Arizona is well known throughout the world as the location of the Grand Canyon. This natural wonder, carved out over millennia by the rushing waters of the Colorado River, is a massive 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over one mile deep. Tourists flock from all over the globe to witness this fantastic creation of nature. Arizona in general is a great tourist destination, with many attractions and activities.
The Phoenix metropolitan area is one of most populated areas in all of the United States, and it’s no wonder why. With almost permanently sunny weather, Phoenix is a great place to live during all times of the year. Of course, with all the permanent residents and tourism in the area, many restaurant entrepreneurs have opened up shop here, with the hopes of making it big. Here are the five world class restaurants at the top of the Arizona “food chain.”
Cafe Monarch
In beautiful Old Town Scottsdale, you will find the ultimate romantic fine dining experience. Sit in a charming, candlelit courtyard, surrounded by softly bubbling fountains and twining strands of ivy. Guests are treated to a delicious, chef-inspired four course prix fixe menu that changes weekly to incorporate the most delectable of seasonal ingredients.
The current menu starts with a delicate roasted cauliflower soup, graced with crispy prosciutto and white truffle creme fraiche. Up next comes a winter salad featuring maple glazed pork belly and topped with a cherry-garlic confit vinaigrette. The third course offers a choice of either beef en croute or a yellowfin tuna tartar. Finally, the main course offers four scrumptious choices: cast iron seared filet mignon, citrus crusted chilean sea bass, crispy skin chicken breast, or carrot-yukon potato gnocchi.
ShinBay
Another Scottsdale favorite, ShinBay offers fine Japanese dining. Specializing in Omakase style chef’s tasting course dining, the goal of this restaurant is to lead guests on a tasting journey, hitting different flavor notes and texture patterns along the way to a truly relaxing dining experience. Guests may expect to receive a variety of dishes, such as Mushimono (steamed feature), Tsukuri (seafood bites), Toubanyaki (tabletop grilled) and more.
Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician
The Phoenician of Scottsdale (we’re detecting a pattern here) offers the best afternoon tea menu in all of Arizona. In the classic English tradition, the experience comes with your choice of perfectly brewed tea and courses of finger sandwiches, delicate scones, and scrumptious tea pastries. But don’t expect to just walk in and order; reservations are required here, and they fill up fast!
Kai Restaurant
Kai, at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, is the only AAA Five Diamond/Forbes Five Star restaurant in Arizona. The impressive 13 course menu is prepared from locally sourced ingredients at the Gila River Indian Community utilizing authentic themes from the Pima and Maricopa tribes to create an unmatched dining experience steeped in local culture. This is definitely the most high end dining experience you will find in Arizona; your Journey starts at $225 per person, or $355 with wine.
Different Pointe of View
The view from this restaurant will absolutely blow you away! Located in the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows designed to showcase the Valley’s gorgeous desert landscape. While the view may be fantastic, the food at this restaurant is no slouch either. Featuring contemporary American choices such as port braised short ribs and butter-poached lobster, their delicious courses will have your mouth watering!
