A memorable meal usually starts with ambiance. And while what's on the plate most certainly matters, atmosphere deserves nearly as much credit for the overall experience. Whether a fine-dining dinner, casual lunch or sunset co*cktail, a great view goes a long way towards setting the mood.
Looking to gaze out over the twinkling lights of the city? How about picnicking among pecan trees? From modern glass temples of gastronomy to historic haciendas, there are all kinds of scenes being set by restaurants and bars around the Valley.
These 9 metro Phoenix bars and restaurants have the best views in town.
The Farm Kitchen and Quiessence, The Farm South Mountain
Pastoral environs create a magical charm that has made The Farm a popular wedding venue for decades. Located on 10 acres, there’s plenty of room to sprawl or leisurely explore the grassy knolls, mature trees and flowers before and after your lunch from The Farm Kitchen. The farm-to-table meal is packed in a picnic basket, making it easy to set up on a picnic table or on the grass under trees in the pecan grove. For a romantic evening, opt for the three-, four- or five-course tasting menu at Quiessence, a fine dining restaurant tucked away in the original farmhouse. An even more impressive move? Securing a reservation at the signature brick oven table on the patio.
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Details: 6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix. 480-682-7674, thefarmatsouthmountain.com.
Different Pointe of View, Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Thanks to sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows and a seriously great patio, this fine dining restaurant has been a perennial go-to for residents who want to impress Valley visitors or celebrate a special occasion. Perched atop North Mountain, stunning sunsets, star-speckled skies and picturesque views of the desert landscape and twinkling city lights have drawn crowds for four decades and it isn't hard to see why.
Details: 11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602- 866-6350, tapatiocliffshilton.com.
Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion
James Beard Award winning chef Christopher Gross' bespoke tasting menu is only rivaled by the elevated views from the built-just-for-the-restaurant hillside addition to the historic Wrigley Mansion. The floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed dining room and bar grants a panoramic view of the mountains, desert foliage and city lights. Outdoor diners are treated to 360 degrees of night sky and desert air from the vantage point of an open-air dining space that feels like it’s right on the edge of a cliff.
Details: 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix. 602-522-2344, wrigleymansion.com.
It earned every star:I had the wildest dinner of my life at this historic Phoenix mansion
Flint by Balitare
Head to the open-air rooftop lounge, known as Upstairs at Flint, for a bird’s-eye perspective on Camelback Corridor’s buzziest intersection in the heart of the Biltmore neighborhood. The vehicle and pedestrian action on the street level below gives a big city feel, while the unobstructed view of Camelback Mountain is majestically serene.
Details: 2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-812-4818, flintbybaltaire.com
Elements and the Jade Bar, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa
Nestled within Camelback Mountain, patrons at the restaurant or bar at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa will be treated to an awe-inspiring display as the sun sets. The vibrant colors seep around the mountain’s edges and play off the natural desert shades. If you want to make out-of-town friends truly envious of where you live, this is the place to bring them.
Details: 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. 480-948-2100, sanctuaryaz.com.
T. Cooks, Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The Mediterranean architecture and atmosphere of the Royal Palms Resort provides the perfect greeting for guests who arrive to dine at the signature restaurant, T. Cooks. Originally a 1920s mansion, the restaurant allows diners to eat surrounded by history and lush landscaping. The best seats in the house are on the brick-lined patio that’s adorned with flourishing bougainvillea and cozy fireplaces with Camelback Mountain for a backdrop.
Details: 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-808-0766, royalpalmshotel.com
Lon’s, The Hermosa Inn
The historic hacienda features a dining room embellished with rustic ironwork and perfect romance lighting. However, patio seating is the most coveted. Brunch diners can soak up the brilliant colors of desert flowers and flora, while evening guests will savor the twinkling night lights and wood-burning fireplace — all of which are highlighted by unsurpassed views of Camelback Mountain.
Details: 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. 602-955-7878, lons.com
Skysill Lounge, The Westin Tempe
Of the crop of rooftop bars that have popped up in downtown Tempe in recent years,18 floors up, Skysill’s distinction as the highest gives it a unique view of the city and beyond that many lifelong Tempeans and Sun Devil alums haven’t experienced. The bar features the only covered space on the floor, with the entire lounge boasting open-air 360-degree views of downtown Tempe, the Phoenix skyline, Mill Avenue, the bridge over Tempe Town Lake and planes departing and arriving at Sky Harbor International Airport. The trademark "A" Mountain cannot be missed and if you continue to look past it, on a clear day, you can even see the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks.
Details: 11 E. Seventh St., Tempe. 480-968-8885, skysillrooftop.com
Top of the Rock, Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes
Don’t let the drive past Double Butte Cemetery give you pause. Built into The Buttes, Top of the Rock is more than a clever name and its reputation as one of the most romantic dinner locales is well earned. Surrounded by unique rock formations and desertscape, evening diners are surrounded by panoramic views of the city lights below and endless dark skies above, whether indoors or on the patio.
Details: 2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe. 602-431-2370, marriott.com.
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