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The 8 best spots in Phoenix for celebrating right now

A photo of Red logo
by Robrt Pela
Updated 29 September 2022

Celebrating is easy in the Valley of the Sun, where lots of views and outdoor dining often bump a meal up a notch the minute you sit down. Toast another year around the sun while guacamole gets whipped up tableside at a downtown favorite. Treat the happy couple to tremendous views at an elegant resort restaurant serving up a seasonal menu. Savor classic Italian seafood and pasta in supreme al fresco fashion to celebrate pretty much anything at all.

Phoenix and its surrounding cities are rich in places suited to mark every range of special occasions. Book one of these for your next celebratory meal.

A photo of elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain restaurant
4.5
4.5 (6668)
$50 and over
American
Scottsdale
About the restaurant

Overlooking a big hunk of Paradise Valley and with stunning red-rock views of Camelback Mountain, this resort restaurant offers three squares by local favorite and Food Network star chef Beau MacMillan. Farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian influences is the order of the day. Oysters Rockefeller with lap cheong, melon salad with za’atar, and salmon with green harissa define a seasonal menu featuring local, organic produce, sustainable seafood, and hormone-free meat in all of its entrees and appetizers. Weekly “two-buck shuck” oyster specials make every Tuesday seem like a holiday.


Top review
Desiree
Dined 1 day ago
9 years later and still amazing. Great service from Chris! The manager, Brady, made sure we returning was perfect and talked to us a bit. Do not miss this fantastic gourmet experience. Highly recommend the sea bass and mussels.
A photo of L'Amore restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2366)
$31 to $50
Italian
Biltmore
About the restaurant

There are two things to know about this family-owned favorite in the center of town: patio dining with views of the tree-lined Phoenix Mountain Preserve is difficult to snare without a reservation, and the linguine with clams is the best in the valley. Diners are greeted at the entrance as if they’re long-lost relatives and then served veal piccata, capellini pomodoro, and more classic Italian favorites.


Top review
DavidVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The food is amazing, live music in the bar area. Everyone had a fantastic time in our party of 8. I love good bread pudding, but had never tried L’amore’s Panatoni bread pudding….. it was off the hook fantastic!!!!
A photo of Virtu Honest Craft restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3797)
$50 and over
Modern European
Old Town Scottsdale
About the restaurant

Some restaurants offer pretty views of flora or fauna, but locals know to ask for a table with a view of Virtu’s open kitchen, where they can watch octopus grilled, spaghetti hand-cranked, and rib eyes seared. The extensive wine list and creative shared-plate menu, including an excellent burrata-and-toasted-garlic appetizer, set the stage for entrees that include squid-ink pasta and a house specialty of smoked duck breast and black plums, all served by a hyper-courteous wait staff who are happy to share how menu items are prepared.


Top review
Kevin
Dined 1 day ago
Great ambiance great food, but the salad was salty, wine was amazing desert was outstanding service was excellent 9.5 stars
A photo of El Chorro restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6526)
$50 and over
American
Paradise Valley
About the restaurant

A longtime special occasion spot, this former schoolhouse has been serving steaks and comfort food classics since 1937. The chateaubriand, carved tableside, is a house specialty, as are the many mesquite-fired steaks and hamburgers. The menu changes seasonally, though the signature flash-fried lobster tails and the shrimp pepper pot are usually available. Note: dining at El Chorro without trying the restaurant’s famous sticky buns is like visiting Paris without a stop at the Eiffel Tower.


Top review
Dawn
Dined 1 day ago
Have been dining here for 45 years - this place is classic and never ever disappoints, whether it’s brunch on the patio, dinner inside in a chilly winter night, or a cocktail and appetizer in the bar.
A photo of The Stockyards Restaurant & 1889 Saloon restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4216)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Central Phoenix
About the restaurant

Generations of Arizonans have marked everything from weddings to funerals at this traditional American steakhouse, which has been seating parties large and small since 1947. Restored in 2004, the building is included in the City of Phoenix Historic Register, hopefully ensuring it will continue to serve locals and tourists for generations to come. Its menu was recently revamped, and the New West cuisine features classic steakhouse offerings, including its signature corn-fed steaks and prime rib, with a nod to Southwestern flavors with grilled elk medallions and chorizo-enriched cowboy beans.


Top review
Shauneen
Dined 5 days ago
We had a wonderful experience celebrating our son’s graduation. Food, service and ambiance was as special as the celebration. Highly recommend for a special evening.
A photo of T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort and Spa restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4437)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Scottsdale
About the restaurant

There is no lobster bisque like the lobster bisque served at this elegant resort dining room, though when that rich, sweet soup isn’t available on T. Cook’s seasonal menu, one can find delight in the hoisin-glazed octopus or the short rib with caramelized onion risotto. Dining indoors means cozy club chairs and a palm tree growing in the room and up through an opening in the roof; outside on the wide patio means outdoor fireplaces, views of the lush Royal Palms desert landscaping, and glimpses of Camelback Mountain.


Top review
Johnnie
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent meal, great value ,lovely ambiance and impeccable service.
A photo of The Gladly restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2630)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Biltmore
About the restaurant

Chef Bernie Kantak has nudged New American comfort food to a new level with his roasted corn salad crab cakes and bacon-fat-and-miso Caesar salad. Before lunch or dinner, stop at the stylish bar, stocked with more than 200 whiskies and offering craft beverages created with locally grown herbs. And then there’s the Commander burger, made from ground brisket and topped with a secret sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.


Top review
joan
Dined 3 days ago
The food was excellent as always. Our server made the whole evening better than usual. She was excellent.
A photo of Toca Madera - Scottsdale restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2444)
$31 to $50
Mexican
Old Town Scottsdale
About the restaurant

This contemporary Mexican steakhouse helped popularize the farm-to-table concept in Scottsdale. Locally sourced ingredients with bold flavors are the rule here. Brunch starters include a truffle quesadilla and a snappy queso fundido. Dinner specialties such as Japanese wagyu and an oven-baked branzino can be paired with an impressive raw bar featuring oyster shooters and ceviche blanco. Signature sides include rice spiked with cilantro and lime and a truffle-infused mac-and-cheese that’s big enough to share.


Top review
Joey
Dined on 10 Dec 2024
We had an amazing experience! Tanner, the manager, ensured everything was perfect and took great care of us. The food and drinks were outstanding, as always. We can’t wait to return!
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