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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Phoenix / Arizona

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Phoenix / Arizona? 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 Cafe Monarch restaurant

4.9

4.9 (7725)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Old Town Scottsdale

About the restaurant

Welcome to a world of culinary elegance and sophistication you will not find anywhere else in Arizona. Named by Trip Advisor as a Top Three Fine Dining Restaurant in the Nation, this family owned and operated gem in the heart of historic Old Town Scottsdale has earned an illustrious reputation for its first-rate service, elegant ambiance, and five-star cuisine.

At Cafe Monarch the menu is always changing, bringing you an ever-evolving array of innovative culinary creations that feature nothing but the finest in premium fresh, local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. The four-course prix fixe menus are meticulously designed to delight even the most sophisticated of palates.

Additionally, each server at Cafe Monarch is trained through the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers program. *Dress Code: Collared Shirts and Long Pants Required. Dress Jacket Strongly Preferred. No T-Shirts, Hoodies, Shorts or Sandals. ***Children 10 and up only.

Top review

E

Eric

Dined today

Wonderful dinner with outstanding service. Our waiter, Scott, made us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant.

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A photo of Argentinian Shrimp of a restaurant

Argentinian Shrimp

A photo of Oysters & Caviar 6 of a restaurant

Oysters & Caviar 6

A photo of Venison of a restaurant

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

S

Susan

Dined 2 days ago

It is always a wonderful experience dining Rusconi's.

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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 Braised Beef Short Ribs of a restaurant

Braised Beef Short Ribs

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 Thirsty Lion - Glendale, AZ restaurant

Thirsty Lion - Glendale, AZ

4.9

4.9 (95)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Glendale

About the restaurant

Offering a scratch-made menu with a culinary commitment to seasonal ingredients, the food is both craveable and bold. At the bar, Craft Cocktails are made with fresh fruit purees, juices, and premium liquors. A wide range of Craft Beers are available, including a selection of local favorites, while wines come in 25 varieties. Enjoy your Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch, or Daily Happy Hour while watching the game on one of the flat screens amidst an open kitchen, first floor central bar or our Rooftop Patio & Bar 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

L

Layne

Dined 3 days ago

Great food & service, we all had a great time. Looking forward to our next visit real soon!

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A photo of Daily Happy Hour! of a restaurant

Daily Happy Hour!

A photo of Wally's American Gastropub - Scottsdale restaurant

Wally's American Gastropub - Scottsdale

4.8

4.8 (1310)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Central Scottsdale

About the restaurant

BIG CITY... LITTLE PUB.

Welcome to Wally’s American Gastropub, a family-owned restaurant and bar featuring hearty, from-scratch foods served daily for Lunch, Dinner and Happiest Hour (3-6 pm). Led by fourth-generation restaurateur Christopher Collins, Wally's pairs a warm, welcoming atmosphere and spacious indoor-outdoor layout with signature house-made pastas, hand-shaken craft cocktails and more.

Top review

G

George D

Dined 5 days ago

The food and service were excellent. The seating was comfortable. I would return and am pleased to recommend it to others.

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A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant

A photo of The French Dip of a restaurant

A photo of Palma Kitchen + Tap restaurant

Palma Kitchen + Tap

4.9

4.9 (1748)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Queen Creek

About the restaurant

Join us at Palma Kitchen + Tap as Chef Bryan Hulihee and his culinary team prepare fresh farm-to-table entrees that will that make you smile. The upscale design gives you a warm and comfortable feeling that easily transports you to Europe. The open layout design segues elegantly to the outdoors, offering diners the opportunity for casual intimate evenings under the palms. It’s this emotional connection and the feeling of being on vacation that led us to explore new names for our restaurant. And Palma Kitchen + Tap was the clear winner.

Palma Kitchen & Tap welcomes Trilogy Members and public guests. Please note that after 8pm, there may be no Encanterra gate attendant. Please call us at 480.677.8060 for entry.

Top review

G

GuyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Wow, wow, wow! We introduced friends to pasta night and everyone loved it! A sensational amount of food at a great price. And to have Aleah as a waitress was a gift! Hard working, attentive and so sweet, she made our night. To have Tawny stop by and enjoy Monica, as she checked in on us as well, made for a spectacular evening! It just gets better and better, every visit.

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A photo of Fish + Chips of a restaurant

A photo of Short Rib Pot Roast of a restaurant

Short Rib Pot Roast

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A photo of The House Brasserie restaurant

The House Brasserie

5.0

5 (1880)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old Town Scottsdale

About the restaurant

The House Brasserie is a charming and romantic restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. The restaurant offers a beautiful Victorian-inspired dining room and a charming patio under shaded trees. The House Brasserie is known for its exceptional service and its "phenomenal" and "wonderful" food. The restaurant's menu features contemporary American cuisine with a French influence. Some of the standout dishes include the Iberico pork and mushroom risotto. The House Brasserie is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Top review

D

Dan

Dined today

This was one of my most memorable dining experiences. Quaint and charming location with attentive and personable service. Taste and presentation was top notch... I will absolutely be back and it will be on the top of my list of recommendations to anyone with a discriminating palate and in search of a quiet and romantic experience. I might even go back tonight!

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A photo of LINZ RIBEYE of a restaurant

A photo of CHILEAN SEA BASS of a restaurant

CHILEAN SEA BASS

A photo of LINZ FILET MIGNON of a restaurant

LINZ FILET MIGNON

A photo of The Collins Small Batch Kitchen restaurant

The Collins Small Batch Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (1870)

$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 1 day 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 Grassroots Kitchen & Tap Scottsdale restaurant

Grassroots Kitchen & Tap Scottsdale

4.8

4.8 (3488)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Central Scottsdale

About the restaurant

Devoted to the Craft. Founded in 2011, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Scottsdale, AZ. Serving lunch, dinner & Social Hour daily, Grassroots tempts with a from-scratch menu of classic Southern-influenced American cuisine, polished service-first style and a friends & family-focused vibe. Putting the "Tap" in Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, enjoy an extensive menu of craft beers and wines (both available on tap) and signature cocktails - all served in a distinctive rustic-yet-modern atmosphere highlighted by colorful Americana artwork and expansive dining patios.

Top review

E

Edward

Dined 1 day ago

Our large group of 4 adults and 4 children dined before our annual visit to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for the holidays. The staff was very attentive and friendly caring for the kids as attentively as the adults. The comfort food is outstanding from shrimp and grits to brisket, everything was well prepared and delicious.

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A photo of Pork Belly of a restaurant

A photo of Pork Belly Baked Beans of a restaurant

Pork Belly Baked Beans

A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Citizen Public House restaurant

Citizen Public House

4.8

4.8 (4300)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old Town Scottsdale

About the restaurant

Welcome to Citizen Public House, a gathering place where comfort meets creativity in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Our restaurant reimagines the classic public house with an elevated twist, offering a warm, inviting space where exceptional food and craft cocktails take center stage.

Here you’ll find hearty dishes to lighter fare brimming with seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with expertly mixed drinks or wines from the curated list.

Whether you’re enjoying a lively evening with friends at our bar, celebrating in our private dining rooms, or soaking in the Old Town vibe from our intimate patio, every corner of our space offers something special.

Citizen Public House isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination where the modern citizen can savor great company, intriguing conversation, and the best of Scottsdale’s culinary and cocktail scene.

Top review

S

Samantha

Dined 1 day ago

We had a last minute addition to our fairly, large group and they were incredibly accommodating. (They didn’t have to as it was the week before Christmas and they were busy.) Food and service was excellent.

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A photo of The Original Chopped Salad of a restaurant

The Original Chopped Salad

A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Amaro Meatloaf of a restaurant

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