Choosing a place to eat on a date sometimes can be more stressful than the date itself.
Is it going to be too formal or too informal? Will the menu be diverse enough for your date to find something they enjoy? That’s where we come in.
We sought to balance comfortable environments, delectable cuisines, and affordability in this collection. Take note of new places where you can genuinely converse and laugh with your partner without being drowned out by loud noises or being shushed for being too loud. Scroll down to see some best restaurants in Phoenix (in no particular order):
There’s a lot to like about Phoenix’s eating scene. This is especially true when it comes to the most romantic eateries in the Valley. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie with a white tablecloth reservation in mind or a noncommittal casual foodie looking for new adventures, these Phoenix restaurants have a lot to offer—and we’re not just talking about bread service. So go ahead and take a chance on falling in love with one of Phoenix’s most romantic eateries.
Fuego, at the Clarendon Avenue
Fuego at the Clarendon is known to serve a lot of food, so get your bellies ready. This could be a good thing or a bad thing. No matter what, you will inevitably chow down on a plate full of delicious Mexican food here. Ask our CE Co-Founder, Logan about his first date with Founder, Tamika. He learned REAL QUICK how much of a foodie Tamika is.
Aside from that, Fuego offers excellent cocktails in a low, romantic setting (indoor and outdoor). And, hey, you’re in a hotel in case things don’t go as planned, and you need to take a moment, not drive, or take a real — moment (if you know what I mean)!
WineCafe Postino
Postino WineCafe has established itself as a welcoming and modern dining destination in the Valley. Each of its venues is housed in a historic or refurbished building with distinct features. The Arcadia location was once a bank, while the Highland location was once a post office. The bruschetta and meat-and-cheese boards are great, and the wine and beer deals are worth checking out. Perfect for a romantic date night in Phoenix.
The Farish House
The Farish House is a turn-of-the-century home that’s been turned into a lovely, Euro-style café. It is the perfect place for downtown daters searching for an exquisite but affordable romantic rendezvous. Since its launch, this beautiful Victorian-style location has become a dining hotspot, with substantial interior seating, a saloon, and a vast open-air terrace. It’s easy to understand why, with a menu of sharing appetizers, hearty meals, and a prohibition-inspired cocktail list, it’s hard not to love this place.
Stardust Pinbar
Next to The Van Buren, you’ll find Stardust Pinbar and Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop, both of which are a lot of fun. The lounge contains nine pinball machines, a lighted disco dance floor, a fuzzy DJ booth, gig posters, and it is decorated in David Bowie-style glam and geek chic. It is, nevertheless, a huge fan of adventurous romance. A speakeasy-style secret entrance is set up like a walk-in freezer in the pizza parlor next door. Inside, there are cocktails named after songs like “Moonage Daydream” and “Diamond Dogs,” as well as silver vinyl seats. Order some slices, wings, or garlic knots to share. On it?
Pomelo at the Orchard
Having opened in 2016, Pomelo is a new American food restaurant in the Valley. The restaurant was built around a 1920s farmhouse on an ancient citrus farm. The lounge has been refurbished with a modern look—leather tuft seats and dark-wood tables—while keeping the historic fireplaces and ceilings. The patio has a view of the green space throughout the cooler months. Splurge, an ice cream shop, is immediately next door for dessert. Enjoy!
Prado at Montelucia’s Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa
As they say, Tapas is the route to the heart or anything along such lines. And that’s exactly what you’ll find on the menu at Prado. Prado, which draws inspiration from Spain’s Andalusian area, serves a menu of approachable food (think wood-fired steaks, marinated vegetables, and delectable paella) that’s all meant to be shared. With picture-perfect vistas of Camelback Mountain and terrace-inspired open-air seating, you know the patio dining at Prado will be top-notch.
Cornish Pasty Co.
Cornish Pasty Co. should be the top choice for those looking for a good meal, but one that is not too pricey. This place is one of the more economical selections on our list. If you meet your ‘person’ at a local bar or a performance, chances are you’ll have a fantastic time talking over a couple of giant stuffed pasties and well-made cocktails. No one will judge you if you drink a tall can of PBR. Cornish also has fresh salads, wings, and outstanding appetizers if you don’t want anything too hefty. If you go to the Tempe location, snag a seat in The Beast, the hidden bar on the north side of the building, where it’s incredibly dark and ominous.
The Yard (Culinary Dropout, Barrior Urbano, Little Cleo’s)
You’ll enjoy the set of independent restaurants known as The Yard if you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience. It boasts a huge covered patio area with lounge chairs and outdoor activities such as cornhole. It’s classy enough for a date night, but it’s also laid-back enough for a drink with friends. What more could you ask for?
Cafe Monarch
This award-winning restaurant is tucked away in Scottsdale’s historic Old Town. Cafe Monarch has won awards for its atmosphere, five-star cuisine, and excellent service over the years. If you’re ordering wine, which you probably are, you’re in good hands. Cafe Monarch’s servers have all undergone master sommelier training and will be pleased to recommend the best vintage or unique wine selections to pair with your meal. A romantic ambiance is also created with candlelit cobblestones at the entryway, shimmering chandeliers above the dining area, and garden-like terrace seats. Romance, anyone?
Roku Sushi
Scottsdale’s Sushi Roku is a good place to go for date-night sushi. When you combine excellent sushi with the elegant setting of the W Hotel Scottsdale, you have created a fairly ideal first date or date night choice. Yes, it’s pricey, but sometimes you have to dig a little deeper into your wallet the first time you dine with a new friend or it may be the right time to treat someone you care about to a special night out.
There you have it. We hope you find what works for you and yours on this list. There’s so much to explore for you and your date in the beautiful Phoenix Valley. We hope you do nothing more than have a splendid time, and oh! Feel free to reference this list anytime.
As always – cheers!
