AAA Arizona has been around since 1927. Probably originally best known for their automobile services, like 24-hour roadside assistance, they also provide other services. These include mobile battery service, rental car delivery, insurance services and travel services.
You can also look to AAA for recommendations about the best places to eat. In November 2009, AAA Arizona selected 21 dining establishments in the greater Phoenix area as either 4 or 5 Diamond rated restaurants.
There are many restaurants in metro Phoenix that provide fine food. According to AAA, a 4 Diamond Rating means that "menus reflect a high degree of creativity and complexity, using imaginative presentations to enhance high-quality, market-fresh ingredients. The proficient service staff demonstrates a strong desire to meet or exceed guest expectations."
The 5 Diamond restaurants are "renowned and consistently provide a world-class experience. This is 'haute cuisine' at its best. Menus are cutting edge, using only the finest ingredients available....A maître d’ leads an expert service staff that exceeds guest expectations by attending to every detail in an effortless and unobtrusive manner."
You might notice that most of these fine restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale are associated with hotels or resorts. I have marked the restaurants that are not on hotel properties with an asterisk, in case you prefer that type of restaurant.
Of note, most of our finer restaurants are in central Phoenix or on the east/northeast side of town. There are only two restaurants on the list (both at the same resort) that are on the west side of town.
Notably missing from years past is Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician Resort, which closed, and had been on the list as a 4-Diamond restaurant for many years. The Terrace Dining Room at the Phoenician Resort was replaced by Il Terrazzo. Fountain Hills drops from the list with the closure of Alchemy. La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale (they don't use the "Princess" in the name any more) is gone, replaced by Bourbon Steak at that resort. New in November 2009 on the list are BLT Steak at the Camelback Inn, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician, and Sassi.
The bottom line is that if your budget is not restricted, you are certain to have an elegant and memorable meal at any one of these Phoenix area dining establishments.
AAA 5 Diamond Restaurants in Greater Phoenix
Chandler
AAA 4 Diamond Restaurants in Greater Phoenix
Carefree
Latilla Dining Room
Litchfield Park
Arizona Kitchen
Red's Steakhouse Read my review of Red's Steakhouse.
Paradise Valley
Elements
Lon's at the Hermosa Inn Read my review of Lon's.
Phoenix
Different Pointe of View
Ristorante Tuscany
T. Cook's Read my review of T. Cook's.
Wright'sScottsdale
Asia de Cuba
BLT Steak Bourbon Steak
Deseo Read my review of Deseo.
Il Terrazzo
J & G Steakhouse Read my review of J & G Steakhouse.
Mosaic*
Palm Court
Sassi Read my review of Sassi.
Talavera
Windows on the Green
You can find links to all these restaurants' web sites at the About.com Phoenix Restaurant Listing.
