DRAMATIC VIEWS AND MEMORABLE MEALS: Dining in the Valley of the Sun

September 30, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by Barbara Toombs

The metro Phoenix food scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade or so, featuring culinary concepts that are inventive, diverse and inviting. While there are endless gems for those seeking a distinctive dining experience in the Valley of the Sun, particularly enticing are restaurants combining great food with the dramatic desert views for which Arizona is known. Here are a few top-notch eateries within easy reach of the Barrett-Jackson auction site at WestWorld where you can enjoy fantastic food and fabulous vistas at the same time.

TORO LATIN RESTAURANT & RUM BAR Offering culinary adventures that weave in unexpected Japanese and Chinese-Peruvian influences, Toro (part of the acclaimed Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort) is a celebration for the senses ‒ from wok dishes to Brazilian churrasco and beyond, with plenty of unique tableside offerings. With a spacious patio and recently reimagined interior, the restaurant provides stunning views overlooking the 18th hole of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium golf course and the picturesque McDowell Mountain range. Breakfast/lunch/dinner. 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-585-2694. scottsdaleprincess.com/scottsdale-restaurants/toro

ISABELLA’S KITCHEN (GRAYHAWK GOLF CLUB) Overlooking the Grayhawk Golf Club’s Talon Course offering spectacular sunset views each night, Isabella’s Kitchen is styled after a hip country roadhouse serving a selection of handcrafted favorites. Pizza, bruschetta, salads, sandwiches, fish, steaks and fresh pastas crafted daily by Chef Sammy top the list. Aim for an outside table: We have it on good authority that the best way to enjoy Isabella’s Kitchen is sipping a Moscow Mule while taking in the sunset. Lunch/dinner. 8623 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-502-3100. grayhawkgolf.com/dining-overview/isabellas-kitchen/

ORANGE SKY (TALKING STICK RESORT) Experience the four elements – earth, water, air and fire – distilled into a single culinary journey through inspired dishes, curated cocktails and ethereal 360-degree views at Orange Sky, located high above the desert on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort. Known to have one of the best views in Arizona through its floor-to-ceiling windows, this fine dining restaurant features an award-winning wine list and a menu that centers on tender steaks and fresh seafood. Dinner. 9800 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-850-8606. talkingstickresort.com/dining/orange-sky

TALAVERA AND PROOF (FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH) No matter which of these restaurants you choose, you’ll be treated to a backyard full of saguaro cacti and stunning views featuring dramatic valleys and the iconic Pinnacle Peak. The upscale Talavera, with a vibrant Southwestern décor, is a contemporary Spanish steakhouse serving prime cuts of meats, while the more casual Proof offers a menu of American comfort classics, from pretzel knots to single-barrel bourbons. Breakfast/lunch/dinner (Proof); Dinner (Talavera). 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-515-5700. fourseasons.com/scottsdale/dining/

CHART HOUSE Seated on the former 4,200-acre McCormick Ranch, Chart House brings some of the best seafood in Arizona, as well as incredible steaks and prime rib, to the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Bask in the sights of Camelback Mountain and the gorgeous Camelback Lake, all while enjoying legendary menu items that include Wicked Tuna, Mac Nut Mahi, Alaskan King Crab, Prime Rib and their original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. Dinner. 7255 McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-951-2550. chart-house.com/location/chart-house-scottsdale-az/

DISCOVERY LOUNGE (BOULDERS RESORT & SPA) Situated on the aptly named Boulders Resort’s 1,300 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, Discovery Lounge offers panoramic views of Black Mountain, cacti and stunning stone formations through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Enjoy classic American shareable dishes (including salads and pizzas) and handcrafted cocktails at this relaxing venue. Lunch/dinner. 34631 North Tom Darlington Drive, Scottsdale; Tel. 480-488-9009. theboulders.com/restaurants-and-dining/discovery-lounge/

DIFFERENT POINTE OF VIEW (TAPATIO CLIFFS HILTON) Serving up a delectable fusion of American cuisine with Mediterranean influences, Different Pointe of View is the longest consecutively awarded AAA Four-Diamond restaurant in Arizona. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the dramatic panoramas of the Valley’s desert landscape, twinkling city lights and colorful sunsets. The menu is based on innovative flavors and is prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables, and a Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairings is offered. Reservations recommended. Dinner. 11111 North 7th Street, Phoenix; Tel. 800-947-9784. tapatiocliffshilton.com/dining/different-pointe-of-view/

RAVEN’S VIEW WINE BAR Raven’s View offers a creative and savory food menu with assorted starters, charcuterie boards and grilled, pressed sandwiches (try the Cubano!). There is an extensive wine selection from around the world, along with a wide variety of domestic wines and 22 different beers – including craft beers from Arizona, Oregon and California. Located directly across from the Outlaw Course of Desert Mountain, a visit here will be rewarded with majestic mountain views. Lunch/dinner. 42016 North Old Mine Road, Cave Creek; Tel. 480-378-3755. ravensviewwinebar.com

CHRISTOPHER’S AND GEORDIE’S (WRIGLEY MANSION) Perched atop a private knoll in the heart of the luxurious Biltmore neighborhood, the historic Wrigley Mansion commands the most dramatic views in Phoenix, from the saguaro-studded mountains to the distant city skyline. Juxtaposed against this historic setting, Christopher’s is a modern glass-and-steel gem showcasing an ever-changing tasting menu by James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross. The restaurant’s glass walls cantilever open, a retractable roof reveals the starry desert skies and there’s an open kitchen built around a flickering wood-fired grill. With an opulent 1930s ambiance, Geordie’s grand dining rooms offer enticing seasonal cuisine in a sumptuous, welcoming setting, harkening back to a more elegant era. Dinner. 2501 East Telawa Trail, Phoenix; Tel. 602-955-4079. wrigleymansion.com

Photos courtesy of Isabella’s, Talavera, Orange Sky, Discovery Lounge, and the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North.