Cocina Madrigal Is the People’s Champ
5.5 Yumpoints | Tied for #37 in Phoenix
Most of the Mexican food on this site is running on critical acclaim—New Times writers, AZ Central writers, and everyone else seem to agree that Bacanora, Taco Chelo, Chilte, and the like are the best of the best. Cocina Madrigal, on the other hand, is playing a different game. They appear to be the People’s Champ, so much so that Yelp listed them as their #1 restaurant in America for 2022. And I have a theory. People seem to love it because the menu seems to be more about what’s good than authenticity. If chef wants a spicy chicken pasta dish, or a jerk-rubbed chicken mac and cheese, he’s going to make it happen. And you know what people seem to like? Pasta and jerk chicken. You can also get your beef birria enchiladas (the enchiladas appear to be the way to go) and Oaxacan shrimp tacos, but when you go in, you can expect more “anything goes” cuisine with bold flavors than authentic anything. And at the end of the day, that right there might be the true definition of comfort food.
Where: S. Phoenix
Website: cocinamadrigal.com
Reservations: Yelp
Tip: In March 2024, Cocina Madrigal had a fire (I think in the kitchen?) and hasn’t reopened quite yet. Before you plan on going, maybe check the website for their updated reopening status.
Reviews, Articles, and Awards
+2 Yumpoints | JAN 23, 2024
Yelp: Yelp’s Top 100 US Restaurants 2024
+1 Yumpoint | May 9, 2022 / Tirion Boan
Phoenix New Times: Best Bites: At Cocina Madrigal, an Unexpected Enchilada Steals the Show
Whether you are in the neighborhood after a hike on South Mountain, need to grab a quick business lunch close to downtown Phoenix or are on a special hunt for some great veggie options, Cocina Madrigal has a dish and a table for everyone.
+1 Yumpoint | JAN 7, 2024 / SERENA OZONUR
The Travel: Phoenix Dining: 12 Arizona Restaurants That Foodies Should Have On Their Radars
Beyond the Grand Canyon, Arizona has many incredible places to visit, especially to taste its diverse food scene. Mexican cuisine in Phoenix is often at the top of the list of foodies, and Cocina Madrigal Tacos + Tequila is a great contender; it's an irresistible place to experience drinks, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.
+.5 Yumpoints | DEC 23, 2023 / CRAWFORD SMITH
Tasting Table: 15 Best Mexican Restaurants In Phoenix
Cocina Madrigal is one of the most adored restaurants on our list, having won the number-one spot in Yelp's Top 100 Places To Eat in 2022. It's also earned love from a number of other national publications and TV shows. Despite its long list of accolades, it's still an affordable, approachable restaurant that serves a slightly elevated take on Mexican-American food.
+.5 Yumpoints | JUL 25, 2023 / LAUREN MILLINGTON
Female Foodie: 10 Best Tacos in Phoenix
Want to upgrade your taco experience? Cocina Madrigal serves some of the best tacos in Phoenix with a gourmet twist. Their signature steak tacos add unexpected ingredients that come together in flawless harmony: grilled steak, made tender by a pomegranate marinade, crispy, deep-fried onions and peppers, a creamy, chipotle aioli, and a sprinkle of gorgonzola cheese. The authentic Mexican ingredients, combined with some upgraded flair, makes for an impressive gourmet taco.
+.5 Yumpoints | JUN 22, 2023 / LAUREN MILLINGTON
Female Foodie: 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix
Don’t let Cocina Madrigal’s modest appearance fool you, this unassuming building houses one of the best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix. Cocina Madrigal serves the classic Mexican dishes you know and love with a gourmet twist. Try the steak tacos with house-made corn tortillas, chipotle-pomegranate marinated steak, fried peppers, onions, and gorgonzola cheese. Gorgonzola may seem like an odd choice for tacos, but trust us, the combination of flavors works perfectly.
