A number of restaurants in the Valley are getting praised for their ability to provide an outstanding fine dining experience. AAA has released its list of restaurant rankings, almost a dozen restaurants in the area have been listed as Four-Diamond and Five-Diamond restaurants.
To decide which restaurants make the cut, AAA conducts surprise restaurant visits. The organization visits 32,000 restaurants every year. An extremely small number, 0.2 percent, of these restaurants make the Five-Diamond list, and a few more, 2.1 percent, make the Four-Diamond list.
“The AAA Five and Four Diamond designation is an exceptional accomplishment that signifies meticulous attention to the little extras to help ensure a memorable guest experience. To uphold the exceptionally high standards required on a daily basis to attain these ratings is an outstanding achievement. This list represents the finest Arizona has to offer in food and hospitality,” says Michelle Donat from the AAA Arizona.
Five-Diamond Restaurants
Kai in Chandler
Kai features Native American indigenous foods. Meats are flavored by herb sauces created using indigenous seeds and recipes. A meal at this restaurant is set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains and wild horses.
Four-Diamond Restaurants
Sanctuary on Camelback
The Sanctuary uses organic vegetables and features a wide range of meat and seafood to choose from. Chef Beau MacMillan offers patrons a private chef’s tasting room. There are also stunning views of the valley.
Talavera
Talavera is located in Scottsdale, and they offer specialty items made using the freshest ingredients. They feature dishes using Australian Wagyu and Arizona grass-fed beef, chorizo bread pudding, and chipotle honeycomb polenta.
Deseo
Deseo is located in Scottsdale and tempts guests with flavors from the Caribbean and South America. It features expert chefs who prepare a unique menu of ceviche, creative seafood entrées, and marinated meats. There is an open kitchen, which allows you to interact with the chefs. A local Cuban artist, Nelson Garcia-Miranda, displays his talents during the week in the dining room.
Different Pointe of View
This mountain-top restaurant is located in Phoenix, and offers panoramic views of the valley below. You can enjoy your dining experience indoors, or take in the views in the outdoor dining area. The menu features an international and award winning wine list and New American cuisine, curated by Chef Anthony DeMuro.
Cook’s
Cook’s is located at the Royal Palms Hotel in Phoenix and offers patrons Mediterranean inspired dishes. The dining experience is a unique one. You’ll dine under vaulted ceilings or in their outdoor dining area, which has spectacular views of Camelback Mountain.
Bourbon Steak
The Bourbon Steak is located in Scottsdale and offers a unique menu. Its menu consists of Kobe, all-natural USDA Prime beef, Colorado lamb, Kurobuta pork, Maine lobster, ahi tuna and Scottish salmon.
Quiessence at The Farm
Quiessence at The Farm is located in Phoenix, and it’s tucked away at South Mountain, featuring New American fare. Its dishes use local, fresh ingredients, and its seasonal menu never gets old. In addition to its indoor dining area, you can enjoy a meal outdoors, overlooking the gardens.
J&G Steakhouse
J&G Steakhouse is located in Scottsdale, and it’s an upscale steak restaurant that features the work of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Their menu items use fresh, local ingredients, premium cuts of meat, and a unique seafood selection.
Wright’s
Wright’s is located at the Biltmore in Phoenix. They offer seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, delectable desserts, and aged steak.
Lon’s
Lon’s is located at the Hermosa in Paradise Valley, and it feature a “ranch-like” atmosphere. Their menu is filled with natural and organic dishes, and some of the ingredients are grown at the restaurant. It’s one of the more casual offerings, but their menu selection is just as large as the more luxurious options.
Other Arizona restaurants featured by AAA include:
- The Grill at Hacienda del Sol in Tucson
- Main Dining Room at the Arizona Inn in Tucson
- Primo in Tucson
- Core Kitchen and Wine Bar in Marana
- Che Ah Chi in Sedona
- Cress on Oak Creek in Sedona
