To dine with a view

While the Phoenix dining scene has only truly come of age within the last 15 years, the beautiful desert vistas and spectacular colored sunsets have been a Valley staple since long before the Hohokam wandered these foothills.  We wanted to spotlight those singular places that fuse the culinary arts with our unique landscape.

Elements

For many this is the gold standard.  Nestled against the north backside of Camelback mountain you will have unrivaled views of the setting sun and the famed Mummy mountain. While you are drooling over the view the all-star cooking staff that chef Beau MacMillion has assembled is artfully creating a menu that will challenge you to select only one item.

Elements at the Sanctuary in Paradise Valley

Sassi
Lets head up to North Scottsdale for our second candidate.  This time the featured view is Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell mountains.  I have to admit that you will be a tad confused by the end of the evening.  With the ambiance created by the upscale rustic farmhouse setting and the Southern Italian inspired menu you will swear that you were somewhere in Campania.

Different Pointe of View
At this place the featured star is downtown Phoenix.  You will be hard pressed to find a better location that frames our uptown and downtown skylines.  While the menu doesn't stand up to some of the other destinations on this list it offers up enough well executed staples to make your evening more than worthwhile.

Orange Sky

Different Pointe of View in Phoenix

Not far from Taliesin West is Orange Sky at the Talking Stick Resort.  It boasts views that would have had Frank Lloyd Wright second guessing the location selection of his famed getaway.  With its elevation and location away from development it is the best place to watch Camelback get framed by the brilliant blues, reds, and pinks of the famed Arizona sunset. Not to be outdone by the view the restaurant and menu are of the quality we've come to expect from our great local resorts.

Wrigley Mansion
The original room with a view, this has long been one of the 'go to' spots when you want a dinner that is out of the ordinary. Geordie's steakhouse offers the traditional fare we've come to love but in a setting that is truly unique.  To top off the experience you are just close enough to be able to heckle the bluebloods golfing at the Biltmore.

J & G Steakhouse
Just spent the morning at the Zoo or 'Hole in the Rock' and you want to see what they look like from a distance?  This is your spot. It's got the same great resort feel that you get with the Elements or Orange Sky with the added bonus of being able to overlook their elaborate and super fun pool complex.  Also very attentive wait staff eager to bring you some of the better seafood in town.

Incredible atmosphere at Isabella's Kitchen

Isabella's Kitchen
While the food here might not stack up against some of the heavyweights in this list this place is unrivaled when it comes to providing a casual and fun spot to bring the whole family.  Located right off one of the greens at Grayhawk the back patio is elevated just enough to give you an unobstructed view of the Valley below. Sit back, let the kids play in the grass, and enjoy a decent Italian dinner.

Rustler's Rooste
The Valley looks pretty good from the south as well.  Located in the foothills of the South Mountains this is a great spot to have a casual 'Western' themed dinner. Another great spot to unwind or bring the friends or family from out of town.

The Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt in downtown Phoenix

O.S.H.O Arcadia
If you haven't noticed by now we'll come clean and admit that we are big fans of Camelback.  The city would look very drab without this brilliant landmark to offer contrast to our big blue skies.  And in our opinion the back patio at O.H.S.O is the best way to soak in its granite grandeur.  The pub fare is top notch and if you like the brews this place will not disapoint.

Compass Arizona Grill (Hyatt)
For the most part the best views are on the outskirts of town looking into the action.  The Compass Arizona Grill is the grand exception and holds the distinction of being the only revolving rooftop restaurant in town.  You want to impress your date prior to an evening at the Symphony?  This is your place.

We could devote some more ink to few other notable spots but we wanted to give you the chance to catch your breath, gas up the car, and plan a date to one of these places first.  Did we miss one of your favorite spots?  Feel free to reach out and let us know what else belongs.

The view from  the J&G Steakhouse