We think it’s pretty safe to say that brunch is the best meal of the day. The brunch menu at Gertrude’s encompasses locally grown, seasonal ingredients whenever possible and delights with simplistic dishes with beautiful presentation. Named for environmentalist Gertrude Divine Webster who founded the Desert Botanical Garden, the restaurant is located just inside the entrance to the garden, so you can make brunch or dinner a full-fledged outing. And have a little extra fun with the variety of pink cocktails offered, like the Tombstone Tea, rosé sangria and the Garden ‘Rita (margarita), or the berry-basil lemonade (safe for all ages).
Dining at Binkley’s isn’t simply a food affair—it’s an engaging fine-dining experience complete with a literal change of scenery at every stage. The outing begins on the terrace next to the garden, with charming wooden planter boxes and bountiful produce that gets incorporated into their dishes. Guests then move on to the bar, before rounding out the experience in the dining room, which feels like you’ve stepped directly into the rustic, elegant kitchen of Chef Kevin Binkley. Reservations must be made and paid for in advance.
Dominick’s Steakhouse/Steak 44
Smart and luxurious with an air of refined maturity, Dominick’s Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter specializes in premium quality cuts of steak, brilliantly cooked to enhance the natural flavor, as well as fresh seafood like Alaskan king crab or Maine lobster. Among the ornate chandeliers and dark leather furniture, surely one of the most alluring elements is the rooftop, where guests can dine underneath the moonlight. Another Mastro family gem is Steak 44, a beautifully artistic, modern space (that was recently renovated) serving top-quality steaks, fine wine, seafood and other dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere. What’s more, guests get to walk through Steak 44’s elaborate 3,000-bottle wine vault as they are lead to their table. If you’re a seafoodie, sister concept Ocean 44 opened recently near Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Pasta made in house every day (at precisely 5 p.m.), artisanal Neapolitan pizzas and an exhaustive list of Italian wines comprise the fare at Cibo Urban Pizzeria in Downtown Phoenix. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., which includes $4 house red or white wine. And for those who love Nutella, the dessert menu has a variety of decadent options featuring the sweet, hazelnut cocoa spread, which originated in Italy. As appealing as its food is Cibo's homey atmosphere and inviting linger-for-hours patio.
deseo (pictured)
Spanish for “desire,” deseo at the four-star Westin Kierland Resort and Spa highlights contemporary Latin cuisine, pairing traditional Latin American ingredients and a new-age approach to cooking, resulting in dishes entirely their own. Along with a substantial list of South American wines, diners can indulge in ceviches, grilled and roasted fish, and a number of carne dishes prepared with marinades impassioned by South American flavors. And a meal at deseo simply isn’t complete with a vibrant cocktail from the muddle bar.
