Speaking the love language of food is one that many people understand, and when it comes to dining at locally owned restaurants, there are many delicious options. Here in North Peoria and Arrowhead, several local chefs put in a real-life labor of love to ensure we all enjoy our dining experiences. Here are some of our suggestions for must-check-out hot spots.
CHAR Pizzeria Napoletana
25101 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy #1325, Peoria
Check out CHAR Pizzeria Napoletana (CharPizzeria.com) for a quick service spot offering some of the best pizzas in the Northwest Valley. Owner Tommasina Mamola opened CHAR to offer something local from Naples, where she grew up. Although she has owned multiple restaurants across the Valley, she is most proud of CHAR because of the Neapolitan-style pizza that reflects her heritage.
In fact, CHAR is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), which governs restaurants specializing in Neapolitan-style traditional pizza. That means the pizza dough is hand-mixed or mixed slowly and then hand-rolled to make 11-inch pizza pies. CHAR must use specific yeast, vegetables, and cheeses for each pizza to maintain certification.
CHAR’s custom wood-fire oven burns only oak and pecan branches, and the pizzas are cooked on a stone hearth adjacent to the fire. Mamola aims to make the most authentic Neapolitan-style pizza around. The menu has plenty of options, including Garlic Lobster, Farmer’s Market, and a Build-Your-Own style, where you can pick your base sauce and add topping options.
CHAR serves bruschetta and salads, giving everyone tasty options. The restaurant offers happy hour daily in the bar from 3 to 6 p.m.
Urban Agave
6685 W. Beardsley Rd #180, Arrowhead
Sky Restaurant Concepts bought Urban Margarita in mid-2023 and changed the name to Urban Agave (Urban-Agave.com). The Mexican–American restaurant serves freshly made dishes in its scratch kitchen. The chef and staff at Urban Agave are focused on elevating all aspects of the restaurant experience.
Their best and most popular menu items include puffy tacos, stacked enchiladas, stuffed poblano peppers, and Casa Birria tacos.
The food isn’t the only reason to stop in Urban Agave. Check out their superior cocktail menu, curated by their sister bar, Highball Cocktail Bar in Phoenix. Urban Agave offers one of the best house margaritas in the Valley.
The restaurant has several specials during the week, including Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, Wine Down Wednesday, Live Music Thursday, and daily Happy Hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don't forget the event room that seats 30 to 40 people!
Squid Ink Sushi Bar
9947 W Happy Valley Pkwy #109, Peoria
Sky Restaurant Concepts is also behind another must-eat spot—Squid Ink Sushi Bar (SquidInkSushi.com). The team behind the restaurant describes the unique menu as one that cannot be put into a specific category. The food options have influences from Japan, Thailand, Korea, America, and more.
Squid Ink, which opened in 2010, offers sushi on its menu but isn't a typical sushi restaurant. There are traditional rolls to choose from, but there are also house-made rolls unique to Squid Ink. However, if sushi isn’t your style, no worries. Plenty of other options include chicken wings, buffalo chicken roll, a wagyu burger, and Thai Chicken fried rice.
If you are looking for an alcoholic drink to indulge in, there are plenty of options on that end as well. A variety of specialty cocktails and beer, wine, and saki are available on the menu. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic options.
The casual spot is great for grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying happy hour with friends and family. The restaurant offers happy hour daily from 3 to 7 p.m., Poke Taco Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays, and live music on Thursdays. So, no matter when you are looking to come in for a bite, all diners have several options.
