I was once told by a chef that, “food is the ultimate representation of love.” I am among the believers that there is nothing more romantic than a meal shared by two people in an intimate setting where you quickly are so entranced with one another that the rest of the room melts away. With February being the most romantic of months, here are a few suggestions on where to wine and dine your Valentine, get lost in your meal and each other’s eyes along with a few tips on the right menu items complete with ingredients thought to keep the romance going. (Look for supposed aphrodisiac elements noted by parentheses.) Here are some of the most romantic restaurants and dishes in Phoenix.
6 Romantic Restaurants in Phoenix
Different Pointe of View
11111 N. 7th St.| Phoenix| 602.866.6350
With almost every table in the dining room featuring a stunning view of the Valley, there is no bad seat in the restaurant. If the weather is not too brisk, the patio provides the perfect backdrop for an enchanting experience. Nested close to a heat lamp and your dining companion, Chef Anthony DeMuro will create elegant dishes to delight all your senses. The house sommelier is always eager to assist in providing the best pairing for your meal choices and the service here is always guaranteed to be top-notch. Start off with the fresh and invigorating flavors of their Hamachi Crudo (arugula). Follow that up with the Seared Ellensburg Lamb Loin (celery root) or their succulent Mustard Scented Grilled Muscovy Duck Breast (mustard) for a savory and indulgent meal. Add a glass, or two, of bubbly and who knows where the night will lead.
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
3101 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.955.3666
Donovan’s provides a backdrop of old-school glamour taking you back to a classier era. Don your finest attire, leave your car with the valet and embark on an evening of pampering and impeccable service. The recipes and crafting are tried and true though you will find a few modern influences peppered through the offerings. Begin the festivities with Bacon Wrapped Scallops (fennel) because is there no greater offering of love to the world that delicious salty bacon? While any one of their classic entrees will prove to be something to write home about, we’re going for the ultimate in romance so be sure to opt for the Pan Seared Halibut (arugula) and an order of Blue Point Oysters (or more because, well, oysters.) The regalia of days gone by is sure to strike up some romance in your evening.
Fuego Bistro
713 E. Palo Verde Road| Phoenix| 602.277.1151
Looking for a casual elegance? A seat on their spacious patio, which is host to an ongoing happy hour which could be a great way to start out your night. The restaurant is surrounded by other businesses so the patio is a great place to check out the comings and goings around you. Start off your meal with one of their from scratch Sangria’s (wine) and an appetizer of Jumbo Sautéed Prawns (avocado and mango) or a hearty serving of their Homemade Tortilla Soup (chile pepper) to warm your heart and body. An alluring entrée option is the Fuego Seafood Chile Relleno (chile pepper) which is chock full of scallops, shrimp and Mahi Mahi. Finish up your date by sharing the Ancho Chocolate Torte (chocolate) and perhaps a Sangrita and a toast to a great evening.
St. Francis Restaurant
111 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.200.8111
Heading out on a first date or celebrating the beginning of a new relationship and looking to impress? The full-length windows, masculine touches in the dark woods and candlelit tables create an inviting and sexy atmosphere without being overly romantic. The ambiance and vibe in the dining room will provide something to talk about in case there are any awkward silences. A starter of Pork Belly & Squash Risotto (honey) will give you both something to talk over as you enjoy the sweet and salty combination of this dish. Order the Forbidden Rice Bowl (garlic and chile pepper) and their Roasted Salmon Super food (avocado and chile pepper) and take turns reveling in the complex flavors. And who knows, maybe some of the spice in the dish will linger long after you get your check.
T. Cook’s Restaurant
5200 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.840.3610
Cook’s philosophy is centered on celebration; celebrating the purity and freshness of the seasonal ingredients that they use in the creation of their dishes. Chef Paul McCabe believes that your food should be thoughtful, crafted and bold just like your love. The patio seating at T. Cook’s is the epitome of romance and celebration from the plush seating to the candlelit tables where you can cozy up near a fireplace and take in the Camelback Mountain views. Let your dining adventure begin with the tempting Oysters Rockefeller for the seductive and earthy components. Move into your meal with the Parsnip Agnolotti salad (truffles) and select the Halibut (celery) or Steelhead Salmon (pomegranate) for your entrée. The wine list here is extensive whether you’re looking for a glass or a bottle to share.
Vincent on Camelback
3930 E. Camelback Road| Phoenix| 602.224.0225
With French and Spanish both being romance languages, it can only be assumed that the fusion of the cuisines will result in a love fest on your place and Chef Vincent Guerithault is serving up love on a plate night after delicious night. From the moment you arrive you will be catered to, start to finish. The ambiance is complete with charm and elegance and the experience is increased with the doting service you will receive. Start your meal off with the Lobster Chimichanga (basil and avocado) and take turns savoring the delicate flavors. For your entrees, you’ll be equally seduced by their Roasted Rack of Lamb (thyme and garlic) or the Sautéed Veal Sweetbreads (wine and thyme), but be kind to your partner and share a little.
This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Uptown Magazine.