Espiritu Mesa arrived on the downtown scene with real ambition, and after a long overdue dinner there I am ready to say it out loud: this is the most exciting new restaurant in the East Valley. The dining room is candle-lit and comfortable, the service is warm without being stiff, and the menu rewards both curiosity and hunger.
Start with the Guacamole
We started with the tableside guacamole, bright with lime and a whisper of serrano, then moved on to the beet tostada and short rib barbacoa. Every plate was beautifully composed and generously portioned.
Save Room for Mezcal
The mezcal list is deep and the bartender happily walked us through a flight. Espiritu is a place you save for a night that matters, and you will not regret the reservation.