Six Arizona Restaurants Make '100 Most Romantic' List
PHOENIX, AZ — If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson areas and are looking for a romantic dinner spot to take your sweetheart for Valentine's Day 2022, there are plenty of options to choose from, as long as you've got some money in the bank.
Restaurant reservation company OpenTable analyzed more than 12.4 million diner reviews to come up with a list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the country, and a total of six Arizona restaurants made the list. As a heads up, most of the Arizona eateries on the list are considered fine dining establishments, so a romantic dinner for two won't come cheap.
OpenTable compiled its list ahead of Valentine's Day next week, when restaurants will likely see a resurgence of couples dining out after two years of lower numbers because of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.
"Our data suggests that Valentine's Day dining is rebounding this year, with reservations up 30% nationwide compared to last year," said Susan Lee, Chief Growth Officer at OpenTable. "We're excited to see this momentum leading up to what has traditionally been one of the biggest dining days of the year for restaurants."
Arizona restaurants that made the most romantic list are:
Cafe Monarch
Cafe Monarch at 6939 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale, made the "most romantic" list for the third time in a row in 2022. Cafe Monarch has 4.9 stars on OpenTable and has been named a Top Three Fine Dining Restaurant in the nation by Trip Advisor.
Cafe Monarch says that it welcomes customers to a, "world of culinary elegance and sophistication you will not find anywhere else in Arizona." The restaurant is family-owned and prides itself on its, "elegant ambiance and five-star cuisine."
"Amazing food and outstanding service," one reviewer said. "Definitely the finest restaurant I’ve ever been to. Looking forward to my next special occasion so I can celebrate here again."
Dominick's Steakhouse
Dominick's Steakhouse at 15169 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale offers what it calls a modern fine dining experience, with two stories and more than 10,000 square feet of dining space. The first floor offers an elegant experience and the second floor has a more modern feel, with tables surrounding a pool. Dominick's has 4.9 stars on OpenTable.
Dominick's boasts, "one of the most luxurious restaurant settings in Scottsdale Quarter."
"Perfect, perfect, perfect! Dominick's offered literally the best service I've ever experienced at a restaurant in Arizona," a reviewer said.
Lon's at the Hermosa
Lon's at the Hermosa at 5532 North Palo Cristi Road in Paradise Valley describes itself as an, "authentic Arizona hacienda surrounded by spectacular scenery." Lon's has 4.8 stars on OpenTable.
Lon's serves "globally inspired Arizona fare" and guests can choose to dine outside on a spacious patio or by a fireplace in the lounge and dining areas.
"Lon’s brunch is always excellent! The food, drinks and outdoor setting never disappoints. We will return!" one reviewer said.
Steak 44
Steak 44 at 5101 N 44th St. in Phoenix is an upscale steakhouse that prides itself on exceptional personal service, serves the highest grade prime beef and has a 3,000-bottle wine vault.
Steak 44 has 4.9 stars on OpenTable and boasts its, "award-winning wine list and great cocktails enhance our menu perfectly."
"All of the staff were super friendly and helpful. Food and drinks were fantastic, and the wall of knives at the entrance is a great statement piece," one reviewer said.
The Americano
The Americano at 17797 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale describes itself as, "an Italian-inspired steakhouse that is modern in approach and Italian in spirit."
The Americano has 4.7 stars on OpenTable. It serves prime and American Wagyu beef and freshly made pasta in addition to many other options.
"Great vibe and outstanding food and wine menu," a reviewer said. "Fit for discriminating foodies."
Vivace Restaurant
The only Arizona restaurant not in the Phoenix metro area that made the "100 Most Romantic" list was Vivace Restaurant at 6440 N. Campbell Ave. in Tucson.
Vivace was also rated No. 1 for food in Tucson in a Zagat survey. It serves northern Italian food and surrounds diners with Tucson-style decor, with indoor and outdoor dining options.
Vivace has 4.8 stars on OpenTable.
"Definitely enjoyed dinner here with friends," one reviewer said. "The ambiance wasn't too bright. Loved the soft music in the background. Staff was super friendly. Food was DELICIOUS!"
This article originally appeared on the Phoenix Patch
