Phoenix, Arizona, might be known for its scorching heat, but its culinary scene offers a surprising variety of comforting and delicious soups to beat the desert heat (or warm you up on a cooler evening). From classic comfort food to globally inspired broths, this guide explores the top 24 soup spots in Phoenix, ensuring your next bowl is a truly memorable experience. We'll dive into diverse styles, highlighting what makes each location unique and a must-visit for soup lovers.
Best Overall Soup Experiences in Phoenix
This section spotlights restaurants celebrated for their consistently excellent soups, showcasing a breadth of flavors and styles.
1. Pizzeria Bianco's Famous Spicy Marinara
Pizzeria Bianco isn't just about pizza; their spicy marinara is legendary. This vibrant, slightly spicy tomato-based soup is rich with herbs and a touch of heat. It's the perfect start to a meal, or a satisfying lunch on its own.
2. Matt's Big Breakfast's Hearty Chili
A Phoenix institution, Matt's Big Breakfast offers a chili that's as big and bold as its name suggests. Loaded with beans, meat, and spices, it's a hearty and flavorful option, perfect for a chilly Arizona evening.
3. The Gladly's Creative Soups
The Gladly offers a rotating selection of inventive soups, often featuring seasonal ingredients. Their culinary creativity is apparent, providing a unique and constantly evolving soup menu. Expect unexpected flavor combinations and beautifully presented bowls.
4. Durant's Classic French Onion Soup
For a taste of classic French cuisine, Durant's delivers an exceptional French onion soup. The rich, caramelized onions simmered in a deeply flavorful broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyère cheese, is a must-try for any soup aficionado.
Exploring Diverse Soup Styles Across Phoenix
This section categorizes the remaining soup spots by style, offering diverse choices to suit any palate.
Asian-Inspired Soups
- 5. Raku's Miso Soup: This simple yet elegant miso soup is a perfect complement to Raku's more adventurous dishes. The quality of the ingredients shines through in this understated masterpiece.
- 6. Hana Japanese Restaurant's Ramen: Hana offers a variety of ramen options, from rich tonkotsu broths to lighter shoyu styles. Each bowl is a testament to the care and attention to detail that goes into authentic ramen.
- 7. Pho Grand's Various Pho: A Phoenix favorite, Pho Grand offers a wide array of pho variations, each brimming with fresh herbs, flavorful broth, and tender meats.
Mexican-Inspired Soups
- 8. Carolina's Mexican Food's Caldo de Res: This hearty beef broth is a true comfort food classic. It’s perfect for a cold day, with its warming spices and tender beef.
- 9. Los Dos Molinos' Pozole: A festive and flavorful soup, their pozole is often a highlight of special occasions. The rich broth, hominy, and meat make this a truly satisfying dish.
- 10. La Santisima's Menudo: This traditional Mexican soup is a weekend staple for many Phoenix locals. It's a hearty and flavorful soup with a unique depth of flavor that develops over time.
American Classics & Comfort Food
- 11. Chelsea's Kitchen's Tomato Soup: A classic done right, their tomato soup is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness and acidity.
- 12. The Mission's Chicken Noodle Soup: This comforting classic is elevated with the use of high-quality ingredients and a flavorful broth.
- 13. Postino's Creamy Tomato Soup: A popular choice among brunch-goers, this creamy tomato soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich.
International Flavors
- 14. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour's Unique Soups: This establishment is known for its creative cocktail menu but also offers seasonal soup selections that are often unexpected and delicious.
- 15. The Dressing Room's Globally-Inspired Options: Their rotating menu often includes globally inspired soup options, such as Thai coconut curries or Italian minestrone.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- 16. True Food Kitchen's Many Vegan Soups: True Food Kitchen offers a selection of plant-based soups, catering to a wide variety of dietary restrictions. Their dedication to fresh, organic ingredients shines through in every bowl.
- 17. Flower Child's Kale Soup: A healthy and refreshing option, Flower Child's kale soup is a flavorful and nutritious choice.
Cafes & Bakeries with Delicious Soups
- 18. Lux Central's Seasonal Soups: This café offers a rotating menu of delicious soups, often featuring local and seasonal ingredients.
- 19. Four Peaks Brewing Company's Hearty Soups: While known for its beers, Four Peaks also offers satisfying and flavorful soup options, perfect for pairing with their brews.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- 20. Linger Longer Lounge's Unexpected Soups: This hidden gem often surprises with its unique and delicious soup selections. It’s worth checking out their daily specials.
- 21. Valley Perk Coffee Roasters' Cozy Soups: This local favorite provides a welcoming atmosphere and delicious, homemade soups.
- 22. Matt's Big Breakfast (again, for its versatility): While already mentioned, Matt's diverse menu extends beyond chili, featuring daily specials and rotating soups worth exploring.
Upscale Dining Experiences Featuring Soup
- 23. elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain's Gourmet Soups: This upscale restaurant features seasonally inspired soups crafted with the highest quality ingredients.
- 24. FnB's Refined Soups: FnB offers a refined dining experience with inventive soup creations, often using locally sourced ingredients.
This list provides a diverse exploration of the best soup experiences Phoenix has to offer. Remember to check menus for daily specials and seasonal offerings, as many restaurants rotate their soup selections. Enjoy your culinary journey through the desert's best bowls!
