When you think of restaurants in Phoenix, spectacular views and city lights don’t always come to mind. However, it’s always desirable for a romantic and memorable dining experience. While it’s true, there is ample flat land in Phoenix, there are also clusters of mountainous areas that restaurants and resorts have capitalized on for spectacular views and a sense of tranquility that people have come to expect from the Sonoran Desert. For a luxury dining experience in Phoenix accompanied by dazzling city lights and mountain vistas, here are some top picks.
Elements
Details: 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale. 480-607-2300 (reserve online)
Elements is situated on the north side of Camelback Mountain with spectacular views of Paradise Valley. The restaurant resides in the boutique Sanctuary Hotel with Asian inspired elements throughout the hotel, spa and cuisine. The restaurant offers an American menu with Asian accents. The main dining room has a modern feel surrounded by walls of glass that allow for a perfect view no matter where you sit. Chef Beau MacMillan uses hormone free meats, organic produce and sustainable seafood. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free menu offerings. The menu selections change regularly and the restaurant recently underwent a stunning remodel that includes a new state of the art kitchen that can be viewed from a private dining room for special events and an expansion, The Praying Monk, where you can enjoy the feel of indoor outdoor dining.
Talavera
Details: 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale. 480-513-5085 (reserve online)
Talavera resides in the Four Seasons Resort amongst the hills in North Scottsdale. This modern steakhouse offers a striking view of Pinnacle Peak and the high desert. Lights from central Phoenix twinkle in the distance as does South Mountain. The view offered by Talavera is best seen from their patio which may be the nicest patio dining in all of Phoenix. The tranquility coupled with the chic décor is unparalleled. The patio is covered with ample heaters so patio dining in the cooler months can still be enjoyable. Talavera’s Executive Chef Mel Mecinas uses Arizona ranch raised meats, organic produce from local farmers and extraordinary prime cuts of meat that are not commonly available. While the name suggests a Spanish influence, that’s not apparent on the menu but there are some treasures to be discovered in the décor and presentation that brings relevance to the name Talavera.
J & G Steakhouse
Details: 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-214-8000 (reserve online)
J&G Steakhouse is sleek, sophisticated and enveloped by rich décor. The restaurant resides at the top of the Phoenician Resort and replaced the infamous Mary Elaine’s in December 2008. The view from atop the Phoenician is not as expansive as some of the other restaurants but nonetheless it is a lovely view of Phoenix that can be enjoyed from most tables in the restaurant. The patio is the best location to soak up the view. J&G is not exclusive to Phoenix as there are restaurants throughout United States. Reviews are consistently positive in all the establishments with Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten leading the way. J&G has some fantastic cocktails and is consistent in their service and quality of food.
Alchemy
Details: 13225 N. Eagle Ridge Drive, Fountain Hills. 480-333-1880 (reserve online)
Alchemy is situated in Fountain Hills in the Copperwynd Resort which lies to the east of Scottsdale. This restaurant is a AAA Four-Diamond award winning establishment with superb views of the Sonoran Desert and mountains surrounding the area. The restaurant is set away from anywhere that you could hear traffic or the normal daily bustle which not only offers the views but the feeling of being in a retreat. The restaurant offers new American cuisine with a southwest influence. The sliding floor to ceiling glass doors can be opened during the warmer weather for a true al fresco dining experience regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors.
A Different Point of View
Details: 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix. 602-866-7500 (reserve online)
A Different Point of View sits atop the Tapatio Cliffs in the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort. This restaurant offers breath taking panoramic views of Phoenix from the highest point of the resort. The restaurant offers an American menu with a Mediterranean influence and boasts an award winning wine list with over 750 different wines to choose from. A Different Point of View has been a staple in the Phoenix Valley and serving guests for over 25 years. Tiered seating ensures each guest can relic in the magnificent city view. While the restaurant has been in business for over 25 years, the interior is well maintained and current. The food doesn’t compare to some of the other luxury dining restaurants in Phoenix but nonetheless the overall dining experience is enjoyable and there is no other establishment that offers a view comparable to what a Different Point of View offers.
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