Postino Winecafe Phoenix, AZ

In-the-know Phoenicians frequent this unassuming little wine bar halfway to Scottsdale. In a city rife with strip-mall cuisine, Postino delivers welcome helpings of the Italian countryside, the Napa Valley, the South of France and the Mediterranean coast. Italian cuisine is the chief influence on the menu, but it's all done up with a healthy dose of California-style applewood-smoked pizzazz. Vegetarians rave about the offerings here, but meat is well represented as well. The wine selection rotates every few months, but it is always heavy on Californians and Italians, with a few choice French wines and a handful of Argentines for good measure. Beer lovers can appreciate the selection as well, with the stellar Trumer Pils on draught alongside award winners like Green Flash IPA. See website for menus, drink lists and more.