☰ Menu
Close

Dining Guide | Light Dinner Ideas at Your Favorite Phoenix Restaurants

Posted on: August 10th, 2014 by Taryn Jeffries No Comments

During the hottest part of the summer, the last thing anyone wants to do is to load up on a heavy meal. Warmer weather actually slows down our digestion, so it’s best to do your system a favor and lighten things up. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid your favorite dining spots, there are many light dinner ideas that you can find if you look. You can easily stick to the appetizers and still enjoy a decadent, but light, meal. Add in a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine and you’ve got the perfect summer treat.

6 Light Dinner Ideas at Your Favorite Phoenix Restaurants

Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge

6 Light Dinner Ideas: Christopher's
2502 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.522.2344
Christopher’s has long been known as an upscale, fine dining restaurant, but you might be surprised to find a number of approachable dishes as well. Among the available six-course tasting menus, duck confit and smoked truffle infused filet mignon you’ll also find hamburgers, pizza, truffle fries and mac n’ cheese. Executive Chef Christopher Gross has just added 20 tapas style dishes to the menu, under the name of “Petit Plates”, that are perfect for summertime. You can go the adventurous route with the Frog Legs with Herbs and Garlic or choose the Croque-Madame to keep it more traditional. Pair any of these options with a light easy-drinking summer wine and you have the perfect backdrop for a casual summer date.

Flower Child

6 Light Dinner Ideas: Flower Child
5013 N. 44th St.| Phoenix| 602.429.6222
Flower Child is striving to make healthy food not only a delicious option but a desirable and responsible one. The dishes here are comprised of locally sourced ingredients, made from scratch and with your health in mind. No matter if you are just looking for menu items that can accommodate dietary restrictions or if you are just looking for a light option, you will find exactly what you are looking for. Give the Avocado Hummus a try for a light starter. The hummus is rich and creamy because of the hummus, but the inclusion of sweet corn, radish, clementine and pumpkin seeds create a hearty dish with great texture and complex flavors. The dish is served with thin pita that helps to not weigh the dish down. Pair this with a seasonal lemonade to add a crispness to the flavors of the hummus.

Il Posto
9832 N. 7th St.| Phoenix| 602.870.4122
Il Posto is everything that you imagine an Italian restaurant should be; charming with old-world character. You’ll find all the expected items on the menu, those comforting items that that you have cravings for but potentially might not be able to replicate in your own kitchen. While you may not correlate light with Italian fare, Il Posto offers up several light starters to enjoy. While their Caprese and ceviche are great options, why not give the Seafood Fra Diavolo to add a little spice to your night. Sautéed calamari and shrimp swim in a luxurious pool of spicy marinara that you can sop up with the accompanying ciabatta bread. Pair the spicy marinara with the Antinori Sangiovese, the bright acidity will match well with the tartness of the tomatoes.

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

6 Light Dinner Ideas: LGO
4410 N. 40th St.| Phoenix| 602.840.7777
You’ve likely enjoyed a pizza from La Grande Orange along with any one of their wines on tap, but what’s a diner to do when looking for a light bite? Why not treat yourself to a luscious cheese board? You can choose up to three of their five cheese options. Whether you are looking for smooth, creamy, sharp or something with a little extra bite you will find it in this new menu option. And while wine is the perfect pairing for cheese, why not opt in for their White Sangria? This concoction of light wine and fresh cut fruit will create a delicate flavor combination that will pair with the complexity of the cheeses.

Spoke & Wheel
8525 N. Central Ave.| Phoenix| 602.870.8860
Find yourself struck with hunger while out on a bike ride? Roll into the Spoke and Wheel for some nourishment. This family style tavern is consistently serving up contemporary American cuisine, utilizing the freshest ingredients and they grind their meat in house and bake their own fresh bread daily. Their small plate selections are great for sharing and you could make a meal a few of them. Order a combination of the House-smoked Salmon Platter and the Crispy Calamari. Both dishes are served with a lemon-vodka sauce that will pair nicely with a house-made cocktail or a Sauvignon Blanc or a White Bordeaux.

The Market by Jennifer’s

6 Light Dinner Ideas: The Market by Jennifer's
3603 E. Indian School Road| Phoenix| 602.626.5050
The Market by Jennifer’s is a quaint dining destination, located in the Gaslight Square, providing curbside grab and go options as well as an eclectic and comfortable décor for dining in. The open air market feel of the space combined with the simple elegance of the table design and artwork creates an inviting space for first dates, families as well as a night out with friends.  Their menu contains a delightful array of starters and nosh boards. Opt for a combination of the Salmon Ceviche and their Basil Grapefruitini. The ceviche has a vibrant, light but full flavor which pairs perfectly with the herbal notes of the cocktail. Enjoy this light treat among friends as you recount your summer adventures.

This article was originally featured in the August 2014 issue of Uptown Magazine.

About the Author - Taryn Jeffries

Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.

More Posts by  | Website  | Follow Taryn Jeffries on Twitter

Related Posts

Join the Wizarding World Harry Potter Birthday Bash at FOUNDRE!

Harry Potter Birthday Bash at FOUND:RE! Join the Wizarding World

Posted on: July 10th, 2023

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Mark your calendars for an extraordinary event happening on Saturday, July 29 at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and Match Market & Bar. Get ready to be... Read More
The Genuine Boogie Nights Bash: Food, Beats, and Giving Back!

The Genuine Boogie Nights Bash: Food, Beats, and Giving Back!

Posted on: May 24th, 2023

The Genuine Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with a Groovy Boogie Nights Bash  Uptown Phoenix’s culinary hotspot, The Genuine, is preparing to throw an epic anniversary party, and you will not want... Read More

Be the first to comment!

Leave a Reply

©2024 PhoenixBites | Site Designed by WeDoDev

All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Sitemap