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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Tempe

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Top of the Rock Restaurant at the Marriott Buttes Resort restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3704)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Tempe
Booked 76 times today
Discover the culinary delight of Top of the Rock Restaurant at the Marriott Buttes Resort in Tempe, Arizona, where vegan cuisine takes center stage. Celebrated for its commitment to quality and authenticity, this restaurant offers a delectable array of vegan options crafted from local and seasonal ingredients. Guests consistently rave about the extraordinary dishes, with one patron noting, "The food was outstanding." The panoramic views complement the exquisite dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, Top of the Rock ensures a vegan feast that is not only sustainable but also irresistibly delicious. Join them for an enchanting evening and taste the excellence for yourself!
A photo of Gertrude's - Phoenix restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6537)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Central Phoenix
Booked 58 times today
Nestled in the heart of Central Phoenix within the enchanting Desert Botanical Garden, Gertrude's Restaurant offers a quintessential American dining experience that celebrates the bounty of Arizona. Praised for its "fresh and creative" dishes, the restaurant specializes in using locally sourced ingredients, providing a menu that's both innovative and familiar. Diners rave about the "fantastic" elk chops and the "delicious and filling" vegetarian options, highlighting Gertrude’s commitment to variety and quality. One review exclaimed, "Every bite was amazing," capturing the essence of Gertrude's culinary delights. Whether it's the serene garden ambiance or the "professional, attentive staff," Gertrude's promises a memorable American dining adventure, making it a highly recommended destination in Phoenix.
A photo of Cafe Monarch restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7737)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Town Scottsdale
Booked 39 times today
Cafe Monarch, nestled in the historic heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a globally inspired, International cuisine that is both elegant and sophisticated. Celebrated as a Top Three Fine Dining Restaurant in the Nation by Trip Advisor, it showcases a dynamic, ever-changing menu that features the finest fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Each dish, from the Hudson Valley Foie Gras to the Wagyu filet mignon, is crafted meticulously, earning rave reviews for their "explosive flavors" and "masterfully crafted" presentations. Patrons have described their dining experience as "the best meal in decades" and insist that "every bite was literally an explosion of multiple tastes." With such consistent acclaim, Cafe Monarch stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in the world of global and international dining.
A photo of Thirsty Lion – Tempe, AZ restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1215)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Tempe
Booked 27 times today
The Thirsty Lion in Tempe, AZ, stands out as a premier Gastro Pub, delighting guests with its commitment to from-scratch cooking and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Visitors rave about the "craveable and bold" menu choices, from the spicy fried chicken and waffles to the outstanding Poke Stack. The pub's ambiance is routinely praised, with patrons enjoying meals on a sun-soaked patio or alongside lively happy hours. Craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the extensive selection of local brews, perfectly paired with unique dishes. The exceptional service complements the experience, making Thirsty Lion a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch Gastro Pub experience in Tempe.
A photo of Arcadia Farms Café restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1413)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Central Scottsdale
Booked 42 times today
Arcadia Farms Café in Central Scottsdale is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary American cuisine with a French twist. Celebrated for its commitment to a healthier culinary experience as Arizona's first BLUE ZONE project approved restaurant, Arcadia Farms Café dazzles with its "exquisite foods and wine" and a "beautiful ambiance" that "transports you to Paris." Regular patrons rave about the "always fresh and delicious" food, highlighting specialties like the "over the top delicious blueberry crepes" and "perfect" tart with cheese and mushrooms. Whether it's a breezy brunch on the shaded patio or a cozy dinner, the café promises a delightful dining experience with "generous food portions" and service that makes you feel like "visiting with an old friend." As one reviewer puts it, Arcadia Farms Café is not just a meal; it's an "outstanding experience" where the "atmosphere, food, & service" are always "wonderful."
A photo of The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Tempe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2853)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Tempe
Booked 63 times today
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar in Tempe is not just a haven for steak lovers but also a top destination for exquisite seafood. Diners can indulge in delicacies like shrimp, scallops, and lobster, which are as succulent as they are flavorful. One patron raved, "Had the lobster dinner and it was great!" emphasizing the quality of their seafood. The restaurant's commitment to serving perfectly cooked seafood dishes is evident, with another guest noting, "We both ordered Sirloin Oscar with shrimp and scallops & with Bearnaise sauce. The steak was cooked exactly as we requested," highlighting the expert preparation that complements every dish. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood for top-tier seafood, The Keg in Tempe promises a memorable dining experience with its friendly staff and warm ambiance.
A photo of Virtu Honest Craft restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3799)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Town Scottsdale
Booked 13 times today
Virtu Honest Craft in Old Town Scottsdale is a beacon of Modern European cuisine that consistently dazzles diners. Chef Gio Osso’s “honest craft” approach results in a menu that’s a delightful medley of Mediterranean roots and global flair, changing weekly to offer fresh excitement. Praised as “consistently one of the finest dining experiences in the Southwest,” Virtu captivates with dishes like the tender branzino and homemade pastas. Patrons rave about the “exceptional food and ambience,” with many emphasizing the memorable culinary journey – “Every single bite is perfection.” The intimate setting and meticulously crafted menu make Virtu a must-visit for an authentic Modern European dining experience.
A photo of Market Cafe at the Marriott Buttes Resort restaurant
4.4
Awesome(54)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Tempe
Market Café offers a refreshingly unique atmosphere complete with waterfalls, outdoor dining and lush desert landscape overlooking the resort and the valley below. Join us for daily lunch specials that are perfect for a quick business lunch or relaxing meal. We are open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunches, we also play host to corporate events, weddings, receptions and events. Our restaurant is situated inside the Buttes Resort just three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport next to Tempe Diablo Stadium.
A photo of The House Brasserie restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(1882)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Town Scottsdale
Booked 26 times today
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, The House Brasserie stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine with a delightful French twist. Guests are consistently captivated by the "cutting-edge, modern American dishes" that are both "artfully prepared" and "absolutely wonderful," ensuring a memorable dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "best steak I've ever had" and praise the "fantastic bottle of wine" recommended by knowledgeable staff. The charming Victorian-inspired ambiance and the lush patio setting further enhance the dining experience, making every visit seem like a special occasion. Whether it's the "exquisite hand pressed cocktails" or the "highest quality ingredients" used, The House Brasserie is a must-visit for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American fare in Scottsdale.
A photo of Wren & Wolf restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2523)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Downtown Phoenix
Booked 103 times today
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Wren & Wolf offers a distinctive culinary experience that brilliantly marries a craft cocktail bar with a chef-driven kitchen, specializing in remarkably elevated comfort food. This hotspot is renowned for its inventive take on classic dishes, creating a menu that brings both comfort and a touch of elegance to every plate. Diners rave about the "amazing" atmosphere and "incredible" food, from the rich lobster tagliatelle to the sumptuous buttercake for dessert. As one review highlighted, "Everything was extraordinary," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Wren & Wolf is not just a meal but an experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the best comfort food in Phoenix.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sabrina
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    When you walk through the gates you feel like you’re in Europe. We were immediately greeted upon walking in. Once seated we were quickly given menus and met our servers. They went through the menus (wine, cocktail, caviar, and the different courses) with great detail. We chose 2 cocktails and the four courses. My partner and I ordered all the courses so we could try everything. I chose the rack of lamb and he chose the surf and turf as the final course. Everything was fantastic. The dishes were cooked to perfection and packed with unique flavors. We finished off with the pear creme brûlée for dessert, which was very good, but the four course meal was definitely the star of the show. We had a wonderful evening, and we would highly recommend for a special occasion to treat yourself at Cafe Monarch.
    More info
    Cafe MonarchPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Old Town Scottsdale
    4.9
  • Greg
    Utah •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Diana was fabulous! Food was very good! Fun place!
    More info
    Thirsty Lion – Tempe, AZPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Tempe
    4.6
  • Diana
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Lovely breakfast catching up with a friend. The short rib hash could have been a lot more tender- was more like tough stew meat. Arcadia was great, recognizing it was not the best meal they had served, and removed it from my final bill. Everything else was wonderful.
    More info
    Arcadia Farms CaféPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Central Scottsdale
    4.7
  • Glenda
    Phoenix / Arizona •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Delightful choices, perfect for late afternoon/early dinner dining in a beautiful garden setting. Seasonal vegetables and meats put together in fresh creative ways. Hummus appetizer with homemade blue corn chips a must. Also the desert fruit tamale with guava sorbet and coconut a surprisingly delicious ending.
    More info
    Gertrude's - PhoenixPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Central Phoenix
    4.7
  • Elizabeth
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food and a spectacular view of the valley. We decided to book reservations for Christmas 2024 Brunch and we were very impressed with the service & food. Unfortunately our reservations were booked the week of Christmas so the only option available was for outdoor seating. Winter in Phoenix can be a bit cold when dining outdoors so they were nice enough to provide blankets to guests seated outdoors, which we thought was excellent. Overall we had a great experience and will definitely dine sometime again.
    More info
    Top of the Rock Restaurant at the Marriott Buttes ResortPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Tempe
    4.5

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Tempe

Discover the vibrant and sophisticated dining scene of Tempe in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, renowned for its contemporary American cuisine. The area boasts an array of restaurants that celebrate the integration of local flavors with modern culinary techniques, ensuring a unique and delightful dining experience for all. These establishments prioritize the use of seasonal and regional ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural backdrop of Arizona. From innovative cocktails to meticulously crafted dishes, each restaurant offers a distinct ambiance that complements its high-quality offerings. The dining scene in Tempe is characterized by its dedication to excellence and creativity, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner spot or a lively gathering place, Tempe's contemporary American restaurants provide the perfect setting for any occasion, underscored by exceptional service and unforgettable culinary creations.

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