Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, USA Today released its list of the best romantic restaurants in America worth the trip and Phoenix’s own Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion made the cut. For those of us who call the Valley home, this isn’t just a nice nod: it is validation that we have something truly special here.
Perched atop a hill at the historic Wrigley Mansion, Christopher’s is a modern glass-and-steel gem with floor-to-ceiling windows, a retractable roof that opens to reveal desert stars, and 180-degree views of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix skyline. The setting alone would earn it romantic credentials, but what happens inside elevates the experience to something unforgettable.
Chef Christopher Gross, who won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 1995, has built a culinary legacy spanning over three decades. His latest venture showcases modern French cuisine with theatrical flair: think caviar atop scrambled eggs served in an eggshell, or an amuse bouche on a sculpted bronze hand. Gayot Guide rated it 18 out of 20 points and named it among the Best Romantic Restaurants.
Photo Credit: Wrigley Mansion
What sets Christopher’s apart is the intimacy of the experience. The restaurant seats no more than 30 diners per night, and the chefs who prepare your food also serve it to you; a personal touch that transforms dinner into performance art. The eight-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, featuring ingredients like Wagyu beef, truffles, and foie gras, all sourced with meticulous care.
Guests describe the experience as perfect for special occasions, with attentive service and playful surprises throughout the meal. For sunset views that’ll make your heart skip, time your reservation around golden hour. And yes, even the bathroom makes a statement with floor-to-ceiling windows and what’s been called the most technologically advanced toilet in Phoenix.
For Phoenicians, seeing Christopher’s on this national list feels like sharing a secret we’ve known all along: our city can compete with anywhere when it comes to world-class dining and romance. Chef Gross has given us a destination worth celebrating…Valentine’s Day or any day.