One of the best things about Arizona is the abundance of restaurants that have great views of the city or our distinctive Sonoran Desert landscape. There are several Tempe area restaurants that serve up excellent views with tasty dishes. Few things in life are more enjoyable than sitting outside in a unique spot with some good food and drinks surrounded by friends or family.

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in Tempe and Phoenix that offer beautiful views the city.

Top of the Rock Restaurant
2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
(602) 431-2370

Located at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes resort in Tempe, Top of the Rock Restaurant has been recognized as one the most romantic dining destinations in the country by the Huffington Post and Open Table. The restaurant interior is surrounded by windows which offer diners a 360 degree of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. If the weather is nice enough, sit outside on their patio around a fire pit with a nice glass of wine and watch the sunset over the valley.

Gertrude’s Restaurant
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 719-8600

Named after Desert Botanical Garden founder Gertrude Divine Webster, the quaint little restaurant is located inside the Desert Botanical Garden, next to the gift shop. You’re literally eating inside the botanical garden and they expertly showcase local ingredients on their tempting menu. And, they offer a delicious twist on brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Watershed
5250 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 756-0508

Yes, we live in the middle of the desert. But did you know you can dine overlooking the water without having to drive all the way to San Diego? The Watershed is located in South Tempe, right off of Lakeshore Drive. This locally owned restaurant features a lakeside kitchen, patio and bar. Their outdoor patio seats over 200. It’s a relaxing restaurant that serves a mix of Southwestern and American fare.

Rustler’s Rooste
8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044
(602) 431-6474

Get a taste of the Old West at Rustler’s Rooste, located on top of a hill near the Arizona Grand Resort and South Mountain Park and Preserve. They serve up some of the best burgers, ribs, seafood and burgers in town in a fun Western atmosphere. Here, you’ll also find a tin slide, cowboy hat-adorned staff, live country music every night and even a rattlesnake appetizer. And, from their patio, you get sweeping views of the entire city.

For more Tempe restaurants, visit our website or call (480) 894-8158.