Arizona is full of stunning landscapes, and some of the best ways to enjoy them is over a great meal outdoors. From the edge of the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona, the state’s patio restaurants offer scenery that turns dinner into an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are worth every minute you spend lingering over your food and the view.
El Tovar Dining Room – Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Perched right on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, El Tovar Dining Room has been welcoming guests since 1905. Few places on Earth can match what you see from this patio.
The canyon stretches out in layers of red, orange, and purple rock as far as the eye can see.
The menu features Southwestern-inspired dishes made with regional ingredients. Reservations fill up fast, so book well in advance.
Arriving for sunset turns a meal into something you’ll talk about for years.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – Sedona, Arizona
Mariposa sits on a hillside in Sedona where the red rock formations practically surround you on all sides. Chef Lisa Dahl designed the restaurant with huge windows and an open-air terrace that frames the scenery like a painting.
The Latin-inspired menu brings bold flavors that match the bold landscape around you.
Wood-fired dishes and fresh ceviche are crowd favorites here. The outdoor bar is a great spot to catch the last light of the day bouncing off the rocks.
The Hudson – Sedona, Arizona
Right in the heart of Sedona, The Hudson brings a cool, relaxed vibe to one of Arizona’s most scenic towns. The patio faces some of Sedona’s most iconic red rock formations, making it hard to look away from the view long enough to read the menu.
The American-style menu leans into comfort food with a creative twist.
Burgers, flatbreads, and craft cocktails keep the energy fun and approachable. It’s a solid choice when you want great food without a stuffy atmosphere.
Top of the Rock Restaurant – Tempe, Arizona
Sitting high above Tempe Town Lake, Top of the Rock Restaurant earns its name with sweeping views of the water and the surrounding valley. The dramatic setting inside the Marriott hotel complex gives you a bird’s-eye look at the glittering Phoenix metro area.
Sunset here is absolutely worth timing your reservation around.
The menu focuses on upscale American cuisine with fresh seafood and prime cuts. It’s a favorite for anniversaries, birthdays, and any night that calls for something special.
Different Pointe of View – Phoenix, Arizona
Sitting atop Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, Different Pointe of View lives up to its dramatic name. The restaurant looks out over the entire Valley of the Sun, with city lights spreading in every direction after dark.
On a clear night, you can see mountains silhouetted against the glowing horizon.
The menu features globally inspired fine dining with an impressive wine list. Dress a little nicer here — the elevated atmosphere calls for it, and the experience feels genuinely special.
Cress on Oak Creek – Sedona, Arizona
Cress on Oak Creek sits right beside the bubbling waters of Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona, creating one of the most peaceful dining settings in the entire state. The sound of the creek, the shade of the cottonwood trees, and the red rock walls rising all around you make it feel almost magical.
It’s the kind of place that slows you down in the best possible way.
The farm-to-table menu changes seasonally. Brunch on the creekside patio is especially popular among visitors.
elements – Paradise Valley, Arizona
Tucked into the side of Camelback Mountain at Sanctuary Resort, elements offers one of the most jaw-dropping vantage points in all of Paradise Valley. The patio looks out over the glittering lights of the Phoenix and Scottsdale valley below, especially stunning after the sun goes down.
The name says it all — everything here feels connected to the natural world around it.
The menu focuses on New American cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients. The chic, minimalist design lets the mountain landscape take center stage.
Rustler’s Rooste – Phoenix, Arizona
Perched on South Mountain, Rustler’s Rooste has been a Phoenix institution since 1976 — and the views of the valley below are just as good today as they were back then. The Western-themed patio comes complete with a giant cactus, a slide inside the restaurant, and live country music most nights.
It’s equal parts dinner spot and full-on Arizona experience.
Expect hearty cowboy-style dishes like ribs, rattlesnake appetizers, and big steaks. Kids and adults alike tend to leave with huge smiles.
The Mission Old Town – Scottsdale, Arizona
The Mission Old Town brings a warmth and richness to Scottsdale’s dining scene that feels genuinely transportive. Tucked inside a beautifully restored space with a lush outdoor courtyard, the patio glows with string lights and lanterns once the sun sets.
The ambiance alone makes it a go-to for date nights and celebrations.
The modern Latin menu features wood-fired meats, creative tacos, and standout cocktails. Old Town’s walkable streets make it easy to extend the night after dinner.
Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s – Phoenix, Arizona
Eating at Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s means dining right inside the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix — and that’s a setting unlike anything else in the city. Saguaro cacti tower over the patio while desert wildflowers and native plants fill every corner of the view.
It feels less like a restaurant patio and more like a front-row seat to the Sonoran Desert itself.
The menu highlights locally sourced Arizona ingredients throughout every season. Weekend brunch here is a particularly beloved tradition among Phoenix locals.