Downtown Dining

The C.P. Stephens DeSoto Six Motorcars building in downtown Phoenix is being transformed into the DeSoto Central Marketplace, a market featuring restaurants, locally grown food and a bar. The soon-to-be-renovated building sits between the Roosevelt Neighborhood Historic District and the Roosevelt Row Arts District.

Aaron Chamberlin likes being the boss. The chef and owner of casual Phoenix Public Market Café and upscale St. Francis has been in the culinary business since he was a 14-year-old dishwasher. Today, he thrives on his curiosity to make people happy.

The Local, a new contemporary American restaurant with a global edge, is set to expand the palates of Phoenix’s growing arts district along Roosevelt Row. The restaurant will be located near Third and Roosevelt streets next to Pallets Food & Bar and will pay tribute to its name by incorporating food and decor from local vendors.

Bragg's Factory Diner, located on Grand Avenue, celebrated its first anniversary with seven employee-based bands that played in the warehouse behind the restaurant, as well as a pie-eating contest.

For the past six weeks, the Short Leash Hot Dogs food truck has parked in front of Shine Coffee on Vernon Avenue every Wednesday to create "Shine and Dine," a lunchtime collaboration event.

For singles, couples and anyone in between, downtown Phoenix has a wide variety of options for Valentine's Day this year, from the Love Potion at Nami's to a burlesque show at The Pressroom.

Joyride Taco House offers a comfortable ambiance along with an inviting bar area and appetizing menu items crafted in traditional Mexican style including Almond Horchata agua fresca, slow-roasted pork tortas and delicious chicken tacos.

At The Clever Koi, one can delve into the rich flavors of Asian cuisine -- including dumplings, steamed buns and kimchi -- and dine in a pleasantly buzzing atmosphere.

One Coffee Co. brews a quality cup of chai and offers a comfortable atmosphere for students and businesspeople alike. Their baked goods include delicious scones and blueberry muffins.

Royal Coffee Bar is opening a new shop in Heritage Square Park's historic carriage house after being forced to close its Phoenix Public Market location in 2012. Royal has two other shops at the Biltmore Fashion Park and plans to expand to Tempe and North Scottsdale in 2014.