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T. Cook's
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Phoenix, AZ
Enjoy a a truly heavenly dinner!
by Emily Bernard & Chris Faust
The best place to see the stars is not in Hollywood but in the desert of Arizona. Start your romantic celebration by taking a moment to view the one of the best light shows ever created. It is there, just look overhead. Once you have drunk in all that the heavens have to offer try a truly heavenly dinner at a romantic restaurant.
ELEMENTS
5700 East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
(480) 607-2300
Hours: Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (Mon – Sat), Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Mon – Sat), Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Sun – Thurs), 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Fri – Sat), Brunch 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Sun)
Nestled in Camelback Mountain, Elements at Sanctuary offers guests breathtaking views of Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, eclectic food from a renowned chef, and maybe even a celebrity sighting or two. A retreat for celebrities such as Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Brittney Spears and Jim Carey, Sanctuary embodies its name. Actually set in the mountain and a long and winding road away from traffic and other residences, one of the gems of the resort is its primary restaurant, Elements. The floor to ceiling windows and a modern, upscale décor create a romantic ambience for any meal. But Executive Chef Beau MacMillan’s American cuisine with Asian accents trumps the million dollar view, making the food the highlight of the dining experience. Chef MacMillan was the first resort chef and the first Arizona chef to compete on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America, and he came out victorious against grill master Bobby Flay. Some of MacMillan’s winning recipes that appear on an ever changing menu include: bacon wrapped filet of beef with blue cheese and a merlot demi glaze, grilled salmon with bok choy, noodles, snow peas, ginger and sesame, and roasted chicken with toasted pine nut orzo and spiced tomato and cipollini ragout. Pair a dinner dining experience at Elements with an overnight at Sanctuary stay for a romantic getaway beyond belief. Then indulge in room service desert and a romantic breakfast, as well!
Estimated cost per person = $45 - 55
Holiday schedule: Open for most holidays.
. Emily Bernard
Romantic Restaurants in Phoenix – review replacements
MY FLORIST CAFÉ
534 West McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85003
(602) 254-0333
Hours: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. (daily)
It’s impossible to miss the extravagantly large “My Florist” neon marquee sign in the heart of Phoenix. But don’t be fooled by the name, My Florist is actually a romantic and chic restaurant beloved by neighbors, theater goers, sports fans and even foodies. One of the few restaurants that keeps its kitchen open until midnight every day, the restaurant is a great place to grab a meal or a nightcap after a concert, play, basketball game, or any other date activity in the area. The café specializes in casual fare, such as shareable appetizers, fresh salads, and gourmet sandwiches. A decadent display of housemade deserts and a unique menu of martinis are also offered. For an added romantic touch, drop in Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight when the grand piano comes to life. What’s more romantic than sipping a cocktail, sharing a dessert, and listening to live music? My Florist Café is the rare combination of upscale and affordable without being pretentious, making it not only romantic, but the perfect place for a first date. Most menu items are also available to go, so you can take the romance on the road.
Estimated cost per person = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: Open for most major holidays.
COUP DES TARTES
4626 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 212-1082
Hours: Open for dinner only beginning at 5:30 p.m. (Tues-Sat)
Small on space but big on charm, Coup Des Tartes epitomizes French romance. The restaurant is a 1930’s farm house reinvented into a quaint French bistro. With only 14 tables and a private party room titled “Rendez-vous,” reservations are recommended up to ten days in advance. Coup Des Tartes uses only the freshest, organic ingredients and the chef-owner changes the menu every few months to reflect the weather and season. The menu can be expansive for such a small place. Bistro favorites such as Filet Mignon and Sea Bass are represented, as well as a delectable mix of appetizers, salads and vegetarian dishes. But with “tartes” in the name, expect decadent desserts, as well. Homemade tartes are made daily and range from a Banana Brulee tarte , bruleed to order, a Mango Marscapone Mousse tarte and a Hot Chocolate tarte. A unique attribute to Coup Des Tartes is the “bring your own booze” philosophy. Guests can bring in their favorite beer, wine or champagne and enjoy with their meal for a small corking fee. Truly a unique and intimate dining experience, Coup Des Tartes could not be a more romantic setting to the perfect dinner.
Estimated cost per person = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: Closed for most major holidays.
DONOVAN’S
3101 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
(602) 955-3666
Hours: Cocktails at 4:00 p.m., dinner seating begins at 5:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat)
What is more romantic than dining in a simulated art gallery, surrounded by rich mahogany, bronze sculptures and captivating paintings? Compliment the visually appealing atmosphere with 100% prime beef, Australian lobster, Atlantic salmon, and bone-in lamb chops and you have one of the Camelback Corridor’s newest restaurants, Donovan’s. Boasting the finest beef and all-inclusive meals, Donovan’s offers an upscale chophouse dining experience in a prime location. The wine bar lounge lures guests in with complimentary prime filet steak sandwiches from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese béarnaise and garlic smashed potatoes fill the air and make selecting just one entrée very difficult. The mouthwatering menu, classic ambience, knowledgeable servers and even complimentary valet add to the refined VIP experience. An extensive wine list, which offers above average six ounce wine pours, and a tempting dessert menu cap a traditional, picture-perfect romantic evening.
Holiday schedule: Set at discretion of management.
T. COOK'S
5200 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 808-0766
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 6 am-10 am/5 pm-11 pm; (Mon-Sat) 11 am-2 pm
This grand Spanish Colonial style hacienda was originally built for New York financier Delos Cook in 1926. The mansion was converted into a resort in 1948. Recently receiving a multi-million dollar transformation the Royal Palms is now a state of the art destination resort. In keeping with the style of the mansion the grounds and out buildings retain the Spanish Colonial flavor. Across a large sunken lawn area and reflecting pool is T. Cook's the restaurant. T. Cook's Restaurant with its abundance of space exemplifies the architecture of Spain. High open beam vaulted ceilings, terra cotta tile floors and panoramic views hearken back to the Alcaldes and Dons who with Spanish land grants in hand helped settle the southwest. Chef Derek Morgan gets high praise from the critical press. Penelope Corcoran of the Arizona Republic says, "T. Cooks is the Royal Palms crown jewel". While the ambiance is truly great it is the food that leaves one inspired. An excellent and varied selection starts with lobster and parsnip bisque with crème fraiche and caviar or mussels sautéed in a chardonnay thyme broth. Seared scallops with celery root-fennel puree and heart of palm, is but one of the many delicious fresh seafood items represented on T. Cook's menu. You may chat with the chef while he attends your entrée selection in front of a large actively cooking fireplace nestled at one end of the dining room. An interesting combination of roasted duck breast and foie gras with apricot glaze and 100 year old balsamic, prompts the taste buds to declare their appreciation. T. Cook's has a formidable wine list focusing on California and France while representing many other important wine producing countries from throughout the globe. T. Cook's combines style, service, quality and creativity to produce an enchanting evening of culinary entertainment.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $50 - $75
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
CAPERS RESTAURANT & BAR
10601 North 56th Street (Orange Tree Golf Resort), Phoenix, AZ 85254
(480) 443-2119
Hours: (Sun-Thur) 5:30 pm-8:45 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 9:45 pm
One of the brightest stars in the culinary heavens of Phoenix is Capers at the Orange Tree Golf Resort. A formally appointed subtly lit dining room awaits those couples yearning for a truly romantic evening of stars, candle light, fine cuisine and wine to remember. Chef Jason Oakley's southern bend on New American cuisine will bring the same wonder to your palate as the skies overhead can do on a clear evening. Mixing the traditional with the southwestern then mixing in the unusual equals the sublime. Jason is a true artist and he has imagination with a capital I. Why not book a one-night stay at the Resort? You can soak up the sun with a margarita in hand next to the resort's gleaming pool, take a whirlpool, or retire to your suite for a bit of romance before dinner. After dinner you can dance the night away to the sound of the George Hamilton Band at Caper's Bar. The sunshine around the pool and a wonderfully appointed suite await you at the Orange Tree Golf Resort. A night of fine food, wine, gaiety and romance await you at Capers Restaurant & Bar.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
TARBELL'S RESTAURANT
3123 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 995-8100
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5 pm-11 pm; (Sun) till 10 pm
One of the most professionally run and exquisite examples of attention to detail, Mark Tarbell's Restaurant has invested his experience, culinary education and sense of style into this A-class destination. Don't starch your collar though, Tarbell's is all this without being stuffy or pretentious. Food, comfort and a sense of discovery are all included in the Tarbell's experience. Commitment is a factor. Tarbell's only serves farm fresh, locally raised, organically produce ingredients. Their commitment to the finest quality ingredients and their knowledgeable, friendly service makes Tarbell's a wonderful romantic destination. Entrées like wood oven baked lamb tenderloin with roasted red pepper potato cake and balsamic vinaigrette, or pan seared Washington pike with mixed lentils, tat-soi and mint crème fraiche are delicious. Tarbell's has had no shortage of national attention including reviews by Wine Spectator, Travel & Leisure, Bon Appetit and Food and Wine magazine. In addition, Mark Tarbell has been included in the "Who's Who in Wine" list by the Italian Wine Trade Commission. Tarbell's has all the elements of an exciting and satisfying dinner destination, and that explains Tarbell's success.
Estimated cost for dinner per person = $40 - $50
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
JAX TAHI BAR
420 South Mill Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85281
(480) 921-8800
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11 am-1 am
The Gen-X crowd will be celebrating the night away at Jax Thai Bar. Jax's unique blend of food, style and rock n' roll gets the juices flowing and the feet movin'. Ice-cold beer is the call at Jax where the Thai food can range from mildly piquant to an Atomic mind meld. After dinner closes a nightclub atmosphere takes over and the music is cranked up to dance level decibels. The crowd gets movin' and the fun begins. While the dance floor is raging Jax bar still serves many Thai style appetizers along with a fine selection of wine and spirits. Appetizers include Thai spicy spring rolls, a delicious puff pastry vegetable roll quickly fried in canola oil and served with a light peanut-coconut oil dip. Jax is hip, fresh and fun. The perfect holiday destination where the 20 some things and the 20 some thing wannabe's, want to be.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CAFFE BOA
5063 East Elliott Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044
(480) 893-3331
Hours: (Mon-Thur) 11 am-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 12 pm-11 pm
What do you get when you combine a charming European ambiance with fresh house made pastas and reasonable prices, you get Scott Rennard's Caffe Boa. This hip bistro style café is a must visit for the locals and out of town guests alike. A creative and constantly evolving menu keeps even the loyal guests intrigued. Café Boa has a beautiful patio highlighted by mature multi-colored Bougainvillea snaking there way overhead and around you. Scott has kept his eye on the prize with delicious food, hearty potions at very reasonable prices without sacrificing the service and style expected of a fine restaurant. Even the titles are interesting like "VOODOO Penne"; a blackened Cajun spiced chicken breast, sliced and sautéed with white wine, fresh garlic, diced red onions, red, yellow and green roasted peppers and roma tomatoes, tossed with Penne pasta and cream. Caffe Boa has a fine selection of mouthwatering starters like Stuffed Portabellini, a fresh Portabello mushroom cap stuffed with crab meat, lobster meat, red peppers, green onions and celery over a bed of fresh baby salad greens. Scott appears regularly on the Channel 3 morning show demonstrating the specials he is featuring at Caffe Boa that week. So check out Scott on channel 3 in the morning and plan your dinner menu in advance.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
BISTRO 24
2401 East Camelback Road (Ritz-Carlton), Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 468-0700
Hours: (Mon-Sun) 6 am-10:30 am/11 am-2 :30 pm; (Mon-Sat) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Sun) 5:30 pm-9:30 pm
The song says, "puttin' on the Ritz". "Puttin' on the Ritz", means treating yourself to the best life has to offer, whether it is food, wine, music or accommodations. Bistro 24 is a great place to start treating yourself to a "Ritz" quality experience. Bistro 24 has the ambiance of a French Bistro with a fine dining service level and food quality. You can enjoy outdoor dining on Bistro 24's charming patio. No expense is spared on the quality of the offerings at Bistro 24. Start your dinner with a top shelf Martini, made from Ketel 1, Belvedre, Chopin or your favorite vodka. Then, move on to an appetizing starter like a classic French onion soup, gratinee, or a pate de jour with cornichones and country bread. A bottle of Puligny Montrachet, Les Champgaines by Louis Latour will go nicely with the starters. After a little rest and some good conversations it is time to move on to the entrées. If you have enough wine left over from the starters you may want to try the mixed grill of lobster with jasmine rice, arrugula in curried harrisa sauce. If you are like my guests and me the Montrchet is long gone. Your entrée selection of grilled lamb saddle with gnocchi, zucchini and artichoke or filet of beef a la bourguignonne will definitely require a wine of stellar quality. I like the 1992 Diamond Creek, Red Rock Terrace, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley. This bold and well-aged Cabernet will stand well paired with the lamb saddle or the filet. Yet another rest is required here to make room for dessert. Crème brulee with brandied cherries and a fine aged cognac or a rhubarb tarte with pistachio ice cream and nutmeg cream and a piping hot cappuccino will bring a glorious finish to your meal. If you want to make a night of it you can choose a suite at the Ritz-Carlton and enjoy the many amenities available. Take a sauna, or the concierge will arrange a massage therapist, a complimentary shoeshine, a complimentary morning newspaper, overnight laundry or babysitting services. Next time you "Put on the Ritz", get away to the Ritz-Carlton and dine at Bistro 24.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
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