Top influencers and bloggers to follow
Are you hungry for some new takeout options in metro Phoenix? Just look to Instagram accounts run by local influencers dedicated to posting mouthwatering photos and videos of their culinary outings.
Some of the people behind these accounts, such as Sidney Pearce of @holdyourfork, are self-described local business “cheerleaders” and help connect restaurants across the Valley with new customers by sharing appetizing images of their dishes. Oftentimes, this is done in exchange for payment or free food.
Some influencers support the industry in other ways. Longtime Phoenix food blogger Diana Brandt, the creator of @azfoodie, has used her platform of 133,000 followers to crowdfund $1,000 tips for restaurant employees across metro Phoenix.
Here are 15 metro Phoenix food Instagram accounts to follow if you’re looking for new dishes and restaurants to try.
@arizonabites
Why you should follow them: Andrea Abbott brings her photography expertise to your Instagram feed with appetizing pictures of mac and cheese, bruschetta, doughnuts and more. “Arizona Bites features the best restaurants and eateries in the state,” per its website.
Where to find them:@arizonabites, https://www.arizonabites.com.
@azfoodguy
Why you should follow them: An “influencer and foodie coach,” azfoodguy provides the “stomach growls” with photos and short videos of snacks, dishes and desserts you can find across the Valley.
Where to find them:@azfoodguy, https://www.azfoodguy.com.
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@azfoodie
Why you should follow them: Diana Brandt has been blogging about Phoenix’s dining scene since 2014. Brandt is one of the most well-known foodies in the Valley, recently making headlines for videos in which she gives cash that she fundraised online to local food industry workers. Follow her for the latest restaurant openings.
Where to find them: @azfoodie, https://www.arizonafoodiemag.com.
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@azfoodpaige
Why you should follow them: Paige Eyring wants to show “all the best food AZ has to offer.” Eyring shows must-try dishes from ramen to subs to poke burritos from various restaurants.
Where to find them: @azfoodpaige.
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@aznomnoms
Why you should follow them: Erica focuses on “noms” you can find in the West Valley, including decadent milkshakes, tortas and brunch plates.
Where to find them:@aznomnoms.
@bobacouple
Why you should follow them: If you’re looking for boba tea recommendations, look no further than Rachel and Joe. They also share desserts and other picture-perfect snacks in metro Phoenix.
Where to find them: @bobacouple.
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@cheylikescoffee
Why you should follow them: Cheyenne Wendt’s aesthetically pleasing account about coffee shops in metro Phoenix and across Arizona shows Wendt’s latest journeys to acquire caffeine. Watch the Instagram highlights to catch up on what she thought about her previous coffee trips.
Where to find them: @cheylikescoffee, https://wendtsomewhere.com.
@eatglutenfreeaz
Why you should follow them: Whether you have celiac disease or like to follow a dairy- and gluten-free diet, Katelyn has local food recommendations and recipes for you.
Where to find them: @eatglutenfreeaz.
@holdyourfork
Why you should follow them: Sidney Pearce, a food scene “cheerleader,” shares favorite dishes across the Valley while encouraging support for local businesses.
Where to find them:@holdyourfork, https://www.holdyourforks.com.
@panthereats
Why you should follow them: Need inspiration for your next takeout meal? Panthereats, “your food BFF,” reveals the tacos, buns, pizza and more that you can get to go in the Valley. Follow their TikTok account for short videos on local takeout reviews.
Where to find them: @panthereats on Instagram and @panthereats on TikTok.
@phx_food_whisperer
Why you should follow them: The account’s description says it all: “Can’t decide where to eat? Keep scrolling.” They will help you figure out where you can pick up some of your favorite dishes.
Where to find them: @phx_food_whisperer.
@tastesofaz
Why you should follow them: Since being furloughed from her job last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jenn Baluch has succeeded in turning her passion for food into a social media brand that boasts tens of thousands of followers. You can also watch her bite-size clips of Phoenix’s best eateries on her TikTok, @tastesofaz.
Where to find them: @tastesofaz, https://jennbaluch.com.
@veganphx
Why you should follow them: Phoenix native Jozh Watson, also a professor at Arizona State University, shows that vegan food options are plentiful in metro Phoenix. Watson’s website shares that Phoenix Vegan is dedicated to “promoting health, sustainability and wellness throughout the valley of the sun and in less affluent communities.”
Where to find them:@veganphx, https://www.phoenixvegan.com.
@whcoles
Why you should follow them: Following Will Coles’ Instagram account is a visual culinary adventure; it’s possible that Coles’ photos look better than anything you order yourself. For food recommendations across Arizona, look at Coles’ Instagram highlights, which include Prescott, Sedona, Scottsdale and Tucson.
Where to find them: @whcoles, https://shotbywill.myportfolio.com.
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@writeonrubee
Why you should follow them: Christina Barrueta has been writing about the local food and beverage industry for more than a decade. Follow Barrueta for the latest restaurant openings and ideas on what to order next from your favorite Phoenix spots.
Where to find them: @writeonrubee, https://www.writeonrubee.com.
Reach the reporter at [email protected] or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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