleepy, but Fran- cine delivers a pleasant, galvanizing shock. EEEEE Virtù Honest Craft 3710 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale 480-946-3477 virtuhonestcraft.com 176 Chef Gio Osso’s restaurant serves funky amari flights. Gnocchi rolled with mes- quite flour. Mains like duck breast in black garlic soubise. His skill and point of view in the Italian food arena would be unique for anywhere, and they certainly bring some- thing to greater Phoenix’s somewhat staid Italian food scene. Diners enjoy his fare at an intimate courtyard flanking a boutique inn, white tablecloths under string lights. The menu changes all the time. At any given moment, there are usually just a few pastas. He’ll never cook, say, a classic like BEST OF PHOENIX 2021 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2021.C0M | SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 f o o d & dr i nk B E S T G ERM A N R E S T A UR A NT B E S T FR ENCH R E S T A UR A NT B E S T IRI S H P UB B E S T IT A LIA N R E S T A UR A NT
