Vincent on Camelback
With more than two decades of making culinary history in Phoenix, Vincent on Camelback provides the Valley with classical French dishes that have a Southwestern spin. This hybrid cuisine, doled out by restaurateur and chef extraordinaire (and James Beard Foundation Award winner) Vincent Guerithault, continues to wow patrons and critics alike. The restaurant manages to stay contemporary with mouth-watering meals like the lobster chimichanga topped with basil beurre and avocado salsa and Chef Guerithault’s more casual wood-fired pizzas. 602.224.0225, www.vincentsoncamelback.com.

Quiessence
If the Farm at South Mountain is one of Phoenix’s most excellent treasures, its Quiessence restaurant is the crown jewel. The menu of Contemporary American cuisine changes nearly daily to show off what’s fresh and seasonal from Arizona’s top purveyors, but patrons can always count on Chef Greg LaPrad to deliver deliciousness. Plus, it’s hard to beat Quiessence’s dreamy twinkle light-laden patio. 602.276.0601, www.quiessencerestaurant.com.

Jalapeño Inferno
Anytime we’re looking for who-cares-about-calories Mexican fare, we head to this longtime Scottsdale staple. And the restaurant loves its customers right back, even introducing menu items at their request and naming it after them. 480.484.6442, www.jalapenoinferno.com. 

Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
At this Cave Creek gem, patrons roll up their sleeves and dig into incredible ribs, pulled meats and even an incredible vegetarian pulled squash sandwich. If Bryan’s usuals weren’t tempting enough, the restaurant’s seasonal fare is something to celebrate (i.e., this summer’s tomato sandwich and cardamom-honey watermelon). 480.575.7155, www.bryansbarbecue.com.

T. Cook’s
The rich atmosphere and Spanish-style décor will transport you straight into a world of luxury. Chef Lee Hillson created a Mediterranean-inspired menu with such delights as seared Georges Bank scallops and Irish seared salmon. Or take advantage of the entrees straight from the fireplace like T. Cook’s classic Mediterranean paella. Come for brunch, lunch and dinner, or stop by the lounge’s happy hour for drinks and appetizers. 602.808.0766, www.royalpalmshotel.com.