MENSHO 805 N. Dobson Road, #115, Mesa Mensho is a newcomer to the Valley, bringing with it hoards of fans and deli- cious steaming bowls of Japanese noodle soup. The ramen concept was introduced in Japan before expanding around the world. The Mesa restaurant, an immersive space centered around an open kitchen and surrounded by light wood walls, was the chain’s first in Arizona. A second location opened in uptown Phoenix in January. Mensho’s ramen bowls are unique, featuring flavors such as matcha and five different preparations of garlic in one dish. Tender, handmade noodles swim in thick, creamy broth, inviting customers to dive right in. These ramen bowls have layers of flavor that unfold with each sip, making them unlike anything else in the Valley. BOARD & BATTEN 4012 E. Palm St., Mesa One of Mesa’s most unexpected special occasion restaurants is hidden down a lane, through an office park and next to a wedding venue. There, tucked behind the trees, you’ll find Board & Batten. This small restaurant with a large patio blends cozy farmhouse vibes with modern touches and the feel of an elegant garden party. Sit outside under the string lights to take it all in. Start with a craft cocktail or ask your server for their wine recommendation. Then, dig into shareable plates such as the tender, braised Italian meatballs before picking an entree. The options rotate throughout the seasons, but expect fresh seafood dishes, handmade pastas and steaks. Leave room for dessert. We recommend the warm date cake topped with homemade date swirl ice cream and crunchy honeycomb. THAI BOAT NOODLE.PS 1533 W. Elliot Road, #101, Gilbert In a small restaurant in Gilbert, a husband and wife team cooks the flavors of home while making everyone feel like family. The menu includes recipes from the Isaan region of Thailand, which borders Laos. Don’t miss the restaurant’s namesake boat noodle soup, but make sure to try a sampling of the menu as well. Start your meal with some super satisfying chewy, salty sun-dried pork and a bright, fresh papaya salad. Opt for the traditional, summery Thai-style salad or go for the richer Laos-style which gets a hearty dose of funk from salted crab and fermented fish sauce. For dessert, enjoy sweet sticky rice with mango or black beans in coconut milk. The cozy, welcoming eatery also serves Thai iced tea and coffee and is ideal for dine-in or takeout. I t’s a well-known fact that metro Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. And local restau- rants are keeping pace with the city’s evolution. Out-of-town imports are bringing some of the best dining experi- ences from around the world to our corner of the desert. And local chefs are pushing boundaries more than ever before. The extraordinary growth of our city and state is measurable on a national scale. In 2024, the James Beard Foundation recog- nized a striking 12 Arizona chefs and restau- rants as semifinalists for its highly competitive culinary awards. This January, we bested ourselves, with 15 semifinalist nominations. Eating in Phoenix has never been better. And given the 14,600 square miles covered by the metro area sprawl, the options can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Each year, Phoenix New Times publishes a list of the top 100 restaurants. The list includes a mix of Valley staples, essential eats and exciting newcomers. Some tried and true restaurants return to the list year after year as they continue to delight diners. But each time around, a host of new spots lands on the list. In 2025, we have 27 restau- rants to recognize. Here are the new addi- tions to Phoenix’s top 100 restaurants. Shredded green papaya gets a heavy dose of funk from fermented fish sauce and salted crab at Thai Boat Noodle.PS in Gilbert. (Photo by Tirion Boan) Ordering dessert at Board & Batten is essential. Don’t skip the Warm Date Cake. (Photo by Tirion Boan) Mensho Ramen offers soups including the Garlic Knock Out, or G.K.O. ramen, which showcases garlic five ways. (Photo by Tirion Boan) MEET THE 27 NEW ADDITIONS FOR 2025 BY TIRION BOAN AND SARA CROCKER
