7 Favorite Romantic Restaurants in Greater Phoenix: Cozy Home Edition

By Laura Hahnefeld Mon., Feb. 11 2013 at 8:00 AM

Categories: Top Lists

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The House at Secret Garden

The House at Secret Garden

Housed in a Spanish-style South Mountain mansion built in 1929, this hidden gem, from owner Pat Christofolo and her chef-son Dustin, is a romantic retreat you and your true love may never want to leave. Outside, there are stately trees and a flagstone patio. Inside, a cozy, wood-floored dining area with a classy wooden bar. And everywhere, well-crafted plates of contemporary American cuisine with an Italian twist like handmade pappardelle, duck confit salad, and steamed mussels.

The House Brasserie

The House

Chef Matt Carter's (The Mission, Zinc Bistro) newest restaurant is set in a charming yet sophisticated little 1920s bungalow in Old Town Scottsdale. Serving American cuisine with touches from all over the globe (think Berkshire pork country ribs and duck confit meat balls with foie gras), romantics can enjoy their meals inside rooms decked out in gold-flocked wallpaper, red leather banquettes, and chandeliers, or outside on a sprawling patio complete with white picket fence, brick fireplace, and a grand ol' tree.

Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar

Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar

This farmhouse turned eatery, nestled in the historic Farm at South Mountain, is a love fest both in setting and cuisine. And its rural tranquility makes a lush backdrop for guests as well as chef Greg LaPrad, whose daily menu of contemporary American farm cuisine includes ingredients harvested at next-door Maya's Farm. Whether clinking glasses of vino at the exclusive Brick Oven Table on the patio or holding hands over a dish of dreamy homemade pasta in front of a crackling fire, this restaurant and wine bar's got amore written all over it.

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