Fancy a Night Out?
Living in the Valley of the Sun—where shorts, tank tops, and flip flops are the norm—it can be tough to find a stylish spot worthy of a designer dress and freshly pressed suit, especially one that is not already on the regular “big night out” list.
Or is it?
There are several fashionable haunts across the Valley hiding in plain sight.
Many of the chicest spots are tucked into boutique hotels and sprawling resorts, notably ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho and Tía Carmenat JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. ZuZu (EatAtAuzu.com) is a rich tapestry of color, flavors, and mid-century modern magnificence. The space blends the indoors and out together seamlessly, pairing the vibe with brilliantly plated works of edible art.
Whereas ZuZu is all about a retro aesthetic, Tía Carmen (TiaCarmenDesertRidge.com) feels almost futuristic in its clean, architecturally precise design and complements both a sophisticated outfit or daring minidress. And the menu? It is a celebration of how to transform ingredients from the Sonoran Desert into James Beard Award-worthy dishes.
There are other gems to discover at local hotels, as well, especially if your willing to roll the dice at one connected to a local casino, such as Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort or Orange Sky at Talking Stick Casino Resort. By definition, an ember is a glowing coal or piece of wood in a fire. These small pieces can ignite a fire that lights the sky and warms the soul. Just like those little sparks, Ember (WeKoPaCasinoResort.com) is setting the culinary community on fire. Upon entering, there is a grand piano—a throwback to fine dining establishments of eras past—and glowing bar that leads to a series of intimate, plush booths and a massive outdoor space with a gleaming fire. The menu plays on tried-and-true steakhouse favorites but also offers modern twists such as a wagyu beef program and Wine Spectator–awarded wine collection.
Orange Sky (TalkingStickResort.com) similarly stuns from the onset because it is only accessible via an elevator ride to the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort. Dark and moody by design, the space lets the city lights from below and menu do all the talking. It joins Ember as a Wine Spectator winner and certainly also boasts steakhouse staples but sets itself apart by offering exotic proteins—think antelope, bison, deer, and even boar—for those who wish to take a walk on the wild side.
Finally, there are still ultra-intimate enclaves where romance rules that may have not yet been explored, including Sel, Reserve, and J.T. Prime Kitchen & Cocktails.
Sel (SelRestaurant.com) is nestled into a sea of art galleries and see-and-be-seen lounges in Old Town Scottsdale’s entertainment district, yet it feels like walking into a sophisticated Miami hot spot. Awash in white with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and modern art (yes, that is David Bowie on the wall!) on the walls, Sel is inspired by the chef-owner’s travels around the world and work in some of the finest restaurants across the globe, including French Laundry.
Reserve (ReserveScottsdale.com) is a stone’s throw from Sel yet feels like stepping into a posh European eatery. It glows under the night sky thanks to the interior’s romantic candlelight, as well as the sparkling lights dripping from the sky on the ultra-exclusive patio. The menu is an exploration of the finest cuts of meat and hard-to-procure seafood and shellfish. It also offers what looks like literal mountains of caviar and truffles, plus other sweet and savory surprises.
Also in the Old Town corridor, J.T. Prime (JTPrimeKitchen.com) is a fashionable feast for all the senses. A series of private rooms—many with black walls, curtains, and furniture juxtaposed by audacious art pieces—versus a main dining space and bar, a reservation here feels like a VIP invitation to an exclusive space as special as the dishes are delectable.
Iconically Stylish Settings
Café Monarch: Opulent in every direction, especially on the plate (CafeMonarch.com)
Roka Akor: The pinnacle of a Japanese-style steakhouse (RokaAkor.com)
Bourbon Steak: Celebrity chef Michael Mina’s award-winning epicurean opus (ScottsdalePrincess.com)
Christopher’s: A French-inspired bucket list dining destination in the desert (WrigleyMansion.com)
Course: An ever-changing prix-fixe menu of haute cuisine (CourseRestaurantAZ.com)