About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10
$$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25
$$$$=$26 and over
Confluence
Modern American (pictured above)
36899 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree
480-488-9796, restaurantconfluence.com
Kevin Binkley protégé Brandon Gauthier helms this brash New American bistro in the old Café Bink space. Like a hybrid of Café Bink and Gauthier’s more high-end, experimental work at Binkley’s, the menu offers dishes both delicate and powerful, like a foie gras parfait and butternut squash agnolotti. $$-$$$$
English Rose Tea Room
Tea/Sandwiches
201 Easy St., Carefree
480-488-4812, carefreetea.com
Floral fabrics, crystal chandeliers and bone china make this pretty tea room a must-do for ladies who lunch nd take afternoon tea. The menu features a variety of quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads. Reservations suggested. $$
El Encanto Mexican Café
Mexican
6248 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-1752, elencantorestaurants.com
The food at this longtime favorite is consistently good. And just as good is the charming patio overlooking a duck pond. Don’t miss huevos rancheros on the patio on Sundays. Other location: Carefree (623-780-5948) and Fountain Hills (480-837-1070). $
Ofrenda
Mexican fusion
7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
480-488-2187, theofrenda.com
Formerly watering hole Indigo Crow (same owner, different concept), Ofrenda reads like a more Yucatecan, seafood-focused version of Barrio Café, with Pueblan-inspired fusion entrees such as pasta en nogado (tagliatelle with a poblano- and raisin-studded walnut sauce) running point for a well-authored selection of tacos, salads and gourmet hand-food. $$-$$$
Palo Verde
Southwestern
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr. (The Boulders), Carefree, 480-488-9009, theboulders.com
Although this colorful Southwestern-accented dining room is primarily frequented by guests of the resort, it makes a great place for an upscale breakfast or dinner for locals as well. Sit on the patio, which offers expansive views of the golf course and distant mountains. $-$$
Tonto Bar & Grill
Southwestern
5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek
480-488-0698, tontobarandgrill.com
Tonto Bar & Grill stands on the original site of the Rancho Mañana dude ranch, once the largest of its kind in Arizona. Enjoy fresh baked breads and house-made desserts. $$$
