20 winter soups to try from these Arizona restaurants…
January is National Soup Month, so let’s dive our spoons into some tasty winter soups, shall we?
The arrival of cooler temperatures has finally helped Arizonans experience all the winter feels. Even though 60ish degrees may not seem as brisk as other areas of the Southwest, for those throughout the Valley, it’s definitely time to bust out the boots, scarves and puffy jackets and enjoy one of the season’s most comforting dishes: winter soup! Look at 20 soup options from Phoenix and Scottsdale to Glendale and Tucson.
Need more? Read more: The spectacular Phoenix sandwich showcase
These restaurants are keeping Arizonans warm with cozy winter soups
Brody’s Italian: Stracciatella
For a cozy dine-in experience or for something delicious to take home, the Stracciatella will get the job done. This Italian egg drop soup is made with chicken broth, egg and spinach. For a bit more punch, Brody’s Italian also offers their popular Minestrone.
Cafe Monarch: Lobster and Pumpkin Bisque
Cafe Monarch’s Lobster and Pumpkin Bisque is the stuff dreams are made of. Given that it hails from one of the top five restaurants in the nation, it’s no surprise this dish is exceptional. This mix of pumpkin, lobster, truffle oil and crème fraîche will have you wishing winter will never end.
Cafe Zupas: Wisconsin Cauliflower
For a quick in-and-out lunch or dinner, or for those who want to couple their winter soup with a salad, Cafe Zupas is the perfect stop. Among their many soup offerings, the Wisconsin Cauliflower is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy and comforting mixture, made with roasted cauliflower and a blend of cheeses.
Casey Moore’s Oyster House: Clam Chowder
Nestled in Tempe, Casey Moore’s Oyster House has more than oyster goodness to satiate winter appetites. Patrons rave about the creamy clam chowder, featuring tender clams and a rich base. For added indulgence, the chowder can be served in a bread bowl — perfect for a chilly afternoon or evening.
Diego Pops: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Diego Pops, the modern taco spot in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale has a traditional Mexican soup on the menu (sopa de tortilla) made with tender chicken, a little kick delivered by poblano peppers and corn — in every scoopful. Diego Pop’s tops its Chicken Tortilla Soup off with avocado, a sprinkle of queso Oaxaca and a pile of crunchy, salted-to-perfection tortilla strips.
Eat Up Drive In: Vegan Chili
Vegans and chili fans can rejoice because Eat Up offers a vegan and gluten-free chili made from scratch packed with beans, mushrooms, big chunks of carrots and celery, onions, poblano peppers and topped with a sprinkle of chives. The best part is that this vegan chili also comes poured on top of their famous baked potatoes!
El Sur Mexican Restaurant: Albondigas
The Tucson-based eatery is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, including its Albondigas soup. While the proprietary recipe remains top secret, the base of the traditional Mexican soup combines flavorful meatballs simmered in a savory broth — and is known throughout the state as a satiating star of soups.
Heard Museum Courtyard Cafe: Posolé
For a destination named one of the top five museum restaurants in the country by USA Today, who wouldn’t want to sample soup from the Heard Museum’s cafe? Featured in Bon Appétit magazine, the Heard Museum Cafe’s Posolé is made with slow-roasted port, tomato, sauteed onions, pinto beans, hominy, a savory broth and topped with Oaxaca cheese. Visitors can also order the chilled Three Sisters Soup and the Sopa de Lima with Native American origins.
Humble Oysters & Bubbles: Lobster Bisque
Humble Oysters & Bubbles’ Lobster Bisque presents a creamy crustacean stock that envelops the palate in rich, savory warmth. This velvety soup is generously adorned with tender bay shrimp, offering a burst of oceanic flavor in every spoonful. The dish is elegantly complemented with a zesty drizzle of lime crema and crunchy anchovy crostini.
Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass: Corn and Squash Soup
The oft-rave-reviewed Kai restaurant at Grand at Wild Horse Pass honors its surrounding Native American cultures, adopting a refined take on indigenous ingredients in its seasonal Corn and Squash Soup. The savory winter soup features roasted corn, heirloom squash, and a delicate drizzle of chile oil for added warmth and depth.
Kasai Japanese Steakhouse: Mushroom Soup
Kasai is all too happy to warm-up guests with their hearty Mushroom Soup, made with robust beef consommé, earthy mushrooms, and a sprinkle of scallions. Miso soup is another fan favorite at both Kasai locations — in Scottsdale and Peoria.
Ling & Louie’s: Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup
Ling & Louie’s Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup is a fan favorite featuring a blend of tender chicken, jasmine rice, fresh cilantro and green onions. This delicious blend of comfort and flavor is available for $2 a cup or $6 a bowl.
Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn: Creamy Roasted Poblano Soup
A long-time BOSW (and Valley) favorite, Lon’s has a way of flawlessly blending spices that sing in every dish. This winter, the Hermosa Inn signature restaurant is kicking up its delicious Creamy Roasted Poblano Soup, a smoky yet creamy soup with a touch of spice, served with toasted pepitas and a dollop of lime crema.
Pita Jungle: Chicken Enchilada Soup
Featured on the local favorite’s latest Seasonal Kitchen Crafts Menu, Pita Jungle’s chicken enchilada soup combines chicken, green and red bell peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and guajillo sauce. Topped with cheddar cheese, tortilla strips, and green onions, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This new soup is also featured as part of their brand new ‘Pick Your Pair’ combo deal where guests can add a cup of soup with select seasonal menu items.
Prado at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: White Bean and Chorizo Stew
What’s better than enjoying the beautiful ambiance that Prado at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia offers? Experiencing its splendor with a bowl of the White Bean and Chorizo Stew: a soul-filling, upscale Spanish stew with white beans, house-made chorizo, and a touch of smoked paprika for a winter-perfect indulgence.
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey: Miso Soup
Arguably the most popular appetizer for sushi diners, the house-made Miso Soup at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey will easily make it to the top of your favorite winter soups list. Nestled in the vibrant Melrose District of Phoenix, the Miso Soup at Sandfish is made with its own signature dashi, simmered to perfection at the perfect temperature to enhance its delicate flavors. Combining the harmonious blend of tofu, fresh scallions and maitake mushrooms, all the ingredients come together in a warm, nourishing bowl.
Streets of New York: Italian Wedding Soup
Originally named for the ingredients in the soup combining perfectly (like a marriage), Streets of New York’s Italian Wedding Soup lives up to the origin with the classic elements of your grandmother’s recipe with couscous, tomatoes, spinach, sweet red pepper and arguably the star of the soup, miniature meatballs. Plus, this warm bowl of Italian comfort food comes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top and with a side of flaky garlic bread.
The Italiano: Pasta Fagioli
The Italiano’s comforting Italian classic features a savory bean mix, perfectly melded with aromatic mirepoix and zesty Sicilian sausage. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, rich in texture and brimming with the essence of home-cooked goodness.
The Mexicano: Birria Ramen
A culinary mashup of birria, stewed beef and ramen, birria ramen has gained popularity over the past few years in the Valley and The Mexicano has perfected the flavorful soup. Using ramen noodles, chile-braised beef and birria consommé to make up the broth the ramen is then topped with a six-minute boiled egg, cilantro, radish, green onion and salsa macha, a slightly spicy, nutty salsa.
Vincent Market Bistro: Squash Soup
Available on select occasions, Vincent’s has perfected the art of gourd-based dishes. As winter veggies go, this soup steals the show. The buttery, richness in this creamy concoction is divine. The lobster bisque is another menu staple for those in the mood for seafood.
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