Whether you’re looking to dine nearby or venture to a restaurant a little out of the way, here are four fab eateries in various necks of the Valley.

Quiessence Restaurant

With a menu that changes nearly daily, guests at this Farm at South Mountain fine dining destination can always expect the freshest and most seasonal contemporary American fare. One dish that is always a source of deliciousness is Chef Greg LaPrad’s plentiful spread of house-cured meats and artisan cheeses, mostly sourced from Arizona dairies.
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, 602.276.0601, www.quiessencerestaurant.com.

Alfresco Eating: Request a table on the patio to dine under a blanket of stars, twinkle lights and tall treetops. -Melissa Larsen