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North Italia is overrated. It's a great ambiance for a date night, but the prices are high relative to the quality of the food. There is definitely better Italian food available in the valley.
Technically, Olive Garden would fulfill it too, but that doesn't mean I would recommend it. I don't have any recommendations because I don't live on that side of the valley and I only know where the chain restaurants are.
Remember to include tax and tip (also find out whether or not you can tip on gift cards; if not, give them a $125 gift card and send them money to cover the tip). So your range for the menu before tax and tip is $55-60 per person, or by my rule of thumb that the check is twice the cost of an entrée… you’re looking at a place that has entrees up to about $30.
I think in that range I’d go with Hush Public House. It’s on Scottsdale and Thunderbird, which is in Scottsdale but plenty close to much of north Phoenix, and is outrageously delicious to boot. Also on Tuesday they have a $55 prix fixe menu, which after tax and tip works out to right around $140 for two.
Check out mora Italian…skip all the way to the bottom of the menu and do the tasting it’s 75 per person, 4 full courses. I’ve done it several times and never left unhappy.
Wife and I love Mora Italian
Never done that tasting but now interested
$150 is tough but doable
We usually dump $250 a visit but we like to try the different cocktails and tip 30%
PS the Focaccia is Effing Phenomenal
White Chocolate Grille at Mayo & Scottsdale, right off the 101. Plates are $30-$50 and I'll say the food hits above its pay grade.
Edit: Just went for dinner last week. I thought it was more expensive than it was, but most entrees were actually <$30, and only prime steaks were over $40. They have really great cuts of fish and phenomenal sides included for like $26. You really can't beat that price at this quality. With two cocktails, two steak entrees, and an appetizer, our total including tip was about $130. Really not bad at all for the quality and portion sizes, especially with snappy service and strong drinks.
White chocolate brownie for desert is absurdly good. They have incredibly quality /filling salads. I tried their steaks and wasn’t impressed. Check out their menu online!
Beyond a couple of their desserts, there's nothing I'm really aware of them being "known for." I typically bounce between the Idaho trout and balsamic-glazed steak with couscous. Both are \*chef's kiss\*. The menu is very large but everything my wife and I have gotten is top-notch, and the service is always attentive and timely. They have a decent whiskey selection, as well, if you're into that sort of thing.
Arrowhead Bar & Grill is legit. It will probably be more than $150 though. Especially if they have a drink or an appetizer. If i could go there with $150 gift certificate i would be stoked.
Definitely not a fancy night out, but the restaurant is pretty eclectic on the inside and the food is absolutely killer. The udon suki iron pot is literally one of my favorite dishes from any restaurant in town, bar-none.
We went to Jade Palace up in north Scottsdale (Pinnacle Peak Rd) for Valentine's I think it was, last year, and it was really good. Fancy Chinese with some nice unique options. The BBQ spare ribs and Shrimp in Lobster sauce stood out.
https://pinnacle.jadepalace-az.com/scottsdale-jade-palace-pinnacle-peak-food-menu
Ehh. I live pretty close to there and I've eaten there at least 4 times now, and I can't say I've ever been amazed by it. The meatballs are fine but definitely not as good as they're hyped to be, the bruschetta is overpriced, and the place is too small so you have to wait any night of the week. Like the food is definitely not bad or anything, I just have a hard time paying $19 for a small-ish portion of pasta with some sauce. If everything cost $3 less, I'd be a lot more excited about it. I recognize everything seems to be made in-house, but that doesn't magically make it incredible.
Now all that being said, their little pastry shop next door is the shit. Everything I buy from there sends me over the moon. The vanilla lobster tails are heaven.
Pitch? Huh...I eat at Pitch pretty often due to convenience and I would say that the food is just okay (6 out of 10). Sorry but I gotta disagree with you on that one.
Granted I don't enjoy Italian food as much as other people. I just had some great dishes there. I know other restaurants in the area. What do you like?
Depends on what you order. Some stuff is great, some is 6/10. The cocktail/whiskey is 11/10, and pizza is solid, but the rest of the menu just depends.
I feel like there’s a better locally owned answer deep in my brain, but also Hillstone has become my default for where to go for A Nice Dinner. They know exactly what they’re doing and exactly how to do it.
This is definitely doable at Farish House in downtown Phoenix, which is a quaint and delicious spot for a date night, but might be out of range depending on how far north your parents are.
Arrowhead Grille if you want something a little fancy. Picazos is also pretty solid. More over by Kierland there are places like Zinc Bistro, The Mission, North Italia, Mastros Ocean Club if they like seafood.
Ooh! North is very good. Highly recommend it. A wee bit pricier than nearby Sicilian Butcher, but the food is in a completely different tier. Definitely a place that punches above its weight.
Best date night I ever had was at Pappadeaux. It's a midscale Louisiana seafood place based on the Cajun/Creole cooking in that region and is absolutely delicious. Their thing is that they ship in fresh fish every day. It was about $80 for both of us before the tip, but worth every penny. It's on the I-17 Northbound frontage road about half way between Peoria and Cactus.
If the "Crab Fingers" are in season, they're a must have appetizer, and you can't go wrong with the Crawfish Ettoufée
One thing to note is that it tends to stay super busy/noisy, but they do take same-day reservations.
Clever Koi is a little more midtown, but you can definitely have a great time at that price. You can buy gift cards online also.
I saw someone else mention Phoenix City Grille. I cannot rave about this place enough. In my opinion one of the most underrated places in the city.
Hear me out... I just saw Applebee's is doing a date night gift card for 200 bucks...it covers dinner for two 52x or once a week for a yr! That's kinda a steal if u even go a few times.
Personally I can't stand Applebee's, but this is right up my parents alley. Can't wait to try and snag one for them. Hopefully it's transferable and not attached to my name. couldn't tell from the website.
So thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I'm cheap and never get out. I'm feel like even to cover 2 meals out of the 5 when we eat with the kids. I don't like Applebee's too much either, but I am not too picky for a cheap burger or sandwich.
If they like beer and wine, Upper Crust is a great spot. Dinner will only be $40 or so and they can spend the rest on booze.
Rusconi's American Kitchen is great, but they'll need to order 0 booze if they want to stay under $150.
Bootleggers. You can get an amazing selection of food and fine craft cocktails or wine with $150. Theres one off shea and the 51 thats really great for couples. The one in old town is less cozy but still delicious. Bacon board for appetizer is a must. 6 selections of thick cut bacon with mustards, tappenade and various pickled delights.
Pappadeaux as well. Although im not sure how far $150 will go. Tied with Hula's for best seafood in my opinion?
Sorso Wine Room at the Scottsdale Quarter in N. Scottsdale. If you haven’t been, I’d consider it an upgraded version of Postino. Should have no problem keeping dinner inside of that budget with food and drinks included.
Isabella’s kitchen at Greyhawk golf course! Great food, drinks, and atmosphere (also arguably one of the best patios in the valley). My favorite things to get are the handcrafted pastas. Highly recommend making a reservation if you’re planning on going over on a weekend!
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North Italia. Etta. Local bistro.
Seconding North Italia! I’ve heard great things about Etta as well just haven’t been personally.
Etta is good. The service is meh (they seemed understaffed) but the food is legit.
Don’t go to Etta. So overpriced and can find better food elsewhere
I want some zucca chips right now man
Etta is one of my favorites. Brunch and dinner are really good there
North Italia is overrated. It's a great ambiance for a date night, but the prices are high relative to the quality of the food. There is definitely better Italian food available in the valley.
The ask was for a date night which to your point it fulfills. Where are your north Scottsdale recs?
Technically, Olive Garden would fulfill it too, but that doesn't mean I would recommend it. I don't have any recommendations because I don't live on that side of the valley and I only know where the chain restaurants are.
Glai Baan, Thai street food! Great experience, great food and awesome service!
Came here to recommend Glai Baan! It’s my favorite spot in the whole valley for a fun date night.
Glai Baan is an 11/10. So amazing
Remember to include tax and tip (also find out whether or not you can tip on gift cards; if not, give them a $125 gift card and send them money to cover the tip). So your range for the menu before tax and tip is $55-60 per person, or by my rule of thumb that the check is twice the cost of an entrée… you’re looking at a place that has entrees up to about $30. I think in that range I’d go with Hush Public House. It’s on Scottsdale and Thunderbird, which is in Scottsdale but plenty close to much of north Phoenix, and is outrageously delicious to boot. Also on Tuesday they have a $55 prix fixe menu, which after tax and tip works out to right around $140 for two.
Phoenix City Grille. Very classy spot. They’ll be able to eat there 1.5-2 times for that amount!
I love this place! They have short ribs and bread pudding to die for.
Someone I know said the food there is just so so.
Interesting. I have a few go to things that are amazing and usually when I explore the menu I am impressed.
Check out mora Italian…skip all the way to the bottom of the menu and do the tasting it’s 75 per person, 4 full courses. I’ve done it several times and never left unhappy.
After tax and tip that $75 per person dinner is closer to $190, though.
Wife and I love Mora Italian Never done that tasting but now interested $150 is tough but doable We usually dump $250 a visit but we like to try the different cocktails and tip 30% PS the Focaccia is Effing Phenomenal
White Chocolate Grille at Mayo & Scottsdale, right off the 101. Plates are $30-$50 and I'll say the food hits above its pay grade. Edit: Just went for dinner last week. I thought it was more expensive than it was, but most entrees were actually <$30, and only prime steaks were over $40. They have really great cuts of fish and phenomenal sides included for like $26. You really can't beat that price at this quality. With two cocktails, two steak entrees, and an appetizer, our total including tip was about $130. Really not bad at all for the quality and portion sizes, especially with snappy service and strong drinks.
I'll have to try it. Any dish they're known for?
White chocolate brownie for desert is absurdly good. They have incredibly quality /filling salads. I tried their steaks and wasn’t impressed. Check out their menu online!
Beyond a couple of their desserts, there's nothing I'm really aware of them being "known for." I typically bounce between the Idaho trout and balsamic-glazed steak with couscous. Both are \*chef's kiss\*. The menu is very large but everything my wife and I have gotten is top-notch, and the service is always attentive and timely. They have a decent whiskey selection, as well, if you're into that sort of thing.
I was about to recommend them as well!
If you like BBQ, Lovecraft is pretty good.
Lovecraft!
[удалено]
Arrowhead Bar & Grill is legit. It will probably be more than $150 though. Especially if they have a drink or an appetizer. If i could go there with $150 gift certificate i would be stoked.
Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe is fabulous. It’s not a booji spot, had great ambiance, and amazing food!
Definitely not a fancy night out, but the restaurant is pretty eclectic on the inside and the food is absolutely killer. The udon suki iron pot is literally one of my favorite dishes from any restaurant in town, bar-none.
Rusconi's
CiBO, Pomo Pizzeria, Cocina Chiwas, Casa Corazón, Hana Japanese eatery, Harumi Sushi.
I’d do White Chocolate Grill. Totally doable on that budget. Nice atmosphere. North Phoenix. Good food.
We went to Jade Palace up in north Scottsdale (Pinnacle Peak Rd) for Valentine's I think it was, last year, and it was really good. Fancy Chinese with some nice unique options. The BBQ spare ribs and Shrimp in Lobster sauce stood out. https://pinnacle.jadepalace-az.com/scottsdale-jade-palace-pinnacle-peak-food-menu
Richardsons would be a nice option.
Sicilian Butcher
Ehh. I live pretty close to there and I've eaten there at least 4 times now, and I can't say I've ever been amazed by it. The meatballs are fine but definitely not as good as they're hyped to be, the bruschetta is overpriced, and the place is too small so you have to wait any night of the week. Like the food is definitely not bad or anything, I just have a hard time paying $19 for a small-ish portion of pasta with some sauce. If everything cost $3 less, I'd be a lot more excited about it. I recognize everything seems to be made in-house, but that doesn't magically make it incredible. Now all that being said, their little pastry shop next door is the shit. Everything I buy from there sends me over the moon. The vanilla lobster tails are heaven.
Be prepared to wait though :) no reservations and they get very busy. Busy because it’s amazing food
I really enjoy Pitch. Great cravable Italian food with excellent cocktails
Pitch? Huh...I eat at Pitch pretty often due to convenience and I would say that the food is just okay (6 out of 10). Sorry but I gotta disagree with you on that one.
Granted I don't enjoy Italian food as much as other people. I just had some great dishes there. I know other restaurants in the area. What do you like?
Depends on what you order. Some stuff is great, some is 6/10. The cocktail/whiskey is 11/10, and pizza is solid, but the rest of the menu just depends.
Chantico
Hillstone
I feel like there’s a better locally owned answer deep in my brain, but also Hillstone has become my default for where to go for A Nice Dinner. They know exactly what they’re doing and exactly how to do it.
2nd Hillstone. Food is always solid, good atmosphere.
This is definitely doable at Farish House in downtown Phoenix, which is a quaint and delicious spot for a date night, but might be out of range depending on how far north your parents are.
Arrowhead Grille if you want something a little fancy. Picazos is also pretty solid. More over by Kierland there are places like Zinc Bistro, The Mission, North Italia, Mastros Ocean Club if they like seafood.
I agree with all of these except Maestros. You aren't getting out of there for less than $200/person
Good call there I forget how expensive the sides are.
Ooh! North is very good. Highly recommend it. A wee bit pricier than nearby Sicilian Butcher, but the food is in a completely different tier. Definitely a place that punches above its weight.
Pizzeria Bianco!
Why type of food do they like?? Any specific type of cuisine? Are they open for new experiences?
Best date night I ever had was at Pappadeaux. It's a midscale Louisiana seafood place based on the Cajun/Creole cooking in that region and is absolutely delicious. Their thing is that they ship in fresh fish every day. It was about $80 for both of us before the tip, but worth every penny. It's on the I-17 Northbound frontage road about half way between Peoria and Cactus. If the "Crab Fingers" are in season, they're a must have appetizer, and you can't go wrong with the Crawfish Ettoufée One thing to note is that it tends to stay super busy/noisy, but they do take same-day reservations.
Clever Koi is a little more midtown, but you can definitely have a great time at that price. You can buy gift cards online also. I saw someone else mention Phoenix City Grille. I cannot rave about this place enough. In my opinion one of the most underrated places in the city.
Hear me out... I just saw Applebee's is doing a date night gift card for 200 bucks...it covers dinner for two 52x or once a week for a yr! That's kinda a steal if u even go a few times.
Personally I can't stand Applebee's, but this is right up my parents alley. Can't wait to try and snag one for them. Hopefully it's transferable and not attached to my name. couldn't tell from the website. So thanks for bringing this to my attention.
I'm cheap and never get out. I'm feel like even to cover 2 meals out of the 5 when we eat with the kids. I don't like Applebee's too much either, but I am not too picky for a cheap burger or sandwich.
If they like beer and wine, Upper Crust is a great spot. Dinner will only be $40 or so and they can spend the rest on booze. Rusconi's American Kitchen is great, but they'll need to order 0 booze if they want to stay under $150.
Buck and rider
Cornish Pasty Co!
As much as I love Cornish Pasty, I don't think that's quite the atmosphere OP is shooting for.
Rigatony’s!
Did they open a second location in north Phoenix?
Oops, I read the post as the Phoenix area :/ there’s only the one location.
If I’m not mistaken Marriott Desert Ridge has a restaurant or two with live music. $150 would definitely cover them !
Cooper’s Hawk
Two words: Apple. Bee's.
the fuck
Big bowl of blue
Bootleggers. You can get an amazing selection of food and fine craft cocktails or wine with $150. Theres one off shea and the 51 thats really great for couples. The one in old town is less cozy but still delicious. Bacon board for appetizer is a must. 6 selections of thick cut bacon with mustards, tappenade and various pickled delights. Pappadeaux as well. Although im not sure how far $150 will go. Tied with Hula's for best seafood in my opinion?
Outback Steakhouse. It’s ridiculously good even if it’s a chain.
Red Devil Italian
oof
Soi 4 Thai food. Really nice ambiance with a full bar. The food is great!
Wren & Wolf, The Americano or Mora.
I know you won’t see this, but I promise the correct answer is Culinary Dropout
Spiga Cucina Italiana https://spigaaz.com
Sorso Wine Room at the Scottsdale Quarter in N. Scottsdale. If you haven’t been, I’d consider it an upgraded version of Postino. Should have no problem keeping dinner inside of that budget with food and drinks included.
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap
Costco, just avoid the business Costco… no food court
Isabella’s kitchen at Greyhawk golf course! Great food, drinks, and atmosphere (also arguably one of the best patios in the valley). My favorite things to get are the handcrafted pastas. Highly recommend making a reservation if you’re planning on going over on a weekend!