Best Restaurants for Birthdays in Central Phoenix

Valentine's Day with my wife found us at Beckett's Table for the first time. Look past the quasi-strip mall feel, the interior is absolutely beautiful: rustic elegance and just really well designed. Although we didn't sit at the bar, the bar's design should be in a magazine. For VD, there was a limited menu. Three courses: 1st course a choice of 3 or 4 items. My wife had the curry dish (which she loved), and I had the French Onion soup which was good (hard to make FOs great -imho). Second course: my wife ordered the gnocci which featured duck sausage. My wife, again, loved it! I ordered the Bourbon lacquered short rib with au grain potatoes and asparagas. Everything on my plate was beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. For desert, there were two choices and we ordered one of each: a dark chocolate cake with espresson whip and I had the strawberry champagne sponge cake with little (unidentified crunchies). Both were excellet. Oh, and we each had a glass of cabernet although I can't recall which. Now to the service: Dimetria was our server and is a pro. She recommendations were spot-on and her attention to us was terrific. There were also a couple of rovers who constantly circulated to refill our water glasses and remove any plates. We never had to "look" for someone. In short, even though we live in Cave Creek, this was a great experience and we are eager to explore other menu items. Again, the ambiance is warm, rustic, and classy.

We love Steak 44! The service, attention to details and the food are impeccable! We treated ourselves to an early Valentine’s dinner last night. Hannah our original server heard me say something about the noise and graciously offered us another table. We were sitting next to large tables that were having a great time. It was so kind of her to take care of us. Jamel was our server at the second location and he was also so professional and engaging. Our food was delicious! We started off with the cone caviar. Perfect. Then Boo had the caesar and got the wedge. Both so tasty. Then we both ordered the bone-in filet. I explained how I wanted charred hot pink and Boo wanted red. We were both delighted on how perfect our steaks were. I also got the truffle butter lobster topping. OMG! Divine. Our dirty martinis were fantastic as was the espresso martini. Boo got an awesome dessert with ice cream and caramel and cake. Everything was great! Thanks 44 you never disappoint!!

We were early for reservations and grabbed seats and the bar for a couple of drinks while we waited. Our manhattans were excellent and our table was ready within 5 minutes of our reservation. We sat near the kitchen so there was some noise, but we enjoyed the atmosphere. The restaurant is huge so there’s plenty of room to find something more intimate. The scallops were fabulous, and my husband enjoyed his grain bowl with salmon. We finished with the butter cake and practically inhaled it. 3 cocktails, two entrees and a side plus a dessert for less than $150? We will absolutely be back!

Another wonderful dinner at Olive & Ivy! We ordered the crispy brussels sprouts as and appetizer and it was an excellent start. We also split a beet salad, and it didn’t disappoint for those who love beets. My wife then ordered the chicken scallopini and she loved it. I dined on the filet and it was cooked perfectly. The sauce was delicious and the scalloped potatoes which accompanied the steak made it a totally enjoyable meal. Service was again outstanding. Certainly will be going back during our stay in the Scottsdale area.

Great fresh food with an interesting menu. Love the guacamole that is made fresh at your table. It’s spendy but on par with most restaurant prices in the area. Friendly staff.