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Restaurants

The biggest problem for diners is the dizzying number of hot, happening, haute choices – from upscale fusion cuisine to soul food, Native American to five-star French – the Valley has it all and then some. Of course, Mexican and Western influences reign supreme here, with an abundance of stellar steakhouses and menus boasting spicy Southwestern foods.

If "spectacular" is your requirement for both food and setting, we've rounded up a threesome of restaurants that are definitely worth the splurge – and worth planning ahead for by making a reservation well in advance. T. Cook's (5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix; 602/808-0766; www.royalpalmshotel.com), located in the Royal Palms Resort at the base of Camelback Mountain, serves fire-roasted specialties that send even the most demanding food critics into swoons of lip-smacking ecstasy. The dining area is surrounded by lush gardens with palm trees that reach right through the roof of this special-occasion restaurant. We also recommend Mary Elaine's (6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale; 480/423-2530; www.thephoenician.com) at The Phoenician – double-check your bank balance, put on your best duds, and get ready for the five-star New French dishes like herb-crusted rack of lamb or sautéed foie gras in a brioche crust. Finally, elements (5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley; 480/607-2300; www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com) at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is acclaimed for its stunning location and equally stellar cuisine. The menu is updated seasonally and the take on American cuisine, coupled with Asian accents, makes for a mouth-watering culinary treat. The breathtaking restaurant views over the surrounding valley promise superlative dining ambience – come at sunset and request a window table.

For casual dining options at more moderate rates, check out the fun atmosphere and modernized Western-style grub at Roaring Fork (4800 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480/947-0795; www.roaringfork.com), with unique menu items like salmon smoked in a chipotle-honey vinaigrette and pork porterhouse steaks. Raves are routine for the outdoor flagstone patio of Old Town Tortilla Factory (6910 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480/945-4567; www.oldtowntortillafactory.com), with its soothing fountains and extensive menu of Native American and Mexican delights based on corn, chiles, beans, citrus, and tortillas. For younger crowds, Houston's (6113 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480/922-7775; www.houstons.com) is a Scottsdale yuppie magnet, offering up a fresh, hip atmosphere and some great value American dishes like burgers, spinach dip, soups, and salads.

For great bites and bargain prices, head straight to Los Dos Molinos (8646 S. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602/243-9113) – locals mob this historic hacienda in South Phoenix for scrumptious nouvelle Mexican fare where the heat factor has been described as "hellish," "incendiary," and "volcanic." Be prepared to down lots of water (or, better yet – margaritas) and to wait for up to two hours for a table. Chompies (9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480/860-0475; www.chompies.com) is a popular New-York-deli-style spot that's thrived in the desert for more than two decades; it has added some Southwestern twists to its more classic repertoire of sandwiches and entrées – the fresh breads and pastries are hard to pass up. Finally, we propose the Fry Bread House (4140 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix; 602/351-2345) for its Indian fry bread – think chewy, crispy, piping-hot pillows of delectable dough – with an assortment of toppings like hearty green or red chili.

See Phoenix Travel Guide