• Clever Koi

Via Clever Koi’s Asian-inspired menu, guests of the Phoenix restaurant are taken on quite the journey of sweet, spicy, savory—often in one delectable dish. Start with a few steamed buns or the Pig Face dumpling before digging into Clever Koi’s ever-changing ramen selections, with the seasonal pick always being the favorite. No matter how full of broth-soaked noodles you may be, don’t overlook the cocktail menu. thecleverkoi.com.

• Talavera/Proof, an American Canteen

One is among the Valley’s most spectacular fine-dining destinations while the other is a cool, casual beer-drinker’s paradise. One boasts foie gras and Chilean sea bass on its lineup while the other might have the most impressive dessert menu in the Valley (hello, the Cereal Milkshake). Whatever you’re craving, date-night-ready Talavera or the family-friendly Proof, an American Canteen has just what you need to meet your hankering—with stellar mountain views, to boot. fourseasons.com/scottsdale.

• Kai

Located at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Kai remains the only restaurant in the state to be rated Five-Star by Forbes and Five-Diamond by AAA. To create such memorable cuisine, Chef de Cuisine Ryan Swanson incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes and locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community. Only at Kai could an appetizer called “Hand-Picked Lettuces” be such a treat. wildhorsepassresort.com/kai.

• J&G Steakhouse

Like amazing wine, jaw-dropping views and a stick-to-your-ribs piece of meat? Swing by J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician for all that—and more. One of the Valley’s best-looking steakhouses, the restaurant impresses our sense of sight as much as our taste buds. The menu features steakhouse classics that have been kicked up a notch—or 20—by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin. Try the J&G cheeseburger or any of the cuts of steak paired with the dreamy mac and cheese or potato gratin. jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.

• Sushi Roku (pictured)

Located at W Scottsdale, it is easy to believe that Sushi Roku is one of the sexiest dining spots in the Valley. Beautiful interiors and thoughtful presentation make for plenty of eye candy, while diners can’t get enough of the creative sushi dishes that even non-seafoodies will want to savor, like the popcorn shrimp roll with jalapeño. Finish your feast with the s’mores dessert—a Zen garden of crushed graham cracker, vanilla cream, chocolate and green tea truffles and a personal fire for warming it all up. innovativedining.com/restaurants/sushiroku.