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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Phoenix

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Phoenix? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Rusconi's American Kitchen restaurant

Rusconi's American Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (5346)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Central Phoenix

About the restaurant

Rusconi’s American Kitchen offers a menu created by Arizona Food Pioneer Award Winning Chef Michael Rusconi. Chef Rusconis Contemporary American cuisine showcases strong local influences featuring a wood burning grill with an abundance of affordable items, bringing sophisticated and accessible fare to Valley restaurant goers. Chef Rusconi's menu frequently evolves and is reflective of the season. Expect a wide variety of your favorite dishes uniquely enhanced with ingredients native to the region. The signature menu items are cooked to perfection to create a savory and aromatic flavor profile you can only experience at Rusconi's American Kitchen. Come and visit us relax and & Enjoy the Moment.

Top review

E

EdenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always delicious and unique creations and friendly, helpful staff.

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A photo of Natural Sea Scallops of a restaurant

Natural Sea Scallops

A photo of Roasted Pork Tenderloin of a restaurant

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

A photo of Short Rib Hash of a restaurant

A photo of Anhelo restaurant

4.9

4.9 (985)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Old Town Scottsdale

About the restaurant

We believe a dinner over amazing food should be an experience that brings people together. The desire to produce lifelong memories over a meal comprised of locally sourced (when possible) seasonal ingredients coupled with an internationally recognized wine program rarely seen in the US - excites us. These delectable dishes that are meant to be shared with family and friends is the conduit for building fond memories. We long for our guests to feel welcomed and relaxed with a casual-elegance that shines long after the last forkful and interesting sips.

Top review

C

Craig

Dined on Nov 20, 2024

Always spectacular food and service. Looking forward to the new location in Old Town Scottsdale.

A photo of The Collins Small Batch Kitchen restaurant

The Collins Small Batch Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (1871)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Central Phoenix

About the restaurant

The Collins Small Batch Kitchen is restaurateur Christopher Collins playground for creating his takes on classic American dishes. In the heart of Phoenix's Biltmore neighborhood, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen has a daily menu of favorites, along with a weekly rotating menu inspired by the season's freshest ingredients to create a dining experience that will have you returning often to this neighborhood kitchen.

Top review

S

Sandy

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely the best birthday dinner! Chef did terrific, food was delicious, and they let us order the chips & dip from the lunch menu (hubby loves it) since it was his special day. Staff was super friendly, and I loved that they all worked together to make everything go without a hitch.

A photo of Nook Kitchen - Phoenix restaurant

Nook Kitchen - Phoenix

4.8

4.8 (464)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Central Phoenix

About the restaurant

Enjoy delicious American-Italian cuisine at Nook Kitchen. This modern restaurant serves dinner in an elegant space. Overseen by chef Nick LaRosa, the menu features appetizers, salads, pizza and a choice of entrees. Nook Kitchen also serves vegetarian and gluten-free fare. Diners rave about the restaurant's selection of delicious wood-fired pizza. Other menu highlights include the chicken masala, pan-seared salmon with liquor and glazed pork chops served with potato.Voted one of the best new restaurants in the year of its opening, Nook Kitchen is located in Phoenix, Arizona. To complement its meals, the restaurant offers craft cocktails and boutique wines. Cozy but inconspicuous, Nook Kitchen is a nice place to enjoy a meal and glass of wine with friends or family.

Top review

A

Anne

Dined 7 days ago

The food was amazing - appetizers, dinner, and dessert! It wasn't an inexpensive meal, but we got what we paid for.

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A photo of Diavolo of a restaurant

A photo of Pizza + Salad + Btl Wine $50 of a restaurant

Pizza + Salad + Btl Wine $50

A photo of The Macintosh restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1716)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Central Phoenix

About the restaurant

The Macintosh is your new favorite neighborhood hangout in the heart of Phoenix. The Macintosh features restaurateur Christopher Collins' take on modern American cuisine for the perfect place to sip and linger with friends and loved ones knowing you'll have an amazing dining experience. Inspired by the family of restaurants at Common Ground Culinary, The Macintosh features sharing plates, salads, handhelds, and entrees for a diverse menu of American classics. All paired with an expansive menu of whiskey, beer, craft cocktails and wine.

Top review

R

RhondaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Great lunch, our server was a bit over extended, food was delicious as always! Thank you

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A photo of Nordic Salmon and Risotto of a restaurant

Nordic Salmon and Risotto

A photo of The Gladly restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2628)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Biltmore

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Gladly, a modern American restaurant where bold flavors, an inviting atmosphere, and thoughtful hospitality come together. Known for its innovative dishes and one of the most extensive whiskey collections in the city, The Gladly has earned its reputation as a favorite spot for food enthusiasts, cocktail lovers, and social gatherings.

Signature dishes like The Original Chopped Salad to fresh seafood & meats to perfectly sharable starters highlight the menu. Meanwhile, the bar is a haven for whiskey aficionados, offering a curated selection of over 300 labels, as well as bold craft cocktails.

The stylish dining room is ideal for professional and casual lunches, intimate dinners, or a celebratory events.

At The Gladly, every meal is an experience, every drink is an exploration, and every visit is an opportunity to savor a Phoenix neighborhood gem.

Top review

S

SandraVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Service and food always spectacular! We are old and it’s a little loud….but we keep coming back!

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A photo of Pan Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Pan Seared Scallops

A photo of The Original Chopped Salad of a restaurant

The Original Chopped Salad

A photo of Roasted Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Different Pointe of View restaurant

Different Pointe of View

4.8

4.8 (5003)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

North Central Phoenix

About the restaurant

Guests of this renowned, AAA Four-Diamond award-winning mountaintop restaurant are treated to a delectable fusion of American cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Complementing the flavorful menu is exceptional service and an unforgettable atmosphere. Experience this striking dining destination with floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting panoramic views of the Valley’s desert landscape, the city’s lights and Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets.For reservations please call (602) 866-6350.*Restaurant closed on Monday.

Top review

J

JeffreyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Simply outstanding! Don’t miss out! You won’t regret this choice.

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A photo of Aged Prime New York Strip of a restaurant

Aged Prime New York Strip

A photo of Lobster Bisque Soup GF of a restaurant

Lobster Bisque Soup GF

A photo of Pan Seared Wilder Chilean Sea Bass of a restaurant

Pan Seared Wilder Chilean Sea Bass

A photo of Wren & Wolf restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2509)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown Phoenix

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Downtown Phoenix hotspot blending craft cocktail bar and chef driven kitchen into one distinct dining experience. At night, gather your pack and experience a vibrant dinner setting full of striking design, rich materials and taxidermy. Located in the middle of bustling downtown and just steps away from AZ Federal Theater and Footprint Center, Wren & Wolf is the perfect destination for a pre game gathering or big night out before a show. For the early birds, make grabbing your morning coffee and fresh baked pastry a part of your daily ritual or join the Valleys other movers and shakers for a power meeting during breakfast or lunch. From inventive steakhouse fare to thoughtfully elevated comfort food, Wren & Wolf is redefining dining in Downtown Phoenix.

Top review

N

Nader

Dined 3 days ago

Best dining experience in town, great food and service.

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A photo of 16oz Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Wild Boar Bolognese of a restaurant

Wild Boar Bolognese

A photo of A5 Salisbury Steak of a restaurant

A5 Salisbury Steak

A photo of Latha Restaurant restaurant

Latha Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (74)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Phoenix

About the restaurant

LATHA, Swahili for flavor, celebrates Africa and the diaspora’s rich and diverse cuisines. The menu curated by Executive Chef Digby Stridiron honors the interconnected journey of the foodways and culture of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Southern United States. Our contemporary pan-African kitchen respects historical recipes and crafts cuisine from thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients that reveal the connections between Africa and the diaspora. It is a journey of discovery along the trails of our ancestors, telling the authentic stories of the foodways and how they have shaped eating habits and cuisine worldwide. We invite guests to join us on a flavorful journey of discovery and appreciation. LATHA, in downtown Phoenix, in Heritage Square, is a place to have a shared immersive experience with friends or family while enjoying food, drinks, music, and culture in our dining room, bar, or outside patio. As a collective, we EAT, DRINK, and VIBE!

Top review

M

Marques

Dined 1 day ago

It was amazing and I really enjoyed myself for it being my first time. Great music, great food, great clientele engagement. Thankful

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A photo of Vibe @ Latha Weekend of a restaurant

Vibe @ Latha Weekend

A photo of Afroflavors & Vibe Brunch of a restaurant

Afroflavors & Vibe Brunch

Sip & Savor Social Hour

A photo of Thirsty Lion – Desert Ridge, AZ restaurant

Thirsty Lion – Desert Ridge, AZ

4.7

4.7 (1233)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Desert Ridge

About the restaurant

Offering gastropub fare and from-scratch cooking with a culinary commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, the food is both craveable and bold. At the bar, a wide range of local craft beers are available, an option for every palate and plate. Craft cocktails are made with fresh fruit purees, juices, and premium liquors, while wines come in 25 varieties. Enjoy your lunch, dinner, daily happy hour or weekend brunch craft brew while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, central bar and a patio that soaks up the sun. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or lunch with the whole office, Thirsty Lion is the perfect destination for any party size, including large groups and events.

Top review

M

Mike

Dined 5 days ago

Great outside venue with a fire pit table. Great variety of on tap beers, outstanding food. Our table of 7 could not find anything to complain about. Our server was the best!

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A photo of Caprese Chicken of a restaurant

Caprese Chicken

A photo of Daily Happy Hour 3-6pm! of a restaurant

Daily Happy Hour 3-6pm!

A photo of Late Night Happy Hour of a restaurant

Late Night Happy Hour

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