Four metro Phoenix spots just got a nice national spotlight, and if you’re someone who eats gluten-free — or cooks for someone who does — this is the kind of list worth saving.
USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards handed out five total honors across Arizona in the gluten-free, cider and pizza categories, and four of the winners are right here in the Valley. The awards are part of a process that starts with expert nominations, gets vetted by editors and then lands in readers’ hands for the final vote. In other words, these aren’t random shoutouts; they’re the result of a pretty wide national look at what people actually want to eat and drink.
Mesa gets two wins
Cider Corps in Mesa came away with two honors. The veteran-owned craft cidery was named the No. 5 best cidery overall, and its Mango Foxtrot cider — made with mango and rose hip — landed at No. 4 among ciders. For a local spot to show up in more than one category says a lot about how broad its appeal has become.
Intentional Foods, also in Mesa, earned a place on the list as the No. 7 best restaurant for gluten-free dining. The family-owned cafe and market focuses on transparency and allergy-friendly ingredients, and its menu includes sandwiches, salads, tacos and tostadas. The restaurant’s approach is especially notable because it leaves out peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, seafood, shellfish, sesame and gluten.
A Phoenix favorite lands on the pizza list
Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen also made the cut, taking the No. 6 spot for best gluten-free pizzeria. The family- and employee-owned business has been around for 50 years and has seven Valley locations. For gluten-free diners, the options matter: Spinato’s offers a traditional 10-inch gluten-free crust, an 8-inch cauliflower crust and a 10-inch chicken keto crust.
The Phoenix location listed in the awards is at 5509 N. Seventh St. That kind of recognition can be a big deal for a neighborhood pizzeria, especially one serving a crowd that often has to think twice before ordering pizza.
Why this matters locally
What stands out here is not just the number of wins, but the range. Mesa shows up for cider and gluten-free dining, while Phoenix gets a nod for pizza. That mix reflects something the Valley has been building for a while: more places that take dietary needs seriously without making the experience feel like a compromise.
For diners, that means more options. For these restaurants, it’s a reminder that thoughtful menus and clear ingredients can resonate well beyond Arizona.
