The Most Fun Restaurants in Phoenix

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.