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The Top 10 Spots for Outdoor Dining in Phoenix

A photo of Red logo
by Robrt Pela
Updated May 31, 2022
Eating outdoors in the often-sultry desert isn’t just an option—it’s a pleasure. In Phoenix, many restaurateurs have ushered al fresco dining to cool new heights. Savor locally inspired plates with a view of the McDowell Mountains or sip sangria amongst the palms. Here are the city’s best restaurants for dining outside.
A photo of Palma restaurant
4.6
4.6 (681)
$30 and under
Asian
Downtown Phoenix
About the restaurant

This gathering place is distinctive for its grove of palm trees—and its founders’ warm and inclusive brand of hospitality. An ever-changing menu features sushi, inventive salads, such as the refreshing chilled tofu and cucumber combo, and a selection of pan Asian dishes, served near fire pits in the winter. Lingering means a second round of mandarin sangrias—a Palma house specialty.


Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined 3 days ago
They changed the menu and we didn’t like it as much as we used to. Also, the waiter made us wait so long to get a drink and was really just lackluster and flatlined. Not super friendly or attentive but he did take a dish off the bill that we didn’t care for that was quite bland.
A photo of The House Brasserie restaurant
5.0
5 (1881)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Old Town Scottsdale
About the restaurant

The House is home to chef Brandon Jedd’s French-influenced modern American cuisine, a host of fine wines, and specialty brews. Hospitality here extends to a brick-floored outdoor dining area with private cabanas, dozens of shade trees, and Scottsdale’s oldest pine, reportedly planted in 1943 as the former homeowner’s Christmas tree. The Old Town Scottsdale favorite features small-plate specialties such as chicken-filled lettuce cups and halibut cheeks—and the heirloom cauliflower steak is an entrée not to be missed.


Top review
Shawn
Dined 2 days ago
The food was excellent and overall a great dining experience
A photo of Different Pointe of View restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5002)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
North Central Phoenix
About the restaurant

Fans of desert sunsets and cityscapes love this Phoenix perennial, which opened doors in 1987, and is known for breathtaking valley views. Even eating indoors here can give guests a top-of-the-world vibe, thanks to colossal floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room and bar. But North Mountain views aren’t enough to score AAA Four-Diamond credentials. For that, one needs stellar cuisine and fine service, which Different Pointe of View offers in spades. Enjoy steaks, chops, and salads on a sunken flagstone dining area outside, decked with desert plants, or atop private bar tables aimed at the twinkling city lights.


Top review
Jaimelynn
Dined 5 days ago
Love the personal and attentive service Trevor provided. Food was divine and views were phenomenal. Will be back again - Thank you!
A photo of CIELO at ADERO Scottsdale restaurant
4.1
4.1 (1072)
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
North Scottsdale
About the restaurant

There’s eating outside, and then there’s eating at Cielo, where the McDowell Mountains appear to join you at your table. The swish terrace at the Adero resort’s aptly named signature restaurant—“cielo” is Spanish for “sky”—is among the best places in town to show off local Sonoran beauty. Nestled up against nature, the outdoor dining room offers distinctive entrees made from locally grown bounty such as beet hummus and wild mushroom arancini. Daily happy hours are a thing, and locals know to whisper the words “dark sky” to their server on Tuesdays for an additional discount.


Top review
John
Dined today
Great food. Great service. Spectacular view. Great ambiance. A bit pricey but worth it. Will make it a regular stop.
A photo of Rita's Cantina & Bar, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1988)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Paradise Valley
About the restaurant

Camelback Inn’s relaxed, Southwestern restaurant isn’t just for resort guests; locals have been lining up for its Sonoran comfort food for years. The iconic all-day spot offers traditional Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a glass-fronted room—or on the large outdoor patio surrounding the resort’s private dining casitas. It’s easy to miss the pretty patio water feature and alfresco tables shaded by wide blue umbrellas, because the view from every table is angled toward gorgeous Camelback Mountain.


Top review
David
Dined 4 days ago
Great,. Margarita’s excellent. Service great One of my favorites
A photo of Ocotillo restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2926)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Downtown Phoenix
About the restaurant

Outdoor dining is practically Ocotillo’s raison d’etre. This well-loved brunch-and-dinner spot stands out for its alfresco bar, patio picnic tables, and backyard couches. The menu teems with elegant but approachable fare that’s perfect for outdoor dining: Roasted cauliflower is a standout, as is the smoked brisket and a show-stopping salad, topped with chicken liver mousse.


Top review
sherryVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Our favorite restaurant in Phoenix. Not to be missed!
A photo of The Vig - Fillmore restaurant
4.4
4.4 (417)
$30 and under
American
Downtown Phoenix
About the restaurant

While The Vig’s indoor dining area provides much to love, including a cool house music soundtrack and plenty of large-screen TVs, it’s the wide and roomy patio that steals the scene here. Cozy up to an outdoor fireplace and order a Vig Burger, a cheddar, avocado, and caramelized onion masterpiece. Or dig into a classic southwest chopped salad—a crunchy mix of romaine, black beans, roasted corn, and watermelon radish, among other regional ingredients—while playing bocce ball on an alfresco court. Sometimes, there’s live music by local musicians—but there’s always a bar serving build-your-own mimosas.


Top review
Jen
Dined 5 days ago
Nice place to grab some food and drinks in downtown, especially before a show at the Van Buren. Service is a hit or miss though.
A photo of Cibo restaurant
4.9
4.9 (653)
$30 and under
Pizzeria
Downtown Phoenix
About the restaurant

People walking past this charming Fifth Avenue bungalow sometimes mistake it for a private home—hosting an extra lively patio party. While locals come to this Southern Italian spot for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, they’re just as fond of the stunning skyline views and cozy firepit out back. Plenty of shade means outdoor dining is always an option, even during the day; happy hour features an array of small-plate specials, such as arancini and meatballs served with crusty bread, plus discounted drinks.


Top review
Paul
Dined 6 days ago
We had a wonderful time here. The ambience and service were excellent. The food was amazing. The gnocchi was pillow soft and was the best I’ve ever eaten. It was a bit noisy, but there were what seemed to be several holiday parties going on. We definitely plan to return.
A photo of Fuego at The Clarendon restaurant
$30 and under
Mexican
North Central Phoenix
About the restaurant

This Latin-fusion bistro adds much-needed glamor to Midtown’s Fourth Avenue. Surrounded by mid-century modern architecture and twinkling lights, Fuego’s comfy terrace is shaded by shrubs and full of life: There’s live music every evening, and friendly servers to bring you one of chef Carlos Ortiz Sanchez’s empanadas or a plateful of succulent short rib enchiladas. There’s always a new craft cocktail or top-shelf wine to try, and frequent dinner specials to keep things interesting.


Top review
VinceR
Dined on Dec 17, 2023
Food is excellent and ambience is device. Unfortunately 12/16/2023 was their last day of business.
A photo of Southern Rail restaurant
$31 to $50
American
North Central Phoenix
About the restaurant

The expansive patio at this beloved midtown restaurant is a staple for locals, who gather on one of two outdoor spaces for chef Justin Beckett’s excellent gumbo and fried chicken. Outdoor ceiling fans and misting systems keep patios cool during the hotter months; for the rest of the year (it does occasionally get chilly in the desert) there are space heaters and a fireplace. But no matter the season, there’s always a 12-seat bar to belly up to. Open five days a week, Southern Rail offers American fare and a strong list of local wines.


Top review
IanK
Dined on Dec 23, 2023
What a wonderful restaurant 😍 so sorry to see it close. Classic southern foods with flair! Delicious fried chicken and so many other wonderful dishes will be missed.
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