Greater Phoenix is known for its year-round sunshine, abundance of outdoor activities, and stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. It’s also home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the country.
Once regarded as convenient places for travelers to stay while making their way north to the Grand Canyon, these premier properties have transformed into must-visit destinations unto themselves, complete with serene spas, top-tier golf courses, and crystalline pools. But the biggest attraction these days is the food.
Travelers are no longer satisfied with generic buffets and overpriced cafeteria-style meals, and the Valley’s resorts have raised the bar when it comes to on-property dining. From recruiting James Beard Award-winning chefs to developing creative eateries that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage, these properties now offer some of the best dining options around.
With that in mind, here are 10 destinations that should be at the top of everyone’s must-try list — whether you’re a resort guest or local seeking out a high-quality culinary experience.
Weft & Warp
Tucked behind a large shopping center with numerous popular dining options, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows still manages to draw locals for lively happy hours and intimate meals. Part of that appeal comes thanks to Weft & Warp’s elegant midcentury-inspired setting, sprawling patio with views of Camelback Mountain, and dynamic Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
Executive chef Sammy DeMarco’s menu highlights fresh local ingredients and seasonal bounty. Standouts include the Whipped Eggplant Dip with confit eggplant, crème fraîche, tapenade, and country bread; Rigatoni with alla vodka sauce, cream, bacon, burrata, prosciutto chip, and basil; and Lamb Moussaka layered with braised lamb, potato, eggplant, and béchamel. On Friday nights, sip a thoughtfully crafted cocktail by the fire while grooving to the sounds of local jam band, The Dusty Ramblers Project. 6114 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, andazscottsdale.com
Kembara
Celebrity chef and Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa’s second foray into fine dining at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a reflection of his travels and tastings across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan (Kembara means “to wander” in Malay). The experience begins the minute you step inside.
Lavender neon lights illuminate eye-catching wallpapers featuring floral motifs, Asian cranes, and graffiti-inspired designs, while vases of lucky bamboo and jade-green seating lend balance and organic softness. The menu features sweet, sour, and salty flavors from across Asia. Don’t miss the Tuna Thai Jewel, a refreshing, savory twist on the traditional Thai dessert tub tim krob. Chilled lemongrass-ginger broth is poured over cubed tuna sashimi, turmeric tapioca-dusted jicama, and fresh herbs. 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix, kembaradesertridge.com
Salt & Sol
Following a $24 million property renovation, the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas unveiled its newest eatery in April, and poolside dining never tasted so fresh. Located at the resort’s main pool, this Mediterranean-inspired open-air restaurant pairs ingredient-driven dishes and handcrafted cocktails with the Valley’s warm Sonoran breezes.
Drawing on the name, the menu highlights nine specialty salts from Hawaiian Black Lava to Persian Blue, which are used to elevate seasonal produce and grilled proteins. Must-try items include the Salt & Sol Mezze with whipped chickpea hummus and grilled halloumi; Tuna Crudo with citrus leche de tigre, pickled vegetables, shaved radish, and jalapeño; Lamb Strip with cucumber mint sauce, olive oil smashed potatoes, Romanesco, and pickled peppers; and the Prime Churrasco NY Strip with chimichurri and black garlic aioli.
Wash it all down with the Salt & Sol Spritz, a refreshing sip with Hendrick’s Gin, Aperol, lime, agave, tonic water, and muddled cucumber. 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, hilton.com
J&G Steakhouse
Red meat connoisseurs have plenty of options when it comes to dining out in Phoenix, from down-home cowboy restaurants to Rat Pack-style lounges. That’s why, when celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten developed the menu for J&G Steakhouse, he re-imagined classic fare with a modern twist.
Perched on the fifth floor of The Phoenician, the restaurant serves premium meats and flown-in-fresh-daily seafood. There’s something for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Signature dishes include the Black Truffle Cheese Fritters, Tuna Tartare, 7 oz Grass Fed Filet Mignon, 30 oz Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye for two, J&G Lobster Shells & Cheese, and the Sautéed Dover Sole, which is filleted table-side. Not sure what to choose? The five-course J&G Tasting Menu offers a sampling of the restaurant’s more popular dishes. 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, jgsteakhousescottsdale.com
Kai
The Gila River Indian Community owns the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, which is located on reservation lands. Every aspect of the resort celebrates the rich culture and history of the Valley’s Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) peoples. This includes the resort’s signature restaurant, Kai.
As Arizona’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star eatery, Kai takes the best of what the community can grow and elevates it to fine-dining status. Showcasing locally-farmed produce and heritage items from the Native Seed/SEARCH Foundation, chef de cuisine Drew Anderson’s immersive seven-course dining experience honors Native American foods. Ingredients include tribal buffalo, cholla buds, scarlet runner and tepary beans, Red Supai corn, Arizona dates, prickly pear pate, and saguaro blossom syrup. 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, kairestaurant.com
Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn
Whether you’re looking for a fun brunch destination with the girls, a happy hour gathering spot, or an intimate setting for a romantic candlelight dinner, the AAA Four Diamond Lon’s is the place to be. Lauded as the most beautiful restaurant in America by “People” magazine, this Valley icon is set in the historic Hermosa Inn, the former personal home and ranch of celebrated cowboy artist Lon Megargee.
While the dining room is cozy with beehive fireplaces, Saltillo flooring, and chunky wood and leather furnishings, the patio is where Lon’s shines. Dine alfresco among lush, flowering gardens with roaring fireplaces and a burbling fountain, or as temperatures soar above 100 degrees, escape to the private subterranean wine cellar and enjoy executive chef Brian Peterson’s special five-course “Cool Dining” menu. 5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, azhideawaycollection.com
Rita’s Cantina
Located in JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Rita’s Cantina & Bar channels the sultry energy of its namesake drink, the margarita. A desert original and local icon, Rita’s Cantina genuinely complements the resort’s 1930s-era casitas and offers fresh takes on traditional Mexican food and drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Signature dishes include Rita’s Chicken Tortilla Soup, Watermelon & Arugula Salad, Chicken Enchilada Roja, Carne Asada Steak Frites, and Guajillo Glazed Salmon & Lobster. Guests can enjoy an inviting outdoor patio perfect for al fresco dining, complete with live music throughout the week. Rita’s Bar is a lively gathering spot that draws guests in or outdoors for tequilas, sangrias, and its famous margaritas, as well as local, craft, and imported beers. 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, camelbackinn.com
Talavera
The Four Seasons brand exudes luxury, so it’s no surprise that the Scottsdale resort’s flagship restaurant offers one of the Valley’s most elevated dining experiences and has attracted some of Arizona’s top culinary talent, including Mel Mecinas and Samantha Sanz. In February, the resort announced the appointment of Gregory James as executive chef. James brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role, having previously led kitchen operations at top properties including Sanctuary Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley and the renowned Inn at Perry Cabin on Maryland’s Eastern shore.
Like each chef before him, James continues to reimagine the Latin steakhouse’s menu, focusing on thoughtfully-sourced proteins, heritage ingredients, and seasonal produce. Prime cuts of beef, including a 33-ounce Tomahawk and 24-ounce Porterhouse, are charred to perfection over an open flame. Seafood lovers will rejoice with the signature Paella de Mariscos, a mouthwatering ocean feast of lobster, prawns, mussels, clams, and calamari. 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, fourseasons.com
Tia Carmen
Angelo Sosa hit it out of the park with his first foray into the Valley’s culinary scene. Located in the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and named after Sosa’s aunt, Tia Carmen pays homage to the Southwest with Sonoran-inspired cuisine, while the soothing, monochromatic dining space evokes the wind-swept sands of desert.
While the menu includes classic south-of-the-border dishes such as queso fundido, carnitas, tostadas, and empanadas, this isn’t your basic Southwestern eatery. This is Sosa’s imaginative, upscale take. A favorite dish from the get go is the Tuna Crudo, an elegant creation with fresh tuna paired with a corn coconut broth, a drizzle of smoked chili oil, and a hint of dill. Rich, smoky, and herbaceous, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers. 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix, tiacarmendesertridge.com
Spotted Donkey Cantina
Long before North Scottsdale was dotted with trendy bars and chain eateries, this authentic cantina was drawing guests of the Boulders Resort & Spa as well as locals in-the-know to a remote corner of the Valley for freshly crafted margaritas and creative takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. More than 15 years later, it remains a go-to spot for great food and great views.
The drinks menu features more than 70 different tequilas and mezcals, as well as wine and Mexican beer. Watch the sunset over the ancient boulder formations for which the resort was named while sipping on the signature Dulce Calor, made with habanero-infused Sauza silver, Cointreau, and housemade margarita mix. And while they’re served in shot glasses, the Cantina Shooters are jalapeño chiles hand-stuffed with cheese and scallions and dipped in an herbed buttermilk sauce.
Additional favorites include the Spotted Donkey Nachos with port carnitas, arbol chile-marinated Mexico City Carne Asada, and Barbacoa Torta with red chile Chimayo beef, chipotle aioli, Fresno chiles, and grilled jalapeño garnish. El Pedregal Festival Marketplace, 34505 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, theboulders.com
