ABOUT TRYST CAFÉ

Where Healthy Meets Delicious

For more than 15 years, Tryst Café has been redefining what healthy dining can be. We believe that food made with fresh, organic ingredients should be every bit as crave-worthy as it is nourishing. That's why every dish is thoughtfully crafted from scratch using premium ingredients, bold flavors, and a passion for exceptional hospitality.

Whether you're joining us for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, handcrafted cocktails, organic coffee, or fresh smoothies, you'll find a menu designed to satisfy every lifestyle without ever sacrificing flavor.

From gluten-free and vegan favorites to hearty comfort food, award-winning breakfasts, fresh salads, burgers, seafood, steaks, and seasonal specialties, Tryst Café is where everyone at the table finds something they'll love.

Our Story

When Lisa and Sami Khnanisho opened the first Tryst Café in Phoenix in 2010, they had a simple vision: create a restaurant where wholesome ingredients, genuine hospitality, and incredible flavor come together.

At a time when healthy dining often meant limited choices, they set out to prove that organic food could be exciting, satisfying, and approachable for everyone.

That philosophy quickly earned a loyal following and numerous local and national awards, leading to the opening of a second location in Chandler.

Today, Tryst Café continues to evolve while staying true to the values that started it all—serving food with integrity, welcoming every guest like family, and creating memorable dining experiences every single day.

Food Without Compromise

Our philosophy is simple.

Start with better ingredients.

Prepare everything with care.

Never sacrifice flavor.

We proudly source high-quality ingredients whenever possible, including organic produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free proteins, and scratch-made recipes that let every ingredient shine.

We're also proud to offer one of Arizona's most extensive gluten-free menus, along with outstanding vegan and vegetarian selections, making Tryst Café a destination where everyone can dine together comfortably—regardless of dietary preference.

Healthy isn't a trend here.

It's simply how we've always cooked.

Two Locations. One Commitment to Excellence.

Chandler

Located in South Chandler, our beautiful restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, handcrafted cocktails, weekend gatherings, private dining, catering, and a spacious patio perfect for relaxing with family and friends.

4205 S. Gilbert Road
Chandler, Arizona 85249 on Google maps

Phoenix

Our original Desert Ridge location has been serving the community for more than 15 years, welcoming guests with warm hospitality, fresh organic cuisine, handcrafted beverages, and the same commitment to exceptional service that built our reputation.

21050 N. Tatum Boulevard
Phoenix, Arizona 85050 on Google maps

Awards & Recognitions

We're honored to have been recognized by guests, media, and industry leaders throughout the years.

Among our proudest recognitions:

  • Ranking Arizona Top 10 – American Contemporary Restaurants
  • Ranking Arizona Top 10 – Breakfast Restaurants
  • East Valley Favorites – Best Breakfast & Brunch
  • East Valley Favorites – Best Date Night
  • East Valley Favorites – Best Happy Hour
  • East Valley Favorites – Best Classic Cocktails
  • Green Living Magazine – Best Restaurant
  • OpenTable Diners' Choice Awards
  • Phoenix Magazine – Best New Restaurant
  • Phoenix New Times – Best Breakfast
  • Featured on Check, Please! Arizona

While we're grateful for every award, the recognition that means the most is the loyalty of the guests who continue to choose Tryst Café year after year.

Award plaque: Tryst Cafe named Best Restaurant 2025 by BusinessRate, Desert Ridge, Phoenix, AZRanking Arizona award: Tryst Cafe ranked Top Ten Breakfast Restaurants, 2022Ranking Arizona award: Tryst Cafe ranked Top Ten American/Contemporary Restaurants, 2022Green Living Best of Arizona 2022 Winner award2022 East Valley Favorites Winner by Independent Newsmedia

In the News

Over the years, Tryst Café has been featured by Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix New Times, Arizona PBS, AZTV, AZCentral, Mouth by Southwest, Managed Moms, GlutenFreeTravelSite.com, and numerous local media outlets for our innovative cuisine, commitment to organic ingredients, and welcoming hospitality.

Our story continues to be written every day by the guests who share their experiences and make Tryst Café part of their lives.

Media & Reviews

Tryst Cafe has received outstanding reviews for our fresh, organic menu and warm hospitality. Guests praise the diverse vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, highlighting the flavorful salads, burgers, and unique dishes. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and attentive service consistently earn high marks from local diners and visitors, securing our reputation as a beloved dining destination.


View ENJOY CULT COFFEE AND AMAZING FOOD AT TRYST CAFÉ on YouTube

AZTV, 2022

View JANUARY OPENINGS & CLOSINGS on Phoenix New Times

Phoenix New Times, 2019

View NOW OPEN: HEALTH-CONSCIOUS TRYST CAFE IN SOUTH CHANDLER on Mouth By Southwest

Mouth By Southwest, 2019

View 4 BREAKFAST GEMS IN METRO PHOENIX on Phoenix New Timest

Phoenix New Times, 2018

View 20 PLACES FOR SALADS IN METRO PHOENIX on AZ Central

AZ Central, 2014

View CHECK PLEASE! ARIZONA on Arizona PBS

Check Please! Arizona, 2011

ISLAND-INSPIRED CUISINE

Phoenix Magazine, 2011

View MANAGED MOMS site.

ManagedMoms. com, 2011

GLUTEN FREE TRAVEL SITE

GlutenFreeTravelSite.com, 2011

View TRYST CAFE DOES RIGHT BY LOCAVORES AND ORGANICS on Phoenix New Times

Phoenix New Times, 2011

Giving back

Giving back has always been part of who we are.

Throughout the years, Tryst Café has proudly supported hundreds of schools, charities, nonprofits, youth organizations, first responders, healthcare organizations, military families, animal rescue groups, churches, and community events throughout Arizona.

We believe that strong communities are built when local businesses invest in the people around them. We're honored to support the organizations that make Arizona such a special place to live.

ICANSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMAM, Military Assistance MissionFoothills Animal RescueBoys & Girls ClubGabriel's Angels, Pets Helping KidsChildhelpGirls RuleLiberty WildlifeSociety of St. Vincent de Paul, USASouthwest Prostate Cancer FoundationSamaritan's Purse, International ReliefLost Our Home Pet FoundationHorses HelpFit City Scottsdale, Scottsdale Healthcare's Getting Healthy TogetherHope WineAmerican Cancer SocietyCharity Benefits UnlimitedCircle L Ranch Animal Rescue & SanctuaryPinnacle High SchoolBasha High SchoolPerry High School PumasHamilton High School HuskiesHamilton PomlineJunior Achievement of ArizonaMar Yosip Khnanisho Parish, Gilbert ArizonaSaint Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church of ArizonaArizona College Preparatory KnightsPawsitive FriendshipVOTVAlzheimer's AssociationFulton Elementary SchoolRSL Arizona Soccer ClubAgriculture in the Classroom, Arizona Farm Bureau

and many, many more!

Experience Tryst Café

Whether you're meeting friends for brunch, enjoying happy hour after work, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a restaurant where fresh ingredients and exceptional hospitality come together, we'd love to welcome you.

Come discover why Tryst Café has been one of Arizona's favorite dining destinations for more than 15 years.

Breakfast. Brunch. Lunch. Dinner. Cocktails. Community.

An Affair with Naturally Delicious Food.

Call Us Today!