Il Vinaio Restaurant

This uniquely elegant wine bar and restaurant (its name means “wine merchant” in Italian) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef James Bacon prides himself on a talent for pairing food and wine, and it’s evident at this family-owned downtown Mesa staple. Start with the Share Platter, a mélange of roasted vegetables, olives, artichokes, caper berries and soppressata. Follow that with a Caprese Salad with grape tomatoes, Mozzarella, basil and arugula and drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Fans of fresh game will love the Half-Pound Free Range Nilgai Antelope Burger, served with house-cut fries and corn salad, or the Buttered Gnocchi with Duck Sausage, accompanied with zucchini, mushrooms, tomato and delicious herb pan sauce. Have the waiter select a wine flight to accompany your meal, and you’ll leave happy.

• Cuisine(s): American, Bistro, Italian, Middle Eastern

  Hours: Sun 7am-8pm, Tue-Thu 8am-9pm, Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 7am-11pm

  Price: $$, $$$

  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards

• Attire: casual

  Features: Kid Friendly, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible

  Serving: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

  Alcohol: Full bar

• Reservations: Accepted, Not Necessary

  Parking: Lot Available, Street