The Most Fun Restaurants in Phoenix

Welcome to the capital of Arizona and our exploration of the most fun restaurants in Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun hosts amazing festivals (including a cider festival and an annual pizza festival), expert chocolatiers and an astonishing range of vegan and vegetarian food. East Valley has some hidden gems, including New American fare served in a unique setting where literally every seat is different. West Valley boasts eclectic eateries combining classic American standards with a European flair, plus upmarket comfort food. But in this land of scorching deserts and outdoor adventure, where are the most exciting places to eat? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve scoured twenty of the best restaurants in Phoenix and found the fun for everyone. Let our list get those bellies rumbling and book at one of the most fun restaurants in Phoenix right now.

The OpenTable Team

14 Restaurants

Updated November 25, 2019

Restaurants:	Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain, Cafe Monarch, The Hidden House…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Unspecified, Contemporary American, American…
Neighborhoods:	Central Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, Chandler…

Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain

$$$$

Unspecified

Central Phoenix

4.5

2170 reviews

Fancy dinner in a beautiful, historic home? That’s what’s on the menu at Quiessence at the Farm, a restaurant taking the term Farm-to-Table to new levels. The restaurant is down a charming, tree-lined lane and set on a ten-acre farm in South Mountain District. Weekend tasting menus are a big draw here, with seasonal dishes crafted and served expertly. Those interested in where the food comes from can even visit the Soil and Seed Garden and discover the “roots” of these amazing dishes. Booking highly recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cafe Monarch

$$$$

Contemporary American

Old Town Scottsdale

4.9

6590 reviews

Sometimes, a good night out is all about a bit of luxury and elegance. Café Monarch is full of ornate mirrors, wrought iron, plush, studded seating, and even a stunning fountain. All this opulence is the perfect backdrop for a menu that’s won the hearts not just of Phoenix locals but of the nation, hailed regularly as a top restaurant in America. The menu is a fixed price, four-course affair, seasonal, ever-changing and tastefully extravagant. The perfect venue for anyone wanting to impress!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Hidden House

$$$$

American

Chandler

4.7

1478 reviews

With a name like “The Hidden House”, guests might expect something a little special. They’re never disappointed. The House is a 1939 cottage, elegant yet simple. The restaurant promises that every seat will offer a different experience, and diners can certainly choose between fine dining or hanging out in the relaxed and convivial bar with live music for entertainment. If the setting isn’t enough, how about charred bone marrow, squash ravioli, or crispy chicken with garlic confit? There’s something for everyone at the Hidden House.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Vogue Bistro

$$$$

French

Surprise

4.6

2475 reviews

The most fun restaurants in Phoenix tend to be the ones that aren’t afraid to play with their food. That means exciting flavors, unusual presentation, or something a little bit special. West Valley’s Vogue delivers on all these points, offering a clever combination of American and French fare served in the sight of the stunning White Tank Mountains- perfect for sunset dinners. Crab avocado crostini, filet mignon and a pickle-dashed charcuterie board share a menu with succulent meatloaf and a Blue Jeans burger with Black Angus beef. Perfect for date night.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen at The Grove

$$$$

Asian

Central Scottsdale

4.4

260 reviews

The Scottsdale Quarter is a luxury lifestyle center, so it’s no surprise that it’s the home to one of the most exciting sushi restaurants in town. OBON is a venue famed for excellent small plates and steamed buns. These include vegan options like jackfruit with hoisin, peanuts and pickle, or quirky versions like the spam bun, spiced up with a bit of kimchi. The hip and contemporary space makes this a great night out with friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Stone & Barrel

$$$$

Contemporary American

Chandler

4.5

772 reviews

An Iron Oaks Taphouse, this East Valley hotspot is a favorite outdoor eating spot and a neighborhood treasure. This is one of those fun restaurants in Phoenix where everyone can gather, drink, eat and be merry. Sit by the water, browse menu favorites like the vegan impossible burger or street tacos, and sip one of the many craft beers or indulge in a specialty cocktail. There’s so much to enjoy here, including weekly specials and even a breakfast menu. Book to avoid disappointment.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Volanti Restaurant & Lounge

$$$$

American

North Scottsdale

4.7

861 reviews

Airport food just got classy. This upmarket venue overlooking the runway at Scottsdale Airport and the McDowell Mountains isn’t just about the incredible views. The Airport location inspires a globally-flavored menu, from three-meat meatballs and rich bruschetta to hummus and house-made chips with fondue. The fun starts at happy hour, when drinks prices drop, for beer, wine, and cocktails, and even some of the house favorite dishes go on offer. Check out the daily flatbread pizza for something different with every visit.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Raven's View

$$$$

Wine Bar

Cave Creek

4.8

1040 reviews

Raven’s View is right on the edge of the Desert Mountain Golf Course, just near Cave Creek. Billed as a wine bar, this is one of the most dramatic restaurants in the Phoenix area, thanks to its stunning location. Although wine and beer is the main pull here, they serve up an exciting menu of small plates, custom charcuterie boards and even vegan and vegetarian options. The patio is dog-friendly so it’s the perfect place for locals with pets to meet up. Enjoy this oasis in the high desert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Culinary Dropout - Gilbert

$$$$

American

Gilbert

4.5

1797 reviews

Diners who want to experience the true gastropub experience need to go to a British style gastropub for the real deal. Culinary Dropout has managed to emulate that feel; quirky and striking décor, a bustling yet friendly atmosphere, and food with inspirations from all over the world. The Gilbert location offers a range of meats and cheeses, sharing plates, nachos, and a huge menu ranging from sandwiches to spicy vegan curry. Wash food down with one of the popular house cocktails, like the Mexican-inspired Oaxacan Winter. For meals out with friends, this is one of the most fun restaurants in Phoenix right now.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse Chandler

$$$$

Brazilian Steakhouse

Chandler

4.0

998 reviews

The Brazilian steakhouse is a phenomenon that has hit America right in the taste buds, and Phoenix now has its own version- Galeto. The concept is churrasco: a traditional way to cook meat which is similar to barbecue. The steakhouse offers an all-you-can-eat experience, with up to 18 cuts of meat depending on the time of day. There’s a huge range of sides, plus a range of excellent wines to pair the meat with- a carnivore’s dream. Perfect for groups.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Soul Cafe

$$$$

Contemporary American

North Scottsdale

4.6

908 reviews

Modern Arizona cuisine: That’s what’s promised at Soul, in the heart of Scottsdale. The chef here keeps her finger firmly on the pulse of what’s hot in the Southwestern scene, and offers up breakfast, lunch, dinner and an exciting drinks menu. The Arizona wedge salad has a burst of Jalapeno heat, while the local seafood ranges from cod in olive oil to blackened mahi mahi with chorizo and dirty rice. Add to this live music and a regular happy hour, and that’s the recipe for one of the most exciting restaurants around.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Social on 83rd

$$$$

American

Peoria

4.6

265 reviews

Located just east of the New River in a trendy and happening part of Peoria, The Social is exactly what it says: a vibrant and glitzy place to meet, enjoy food and share a few drinks. This West Valley gathering spot is a favorite of locals and a great place to stop by when passing through. Their Instagram shows enticing and colorful foods, mixed with some of the most intriguing cocktails in town. The very epitome of the phrase “eat, drink and be merry”.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rusconi's American Kitchen

$$$$

Contemporary American

Central Phoenix

4.9

4429 reviews

Tatum Acres is home to plenty of great eateries, yet Rusconi’s manages to always stand apart from the crowd. Enticing wine flights, fun dishes and a menu based around the heartiest of American cuisine makes for one of the most fun restaurants in Phoenix right now. Drunken goat cheese fondue, yellow corn bisque, cocoa rubbed duck breast and mussels steamed in chardonnay just give a little glimpse into the inventiveness of this exciting restaurant. Ask about half-price wines on Sundays and Mondays.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Clever Koi - Phoenix

$$$$

Asian

North Central Phoenix

4.7

747 reviews

This cutely named restaurant has won a bucket full of varying awards, both for the quality of the food and drink plus the knowledgeable and friendly service all diners receive. Visit the bar and go on a journey across spirits, beers, wine and sake at this Asian influenced restaurant. Once diners have slaked their thirst, it’s time to indulge in some Eastern dishes. The menu offers sharing wings, teriyaki ribs, a range of quirkily named dumplings plus treats like the kimchi cheeseburger.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants