Contemporary in Phoenix

Aloft Tempe

951 E. Playa Del Norte Dr. Tempe

480-621-3300

Contemporary, Hotels and Resorts, Best Of, Sponsor

1 article

Zinc Bistro

15034 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-603-0922

French, Contemporary, Dessert, Seafood, Recommended, Best Of, Sponsor

A fabulous-looking and -feeling place for fabulous-looking folks not afraid to shell out big bucks for Parisian comfort food. Many dishes are, well, fabulous, including macaroni gratin, croque monsieur, onion soup gratin-smoked salmon crepes and pork chop choucroute. Prepare for lots of butter and cream.

46 articles

The Americano

17797 N. Scottsdale Rd. North Scottsdale

480-573-0001

Italian, Contemporary

Known for Neapolitan-style pizzas at Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, Stefano Fabbri’s early 2020 opening marks a stark departure. The Americano is a high-end steakhouse that exists somewhere between America and Italy and isn’t quite a steakhouse. There’s a whole lot of beef on the menu, much from Niman Ranch, but the feeling and food travel in newer directions. Wagyu meatballs rest in silky, buttery tomato sauce. Fried chicken sandwiches gain lightness from pickled fennel. An improvisational summer pesto clings to garganelli. Pastas are solid, non-traditional, and made in house. Even sides like mac-and-cheese have twists and elevations (the mac gets a cacio e pepe treatment). If you’re into scene, thoughtful food, and a different kind of steakhouse, this opulent north Scottsdale restaurant is for you.

8 articles

Anhelo Restaurant

628 E. Adams St. Central Phoenix

602-596-7745

Contemporary, Best Of, Menu

The old Rose & Crown building in Heritage Square recently morphed into Anhelo, a playful restaurant helmed by 28-year-old Chef Ivan Jacobo. Until he rewired the lighting and relaid the floors of this spot, refreshing the structure while preserving the old charm, Jacobo helmed a cult pop-up called Hidden Kitchen. The whimsical vibe of that bygone endeavor carries over to the space of the old building, made new by some of Jacobo's uncommon ideas. Giving to charity. Operating with almost no fridge space. Going way out of his way to compost. Plating a ceviche that features not marine life but cubes of watermelon. Coating Caesar salad in a blanket of cheese. Plating a cluster of scallops on one point of a sweet potato ring tracing the rim of the dish. And crafting some of the more surprising desserts you can find these days, like granitas and pavlovas with pickled strawberries, and a cold quenelle of salted caramel ice cream striped with honey surrounded with fixings to turn you into a kid again.

6 articles

Armitage Bistro & Wine

20751 N. Pima Rd. North Scottsdale

480-502-1641

American, Contemporary

1 article

Arrivederci Ristorante

7101 E. Thunderbird Rd. North Scottsdale

480-922-8225

Italian, Contemporary, Recommended

Don't let the storefront location fool you: This is one of the better Italian restaurants in the city, featuring gorgeous pasta, like ravioli stuffed with lobster in a saffron-cream sauce, as well as deftly fashioned veal, chicken, and seafood dishes. For dessert, you can't go wrong with the ricotta cheesecake.

1 article

Artizen Crafted American Kitchen and Bar

2401 E. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

602-468-0700

American, Contemporary, Modern American, Recommended

Artizen Crafted American Kitchen & Bar is a stylish New American restaurant situated inside the hip Camby Hotel, aka The Camby, in Phoenix’s upscale Biltmore district. Chef Dushyant Singh, whose official title is Director of Culinary Experiences, has put together a New American menu that occasionally diverts from fine dining standards – cheese boards and pricey steak dishes – into the far more interesting world of Arizona gastronomy. The house steak tartare features the raw minced steak served over bone marrow, with pickled cholla buds used like capers to cut through the richness. Even better, though, are diver scallops, which are beautifully seared and served with a sweet chorizo jam and a savory lobster-saffron emulsion.

4 articles

Atlas Bistro

2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., #18 South Scottsdale

480-990-2433

Contemporary, New American, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Atlas Bistro is located inside the Arizona Wine Company in Scottsdale, tucked away in a small room with white tablecloths. The bring-your-own-bottle, dinner-only restaurant has been around since 2001, with Chef Cory Oppold presenting ever-changing modern dishes that originate from his French-driven cooking style. Diners may experience a $65, three-course, prix-fixe meal powered by keywords like organic, hand-foraged, local, wild, line-caught, sustainable, and exotic. Courses from this locally owned eatery have included chilled chicken breast presse, Hudson Valley foie gras mousse, Niman Ranch pork belly, and seared wild Nordic halibut from Chula Seafood. Desserts and cheeses are also on the menu, which includes petite beignets, and a plate of soft, aged, blue cheese accompanied by accoutrements, nuts, and toasted Noble bread. But the best part may be the relaxing atmosphere this sliver of a restaurant offers its patrons. New Normal: Reservations are extremely limited and preferred via direct message through social media. The Atlas Wines shop is also open next door.

28 articles

Avalon

7707 E. McDowell Rd. South Scottsdale

480-656-0010

American, Contemporary, Seafood, Bars and Clubs, Recommended

At stylish Avalon - located in an unlikely part of south Scottsdale -- executive chef Travis Watson caters to guests at the adjacent 3 Palms Oasis Resort with standards like steak and Caesar salad, but adds a few twists to his California-meets-Mediterranean menu, like calamari "frites," polenta-stuffed prawns, and lovely desserts that reflect his pastry chef background.Feeling thirsty? The dope drink-mixers working the glowing bar at Avalon Scottsdale can slake your thirst with any of a dozen scintillating and exotic-sounding alcoholic concoctions. Check out their super-sweet take on the traditional caipirinha (made from a combo of cachaça, cane syrup, fresh lime, and a swizzle stick made with rock candy); as well as the delectable Africana Fiz (consisting of fresh lemon, Madagascan vanilla bean

4 articles

AZ/88

7353 E. Scottsdale Mall Central Scottsdale

480-994-5576

American, Contemporary, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, DrinkHere

Did someone say martinis? At this off-the-beaten-path bar in Scottsdale, you can get a London favorite Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a shot of Champagne. If that’s too fruity for your taste, there are always the classics, such as the espresso martini and Manhattan. But AZ/88 is not your regular neighborhood spot. The people-watching here is outstanding, with crowds ranging from longtime Scottsdale locals to groups of friends celebrating 21st birthdays and bachelorette parties, from dates to businessmen holding lunch meetings, and much more. Rotating art installations also demand attention. Sometimes a cluster of disco balls dangle from the ceiling, casting specks of light around the bar; at other times, fluffy illuminated clouds fill the ceiling. During the holidays, Christmas trees made of anything other than wood and pine needles land smack in the center of the dining room. Meal options include burgers, salads, sandwiches and a small selection of plates. Insider tip: Make sure to visit the restrooms. You won’t be disappointed.

31 articles

Bandera

3821 N. Scottsdale Rd. Central Scottsdale

480-994-3524

American, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This is the perfect spot for a quick, high-quality meal on a busy Saturday night. Excellent salads, rotisserie chicken, first-rate prime rib and grilled fish are the featured items.

4 articles

Barrio Cafe

2814 N. 16th St. #1205 Central Phoenix

602-636-0240

Mexican, Contemporary, Slideshow

Knockoffs and ripoffs are an unavoidable hazard of the restaurant industry, but if there's a silver lining to this phenomenon, it's that all the impostors only make it easier to spot a true original. Barrio Café — established in 2002 by Wendy Gruber and Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and located along the Calle 16 restaurant and bar row cutting through central Phoenix — is an unmistakable O.G. gem. The bright decor and local artwork provide a delightful atmosphere, but the food is what seals the deal. Menu standouts include cochinita pibil, chiles en nogada, churro rellenos, and the well-known chef's tableside guacamole — famously bejeweled with pomegranate seeds. The food menu also offers numerous vegan and vegetarian dishes. Diners will also find Mexican beers, Micheladas and too many amazing margaritas to list here. Barrio Café has never taken reservations. The dining room is open and takeout is always available.

126 articles

Beckett's Table

3717 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-954-1700

Contemporary, New American, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Essentials

This Arcadia eatery has been open for more than a decade, a feat accomplished thanks to the efforts of double husband-and-wife team owners: sommeliers Katie and Scott Stephens and Justin and Michelle Beckett. There's something about Beckett's Table that raises the profile of the dining scene along Indian School Road in this specific part of Phoenix. Maybe it's the actual community table, which can't be missed upon entering the restaurant. The multi-seat high-top is best enjoyed during social hour, when a number of Beckett's signature dishes, such as the deviled egg of the day, are on special. Many menu items demonstrate the fact that Justin Beckett has been in the kitchen since he was 9 or 10 years old. Favorites include the signature fork-tender short ribs and the city-famous fig and pecan pie.

75 articles

Binkley's Restaurant

2320 E. Osborn Rd. Central Phoenix

602-388-4874

Contemporary, American, Best Of, Slideshow

If you'd like to put on a helmet and launch yourself to the outer possibilities of eating in Phoenix, book a reservation at Binkley's. Entering Binkley's is like entering Rivendell. Your meal unfolds over roughly three hours in a house on Osborn Road, the 12-plus courses and river of beer, wine and sake steadily flowing into the night, mimicking the rhythm of a dinner party. From the first bite, all your personal troubles (and those of the wider world) begin to feel remote. Everything stills, and you're in the gentle palm of a master: Kevin Binkley, who's handily one of the very best chefs in Phoenix. The playfulness, technique, seasonality, ingenuity, and ultimately the flavor of his food says this loudly and clearly to all those who take a seat on the patio, nibbling oysters with peanut spaetzle and ham buttercream. After the first few courses, diners move to the house's pub room for riffs on bar food. Tunes flow. Drinks bubble, fizz, and wine pairs harmonically with the food. Next, the meal moves into the dining room for a long, rich, mesmerizing finish. At that point, if you want, you can wander into the kitchen and watch Kevin Binkley cook and create, a maestro of meals that feel as brilliant and considered as a sculpture or painting. Reservations are required and can be made via the Binkley's website.

8 articles

Bistro 24

2401 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-468-0700

Contemporary, French, Recommended

If you've got the expense account, they've got the time, and the ticket price. Décor is light and bright, and not as stuffy as you might expect. The cuisine? Continental, without being too challenging: steaks, fillet of sole, duck confit, French onion soup. Not the worst of this sort of fare we've had, nor the best. Somewhere in the middle. Too bad the bill doesn't reflect that, but hey, what did you expect? It is the Ritz-Carlton, people. And anyway, the company credit card should be able to handle it, right? As long as the green-eyeshade boys in accounting don't study the bill too closely.

15 articles

Black Chile Mexican Grill

2502 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-955-5593

Contemporary, Mexican, Best Of

12 articles

Blanco Tacos & Tequila

6166 N. Scottsdale Rd. #601 Paradise Valley

480-305-6692

Mexican, Contemporary, Menu

Don't fill up on the tasty chips or the better-then-most margaritas, because you'll want to save room for classic Mexican fare that's been souped up with new flavors and unique ingredients. Poblano Chile Cheese Crisps are a great starter, and the Crab and Shrimp Ceviche is one of the most authentic we've tasted. For Dessert, Don't pass up the Brown Sugar Caramel Flan.

10 articles

Board & Batten

4012 E Palm St Mesa

480-641-4148

American, Contemporary, Essentials

One of Mesa’s most unexpected special occasion restaurants is hidden down a lane, through an office park and next to a wedding venue. There, tucked behind the trees, you’ll find Board & Batten. This small restaurant with a large patio blends cozy farmhouse vibes with modern touches and the feel of an elegant garden party. Sit outside under the string lights to take it all in. Start with a craft cocktail or ask your server for their wine recommendation. Then, dig into shareable plates such as the tender, braised Italian meatballs before picking an entree. The options rotate throughout the seasons, but expect fresh seafood dishes, handmade pastas and steaks. Leave room for dessert. We recommend the warm date cake topped with homemade date swirl ice cream and crunchy honeycomb.

Born & Bred

140 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler

480-307-9757

Contemporary

1 article

Buck & Rider

4225 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-346-0110

Seafood, Contemporary, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice, Essentials

Buck & Rider has opened multiple locations in recent years, but we’re partial to the Camelback Road classic. Make a reservation for a booth in the comfortable yet elevated dining room, or grab a seat at the bar for happy hour. Whatever you decide to order, the name of the game at this seafood spot is fresh. Whether it's Maryland crab or Alaskan oysters, everything is flown in daily from sustainably minded producers. Start your meal with a spicy tuna or crunchy shrimp sushi roll or some savory smoked trout dip before digging into your entree. Opt for the Shrimp Scampi Risotto topped with enormous shrimp from the Sea of Cortez, or pair a steak with your choice of seafood for a customized surf and turf. Make sure to check out the perfectly curated cocktail list, as well, at this swanky locale.

14 articles

Calistro California Bistro

18221 N. Pima Rd. North Scottsdale

480-502-0325

American, Contemporary, Health, Mediterranean, Recommended, Menu

Stick to shared plates like lamb meatballs or the Calistro flatbread - topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto - at this "farm to table" bistro at north Scottdale's DC Ranch Crossing.

1 article

Cartwright's Modern Cuisine

6710 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek

480-488-8031

American, Contemporary, Southwestern, Recommended

Upscale surf 'n' turf joint wrapped in a Sonoran ranch house theme. The place does a few things right other than atmosphere: spicy house sausage made from beef, elk and buffalo; ahi nachos with Manchego cheese; and a chocolate cowboy s'more that'll give diabetics a death wish. Is it worth driving all the way out to Cave Creek to eat there? Probably not. But if you've always wanted to see the jumbo sundial in nearby Carefree, you could do worse for a same-day dinner.

26 articles

Cask 63

8877 N. Scottsdale Rd., 402 North Scottsdale

480-922-5666

American, Contemporary, Fine Dining, Menu

The latest fine-dining addition to the Scottsdale scene is sleek and attractive, with a bustling dining room done up in a cool slate blue, gray, and beige color palette. Top-notch servers and a notable wine list are the highlights at Cask 63. The contemporary American menu features steak, chicken, and numerous seafood dishes, including the excellent Crab Cake 3 Ways (traditional Maryland-style, corn-wrapped, and Southwestern fritter). Also worth your while is the delicious spinach salad, with poached egg and bacon balsamic dressing. Some of Cask 63's entrees failed to hit their mark when it comes to the "wow" factor, but a tasty pork tenderloin ($19) and rainbow trout ($18) were satisfying nonetheless. Diver scallops, lobster pot pie, and rack of Australian lamb represent some of the more intriguing standouts on the well-rounded menu. It's difficult to consider Cask 63 a must-try in an area with so many notable restaurants, but most diners looking for a nice night out -— without breaking the bank — will not be disappointed with this lively eatery.

4 articles

Century Grand

3626 E. Indian School Rd. East Phoenix

602-739-1388

Eclectic, Contemporary, New American, Best Of, Slideshow

For years, Jason Asher and Rich Furnari have defined the cutting edge of local cocktail culture, and Century Grand and the three bars housed inside are the culmination of their efforts. Highly stylized and themed, Century Grand is home to UnderTow, The Grey Hen, and Platform 18. All immersive experiences, the first makes customers feel as though they're sipping tropical cocktails in the belly of a ship. The Grey Hen is styled as a New Orleans apothecary, where the medicines look more like whiskey, and perhaps the most immersive of all, Platform 18 takes customers on a train ride complete with TV screen-windows showing the world passing by. Reservations are recommended as is taking a glance at the website before showing up to this busy bar, as there are specific rules for each concept.

12 articles

Chantico

1051 E. Camelback Rd. Central Phoenix

602--699-3015

Mexican, Contemporary, Best Of

Walter Sterling and the Ocotillo crew’s latest restaurant channels Mexican influences as far north as Sonora (a Sonoran rib-eye) and as far south as Yucatan (cochinita pibil). That cochinita sears the brain, and not just with chiles. An order brings a pile of richly spiced pork that retains the animal's full charm, roasted in a banana leaf. The kicker: an arsenal of expertly pickled vegetables, including nopales, micro-thin onions, and offbeat carrots. Chantico’s al pastor is a strong, pineapple-forward rendition. Though tacos come loaded, tortillas could use a bit of work. This early discordant note is more than offset by dishes like duck leg drenched in black mole — which sees a skinless trapezoid of grilled orange to create stunning depth — a plate with flavors of alarming contrast and harmony.

5 articles

Chennai Chettinaad Palace

2814 W. Bell Rd. #1445 North Phoenix

602-993-0085

Indian, Middle Eastern, Contemporary, Critics' Pick, Best Of

Featuring the hard-to-find cuisine of Chettinad, a dry, remote region of the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, this decidedly grand restaurant on the city's west side offers many of the region's meat-centric, highly fragrant, and abundantly spiced food (even to the southern Indian palate) as well as around 200 dishes from both northern and southern India. Reap the rewards of an India rarely tasted in the Valley with dishes like Chettinad pepper lamb, smoky and spicy Chettinad chicken, and the fiery fried anchovies called nethili fish. Read our review.

12 articles

Cheuvront Wine & Cheese Cafe

1326 N. Central Ave. Central Phoenix

602-307-0022

Contemporary, Wine Bar, Recommended, Menu

State Senator Ken Cheuvront's entry into the great Phoenix restaurant sweepstakes is a wine and cheese bar with plenty of vino and fromage to choose from. If you go, try the lamb roulade and one of the cheese plates with nuts and dried fruit. For dessert, the pumpkin bread pudding is delish. Like we said, Cheuvront has issues.

18 articles

Confluence Restaurant

36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree

480-488-9796

Contemporary, Eclectic, Critics' Pick, Menu

This restaurant's riverine name refers to the fluid joining of culinary influences. Chef Brandon Gauthier pulls from traditions across southern Europe, Asia, and North America, combining them with impressive skill and vision. Victoria Gauthier manages the dining room and beverage program. Brandon's food is seasonally sensitive fine-dining New American with technical chops and creative charm. He effortlessly toggles between acoustic (fried chicken, carnitas tacos) and electric (confit wagyu beef cheek, watermelon soup). The electric dishes — characterized by imagination and flavor detonations — can be spectacular. That watermelon soup, yellow, reaches distant realms of fruity flavor with apricot and pickled cherries, spoonfuls cold, bracing, and wildly refreshing come 114 degrees. Brandon also, for instance, poaches pear in sake, fans slivers around angel food cake, adds candied pecans, then jolts the airy desert with small peaks of vibrant yuzu curd. Simple dishes, those of a few experimental touches rather than many, also hit the spot. Sunchoke soup is rich and nutty. Iberico pork shoulder is rich and nutty in a wholly different, more animal way, dissolving on the tongue in a rush. Fennel and lion's mane mushrooms anchor a sandwich that satisfies more than seems possible. Brandon cooked for Kevin Binkley for roughly a decade. In February 2018, mentee bought the space that would become Confluence from mentor. Today, the Gauthiers' Carefree restaurant is one of the most underrated in the Valley. New Normal: Confluence is asking customers to call ahead for reservations. A takeout menu is available on the website.

Cork

4991 S. Alma School Rd., Ste. 101, Sun Lakes Chandler

480-883-3773

Contemporary, Eclectic, New American, Recommended, Menu

At its heart, Cork is a neighborhood wine bar that just happens to serve inventive, beautifully presented food. Owned by three alumni of Lon's at the Hermosa - sommelier Robert Morris, his wife Danielle (who's the pastry chef), and executive chef Brian Peterson - the restaurant features tasting-menu-style small plates served à la carte, and an expansive wine list. Stop by for a glass of wine and a light bite, or stay for an adventurous full meal with tastes of such things as barbecued pork belly, ostrich crudo, and tempura-fried Madagascar prawn. Homey-sounding desserts turn out to be just as intesting as the savory stuff.

26 articles

The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen

20469 N. Hayden Rd. North Scottsdale

480-401-1102

American, Contemporary

3 articles

CRUjiente Tacos

3961 E. Camelback Rd. East Phoenix

602-687-7777

Contemporary, Mexican, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

This Arcadia eatery, found at the north end of 40th Street's restaurant row, is a rare dinner-only taco type of place (or close to that; it doesn't open until 4 p.m.). CRUjiente Tacos Chef Richard Hinojosa likes to get regional with his menu — dishes might be inspired by Maine, Korean, or Polynesian cuisine. Tacos arrive heavy with lamb, beef, pork, and potato. All good stuff, but we suggest you opt for the signature Tacos De La Calle, specialty tacos loaded with Korean fried chicken, duck breast, or garlic roasted mushrooms. All arrive looking just as good as that sounds. These tacos have been crowned grand champion of the Arizona Taco Festival — twice. Visitors will find similar creativity in house cocktails like the Pocket Full of Shells, Swipe Right, and Japanknees Bees. New Normal: Reservations are highly recommended, but customers may also call for takeout.

22 articles

Cuff

5819 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale

623-847-8890

American, Cajun/Creole, Contemporary, Menu

Chef Tom Harvey, late of Eddie V's in Scottsdale, has brought cuisine to downtown Glendale. Harvey’s a Georgia native, and his menu is crammed with Southern influences and ingredients. Meat is often smoked or pulled; grits and po-boys are featured. He’s partnered with chef Matteo Cataldo, whose Italian touches are apparent in the eggplant Parmesan sandwich and big-bowl presentation of a simple baked chicken, served “Amalfi style” in a lemon Parmesan broth. Shrimp and grits offers a half-dozen sweet, tender crustaceans on a bed of creamy, buttery grits; the melt-in-your-mouth brisket is another mainstay made better with a snappy brown-sugar-and-red-pepper glaze. Asian-influenced posole marries a half-dozen pot stickers, stuffed with seasoned roast pork and floating in a cilantro-rich tomato-chipotle broth. New American cuisine never tasted so original.

10 articles

Culinary Arts Dining Room

9000 E. Chaparral Rd. South Scottsdale

480-423-6284

American, Contemporary, Recommended

A five-course dinner for $15? It's yours for the asking in this rose-colored restaurant-lab, where students cook and serve to learn the realities of the food biz. The meal's dramatic high point is the "parade of desserts." Open from late August to mid-December, and mid-January to early May.

Contemporary in Phoenix

Newsletter Sign Up

Enter your name, zip code, and email