You’ll see a patio with terracotta plants and patrons sitting on tan upholstered chairs on tables set up on the black asphalt as you drive north on Seventh Avenue. They enjoy lattes while sipping coffee and nibbling on delicious southwestern food like corn meal hush puppies and churro waffles. Valentine , a coffee, brunch A dinner restaurant in the colorful and quirky Melrose District .

Esquire The most popular spot in the year has been named Best new restaurants in America . The magazine’s 40th anniversary edition celebrates 40 new restaurants across the country. Valentine is at number 17.

“Valentine is an all-day restaurant located in a Phoenix dry cleaners. It’s the Grand Canyon State’s closest thing to a love song. But it’s sweet nonetheless. The article states that Donald Hawk, the chef of the restaurant, creates a menu that is as vibrant as the setting sun on Camelback Mountain. He also celebrates the wide horizon of Southwest cuisine.

The Hiramasa crudo at Valentine.

Jackie Mercandetti Photo

This is a beautiful and accurate way of describing the restaurant that opened in December 2020. New Times It was later named Phoenix’s. Best new restaurant in 2021 . It is difficult to pin down Valentine’s appeal. Whether it’s the midcentury-modern-meets-Southwest design, the native seeds that top its tater tots, or the boozy cocktails that accompany dishes like Elote Pasta, a swirl of house-made tagliarini, a silky, thinner version of its sister, tagliatelle. The toppings are crispy corn and arbol chiles.

Valentine is a unique Arizona restaurant among a growing culinary scene in the Valley. The restaurant is located in a building that also houses a variety of other restaurants. Modern Manor A swanky dealer in vintage furniture. You can feel the classic charm throughout the space.

The Veg Burger is made with tepary beans and tempeh and served on a squash bun with tots on the side.

Natasha Yee

The day is spent by hipsters and remote workers who sit on leather swivel chair and type on laptops. They also enjoy eating flaky croissants and Medjool-filled sticky buns.

By night, the space is transformed into a sophisticated, candlelit dining room. The cocktails might even get their own write-up. The Hatch Chili Margarita It is made with mezcal and green chile vodka. It’s spicy, smokey and tangy. Espresso martini are filled to the brim by a mix that includes house-made coffee liquor. The espresso martini is creamy on the top and has just enough caffeine to keep you going all night. This one is worth the effort.

It may take a little longer to secure reservations after bookings have been made. Esquire’s attention. Coffee and pastries, except for the first, are served at 7 a.m. Every morning.

@emiliaeats Have you been to the cutest new coffee shop/restaurant in Phoenix? I’m obsessed with Valentine! #arizonacoffee #coffeeshop #azblogger #azfoodie ♬ Losing You – Solange