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100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in America for 2018

Whether it's corn on the cob or a glass of rosé, summer is finally here and it’s time to dine outdoors. Our 100 Best Al Fresco list for 2018 highlights restaurants that offer stunning views, delicious menus and above all else, incredible outdoor dining experiences worth the trip. The list of honorees is based on an analysis of 12,000,000+ reviews of more than 27,000 restaurants across the country—all submitted by verified diners. Don't forget to #traveldeliciously this summer.

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As Voted by OpenTable Diners
Updated January 01, 1
A photo of 1906 at Longwood Gardens restaurant

1906 at Longwood Gardens

Price: Very Expensive
Contemporary American
Kennett Square
4.8
8731 reviews
We have a wonderful tradition of dining here and enjoying the Christmas displays for the new year. The food is always delicious and we love the mushroom soup. Their menu is always impressive with chef specials as well. We look forward to the special dessert, the delicious & fun Pomme de Noel. The warm spiced wine was a nice addition this year and tastes like Christmas cheer in a glass!


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A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

Price: Moderate
Californian
Newport Beach
4.7
9265 reviews
Hands down, a do not miss when you are in Newport Beach. Best Bloody Mary ever! Crab stack and clam chowder, and sea bass a must!

A photo of Bistro Don Giovanni -- Napa restaurant

Bistro Don Giovanni -- Napa

Price: Expensive
Italian
Napa
4.7
8564 reviews
Outstanding and amazing. Service was incredible!

A photo of Boat House Waterfront Dining restaurant

Boat House Waterfront Dining

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Tiverton
4.8
6989 reviews
New Years Day and retirement anniversary!

A photo of The Boathouse restaurant

The Boathouse

Price: Expensive
American
Lake Buena Vista
4.7
12927 reviews
Our server Nicollette was amazing. I had a question about the Moondancer oysters I ordered and she provided three additional larger oysters for me to try along with a bowl of lobster bisque because my husbands meal came out first.

A photo of Boatyard restaurant

Boatyard

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Harbordale
4.6
5076 reviews
Sebastian was a great waiter! Food and service were above par but what we’ve come to expect there.

A photo of Bravo Italian Kitchen - Naples - Mercato restaurant

Bravo Italian Kitchen - Naples - Mercato

Price: Moderate
Italian
Naples
4.4
4195 reviews
Salmon and Lasagna are top notch. A fabulous meal start to finish.

A photo of Cafe Monarch restaurant

Cafe Monarch

Price: Very Expensive
Contemporary American
Old Town Scottsdale
4.9
6971 reviews
Cafe Monarch is an exquisite experience. It feels like you have been transported into the heart of Europe, with beautiful ambience, top notch service and delicious food. As vegetarians, we appreciate the vegetarian tasting menu. This is our 2nd visit and it did not disappoint. We will be back for future special occasions!

A photo of Campfire restaurant

Campfire

Price: Moderate
Contemporary American
Carlsbad
4.8
4483 reviews
Really good food and fun vibe, but the prices for the entrees are insane. I ordered trout and got only half of a 7” fish with a few julienned veggies (3 to be exact) for $36. I’d pay that for fresh salmon, but for half of a mere trout?


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A photo of Campiello - Naples restaurant

Campiello - Naples

Price: Expensive
Italian
Naples
4.7
10967 reviews
our server, adam, was a true professional. best pizza with meatballs added along with the braised short rib was a fabulous dining experience.

A photo of Catch LA restaurant

Catch LA

Price: Expensive
Sushi
West Hollywood
4.7
9458 reviews
Great meal and great service I highly recommend it

A photo of Coasterra restaurant

Coasterra

Price: Moderate
Mexican
Harbor Island
4.5
6631 reviews
"Love bringing out of state visitors here. Coasterra truly gives a fabulous impression of San Diego; the waterfront, the people, and the food!"

A photo of Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant

Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

Price: Moderate
Spanish
Sarasota
4.7
8969 reviews
Great food service recommend the Eggplant Riojana . Alice our server was amazing.

A photo of Continental Naples restaurant

Continental Naples

Price: Expensive
Steakhouse
Naples
4.8
4803 reviews
The Continental is the best steakhouse in Naples per our family opinion. The cuts of meat are superb, and prepared to perfection by the Chef. Although there are no Michelin star rated restaurants in Naples, the Continental has the equivalent quality cuisine.

A photo of Copley's on Palm Canyon restaurant

Copley's on Palm Canyon

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
Palm Springs
4.7
5528 reviews
One of the classic old-school Restaurants with 10/10 Classy service and fantastic food. You will not be sorry you ate at this Cary Grant Historical Landmark. Oh, if the walls could talk.......

A photo of DeRomo's Gourmet Market & Restaurant restaurant

DeRomo's Gourmet Market & Restaurant

Price: Expensive
Italian
Bonita Springs
4.4
4683 reviews
Sarah and Hunter were amazing. Both knew the menu well, very attentive, and a pleasure. Meatball and ricotta might be the best thing I’ve ever ate. We split the Lobster Fra Diavolo. Presentation amazing and very nice of the chef to split it for us to enjoy. Heading back tonight for round two.

A photo of Duke's Beach House Maui restaurant

Duke's Beach House Maui

Price: Moderate
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Kaanapali
4.7
8468 reviews
"Loved everything about Duke’s- beach-side ambiance, lovely musician, friendly and attentive service, and excellent food."

A photo of Duke's La Jolla restaurant

Duke's La Jolla

Price: Moderate
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
La Jolla
4.6
5699 reviews
The food is fresh, delicious, and very well priced for the portion and quality. My family and I usually order takeout and enjoy it at the beach nearby. The food is perfectly suited for a casual picnic. As it was rainy winter’s day, we dined in. The macadamia crusted fish is always a hit. I highly recommend it as well as the rib and chicken plate. Ask your server for off the menu specials in case you’re looking for something different from the usual menu. The quality and freshness of the mac/nut fish is on par and surpasses some of the more upscale, expensive, 5 star restaurants in San Diego. Their appetizers are also delightful, like the coconut shrimp. The servers and front of house staff are kind and attentive; and make great recommendations. Our server was very kind to offer a complimentary dessert as a couple in our party was celebrate their wedding anniversary. This is great place to dine in the village with family and out of town guests. The patio offers a lovely view of the beach and coastline. Overall, a wonderful experience as always.

A photo of El Chorro restaurant

El Chorro

Price: Expensive
American
Paradise Valley
4.7
5992 reviews
Great food, service and overall experience…highly recommend.


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A photo of Farmer's Table Boca Raton restaurant

Farmer's Table Boca Raton

Price: Moderate
Contemporary American
Boca Raton
4.5
5787 reviews
On New Years Day, I ordered chicken meatballs and they were dry and not as good as they typically are.


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A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant

Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

Price: Expensive
American
Corona del Mar
4.8
9647 reviews
Kayli was our server and she was awesome! So nice!

A photo of Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Downtown Charleston
4.6
7111 reviews
Excellent never had any problems with anything here

A photo of Geoffrey's Restaurant restaurant

Geoffrey's Restaurant

Price: Very Expensive
Californian
Malibu
4.5
8403 reviews
Spectacular view! Great food & great service!!


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A photo of Gertrude's - Baltimore restaurant

Gertrude's - Baltimore

Price: Moderate
American
Charles Village
4.6
6779 reviews
Our server let us change tables three times to accommodate my hearing. Nice!

A photo of Gertrude's - Phoenix restaurant

Gertrude's - Phoenix

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
Central Phoenix
4.6
5826 reviews
Really delicious food! (The hamburger bun was a bit dry.) Good friendly service!

A photo of Gracias Madre - West Hollywood restaurant

Gracias Madre - West Hollywood

Price: Expensive
Mexican
West Hollywood
4.6
6235 reviews
It's no secret that a good recipe always works. Great design, Amazing food, well trained staff and good service ! Win win for everyone

A photo of Gram & Dun restaurant

Gram & Dun

Price: Moderate
Contemporary American
Plaza / Brookside
4.6
4343 reviews
Amazing food and service. Outside seating was a treat on a beautiful Indian Summer evening.

A photo of The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach restaurant

The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Pensacola
4.7
6162 reviews
My guest and I dined at the Grand Marlin on New Year's evening. Restuarant was quite crowded that evening due to the occasion, but our food and service were excellent. In my experience, the Grand Marlin has never disappointed.

A photo of Hula Grill - Kaanapali restaurant

Hula Grill - Kaanapali

Price: Expensive
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Kaanapali
4.3
8393 reviews
Great restaurant, would return and recommend to others.

A photo of Iron Gate restaurant

Iron Gate

Price: Very Expensive
Mediterranean
Dupont Circle
4.7
2700 reviews
AMAZING!!! Best food I’ve ever eaten. Hands down. Amazing!


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Takeout available
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A photo of The Ivy restaurant

The Ivy

Price: Very Expensive
Californian
Beverly Hills
4.7
7594 reviews
New Year’s Day celebration, always excellent food and service


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A photo of Jake's - Palm Springs restaurant

Jake's - Palm Springs

Price: Moderate
Contemporary American
Palm Springs
4.9
2879 reviews
Great food, great ambience, great service. It’s just a fun and relaxing place to enjoy a nice dinner.

A photo of Juvia restaurant

Juvia

Price: Expensive
French / Japanese
South Beach
4.4
5691 reviews
Good and classy. Recommended (Great photos for Instagram 😉)

A photo of Keoki's Paradise restaurant

Keoki's Paradise

Price: Moderate
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Poipu
4.5
6162 reviews
Wonderful ambiance, great service and amazing food!

A photo of Latitudes Key West, FL on Sunset Key restaurant

Latitudes Key West, FL on Sunset Key

Price: Very Expensive
Contemporary American
Key West
4.8
13400 reviews
We sweet here for lunch, everyone was very nice and attentive. Lobster bisque was delicious!

A photo of Lavender Bistro restaurant

Lavender Bistro

Price: Expensive
Californian
La Quinta
4.8
6017 reviews
What a beautiful setting. Even though it was cool they had lots of patio heaters. The lights on the trees made it really nice. Our server was excellent. His suggestions for our meal were perfect. We had the lobster ravioli and the sea bass. Both were delicious. We will definitely return.

A photo of Le Vallauris restaurant

Le Vallauris

Price: Very Expensive
French
Palm Springs
4.7
4477 reviews
One of the best restaurants I’ve dined in the entire country. A fabulous, memorable experience, and will be back for many more!

A photo of Legal Sea Foods - Harborside restaurant

Legal Sea Foods - Harborside

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Seaport
4.5
5918 reviews
Always lived up to expectations and standards! Have only been able to get back every time I visit Boston and will continue to do so.

A photo of Leilani's on the Beach - Kaanapali restaurant

Leilani's on the Beach - Kaanapali

Price: Moderate
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Lahaina
4.6
5938 reviews
Lovely time, excellent service from Eddie , food very nice awesome views

A photo of Lindey's restaurant

Lindey's

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
German Village
4.8
8108 reviews
Outstanding service and best salmon entree I’ve had in a long while!

A photo of Lon's at The Hermosa restaurant

Lon's at The Hermosa

Price: Expensive
American
Paradise Valley
4.8
8024 reviews
Wow!! Love everything about this place! Food, wine, wait staff, wine selection — wonderful — highly recommend!


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A photo of Louie Bossi Ristorante - Fort Lauderdale restaurant

Louie Bossi Ristorante - Fort Lauderdale

Price: Moderate
Italian
Colee Hammock
4.7
5504 reviews
Great food, service and atmosphere!

A photo of Mama's Fish House restaurant

Mama's Fish House

Price: Very Expensive
Fish
Hawaii
4.9
41928 reviews
"This was our second experience and better than the previous one. Beautiful (location, spectacular sunset, amazing and fresh fish as well as the people). Eric our waiter was personal and provided excellent service throughout the night. I would go back in a heartbeat no doubt!"

A photo of Mariposa restaurant

Mariposa

Price: Very Expensive
Latin / Spanish
Sedona
4.7
12624 reviews
The food was fabulous and the staff made us feel like family. It was a wonderful experience! We will definitely return with each visit to Sedona. The creamed Kale side dish and flan was outstanding!

A photo of Meson Sabika restaurant

Meson Sabika

Price: Moderate
Tapas / Small Plates
Naperville
4.8
10395 reviews
Food was terrific and great service. Quite a bit noisy but the grounds are stunning!


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A photo of MiraMare restaurant

MiraMare

Price: Expensive
Italian
Naples
4.7
3963 reviews
We enjoyed it so much we didn’t want to leave. Thank you Silvia! Thank you also to Otto. He creates a beautiful ambiance!

A photo of Mon Ami Gabi - Las Vegas - Main Dining Room restaurant

Mon Ami Gabi - Las Vegas - Main Dining Room

Price: Expensive
French
Paris Hotel and Casino
4.7
34441 reviews
Great food comes with great service. Best new year event!


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A photo of Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina restaurant

Monkeypod Kitchen - Ko Olina

Price: Moderate
Contemporary American
Kapolei
4.5
5924 reviews
Truly fun. Excellent food. Get there!

A photo of The Mooring Restaurant restaurant

The Mooring Restaurant

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Newport
4.6
9192 reviews
Perfect location, very nice bustling atmosphere with gorgeous views, super-friendly and accommodating staff and fantastic food. I'm not from Newport and was afraid this would be a tourist-trap where the food isn't great. I was proven wrong. Everything we ordered was delicious-- super fresh raw bar, excellent mussels provencal, delicious Octopus. Refreshing cocktails! I'd highly recommend.

A photo of Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace restaurant

Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace

Price: Expensive
Mediterranean
Old Town Scottsdale
4.7
6349 reviews
We have been to Olive and Ivy before and enjoy the whole experience. It is my wife's favorite place so we always use it for a special event. The food is great and our service was very good. We get so comfortable sometimes it's hard to leave. We will be back in the future.

A photo of Ophelia's on the Bay restaurant

Ophelia's on the Bay

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
Siesta Key
4.7
5655 reviews
We haven’t been to Ophelia’s since before Covid but we missed the experience and we were hopeful that things were still the same. From the warm greeting to the excellent service and extraordinary food, we were reminded why we love this restaurant and consider it one of the best around. While we traveled over an hour from Punta Gorda (which has no shortage of great restaurants) we were thrilled to be back and look forward to returning soon. Our server Chris was friendly and efficient and the kitchen turned out 4 perfect meals that left us all completely satiated!!!

A photo of Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff restaurant

Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

Price: Very Expensive
Seafood
Cardiff By The Sea
4.7
7997 reviews
Special place to celebrate my birthday, and then the new year. Our server, Don was amazing and made incredible recommendations all around for a 1st timer. It had a relatively relaxed ambiance with a view of the ocean. Valet was relatively priced well and service was spot on. Definitely a place to visit if you’re in Cardiff.

A photo of Pacifica Seafood Restaurant restaurant

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Palm Desert
4.6
8004 reviews
Excellent restaurant with great service, fresh fish and a lovely outdoor setting. Good for special occaissions and keeping Mother-in-Law's happy.

A photo of Parc restaurant

Parc

Price: Expensive
French
Rittenhouse Square
4.8
15784 reviews
Wonderful manners by the staff. Food was very fresh and tasty. Attentive service. Very efficient. Trout almondine was so good. Everything was pretty good. Steak could use done work. Very unusual to have something not up to their standards. Had steak there before and it was great.


Takeout available
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A photo of Perch LA restaurant

Perch LA

Price: Expensive
French American
Downtown
4.6
10674 reviews
Absolutely the best French toast I have ever eaten...all the food was great but the French toast stood out. Freaky day because it was not supposed to rain, but it's LA so of course it rained and we had windy gusts on the outside...BUT...Perch has blankets!. Yes and soft quality ones, so we were toasty even in the LA blizzard.


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A photo of Poseidon restaurant

Poseidon

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Del Mar
4.7
4948 reviews
Food was deelish! We had sea bass and tuna.

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

The Prado at Balboa Park

Price: Moderate
Californian
Downtown
4.6
7188 reviews
We had the black bean soup and the grilled cauliflower, then shared the Verlasso salmon and shortribs. The food and wine was excellent and the service was outstanding. We especially enjoyed having our anniversary dinner overlooking the beautiful gardens during a lovely San Diego fall evening.

A photo of Prime Catch on the Waterfront restaurant

Prime Catch on the Waterfront

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Boynton Beach
4.7
5623 reviews
Terrific outdoor seating with views of the Intracoastal. The food and service were excellent. The grouper was delicious.

A photo of Pump restaurant

Pump

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
West Hollywood
4.5
5347 reviews
Exceptional. Will miss it when it closes. Thank you Ms. Vanderpump for 10 wonderful years!

A photo of The Pump House restaurant

The Pump House

Price: Expensive
Southern
Rock Hill, South Carolina
4.5
5924 reviews
Love the Pump House! Great views and great food!


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A photo of Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture restaurant

Rats Restaurant - Grounds for Sculpture

Price: Expensive
Contemporary French
Princeton
4.3
7546 reviews
the restaurant was lovely and the food was great. The only issue was the need to move due to the noise from other guests...the restaurant was full and we needed to wait to be able to move away from the other very rude guests.

A photo of Rick's Cafe Boatyard restaurant

Rick's Cafe Boatyard

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Pike Township
4.6
6409 reviews
The food was wonderful and our waitress was very efficient and nice. We can’t wait to return for more of the delicious short ribs!

A photo of River House Restaurant & Raw Bar restaurant

River House Restaurant & Raw Bar

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Downtown Louisville
4.7
6393 reviews
Lovely setting on the river, and incredibly attentive and knowledgeable servers. Husband loved his braised short ribs, and we both thought the complementary cornbread was exceptional. Thank you for a great lunch date in the middle of the week!

A photo of Rusty Pelican - Miami restaurant

Rusty Pelican - Miami

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Village of Key Biscayne
4.5
8944 reviews
It was nice

A photo of Sam's Chowder House restaurant

Sam's Chowder House

Price: Moderate
Seafood
Half Moon Bay
4.5
5276 reviews
"Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch overlooking the bay. Food was delicious, served promptly and service was very good. Great outdoor seating with a pretty seaside view."

A photo of Shell and Bones Oyster Bar & Grill restaurant

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar & Grill

Price: Very Expensive
Seafood
New York
4.6
3536 reviews
Out of a lot of menu items. Did nothing special for anniversary dinner. Otherwise good

A photo of Shooters Waterfront restaurant

Shooters Waterfront

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Lauderdale Beach
4.4
6536 reviews
Amazing place, very nice food, friendly staff i will recomend everyone to get dinner over there

A photo of Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Miami restaurant

Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse - Miami

Price: Expensive
Steakhouse
South Beach
4.4
7398 reviews
Great place ti go


Takeout available
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A photo of Spencer's Restaurant restaurant

Spencer's Restaurant

Price: Expensive
American
Palm Springs
4.7
8062 reviews
Had a great New Year's Day 1:00 p.m. brunch with a couple each of Benedict's and corned beef hashes. The only thing weird was the bloody Mary which seemed like it was just made with vegetable juice, vodka, and lacked flavor. You would think a place like Spencer's would have a signature bloody Mary that would be great, not the case yesterday.

A photo of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurant

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Price: Moderate
Beer Garden
Escondido
4.6
6749 reviews
Always love the food and ambiance! It was nice to have a menu in front of us instead of the QR code!

A photo of Sunset Terrace - Omni Grove Park Inn restaurant

Sunset Terrace - Omni Grove Park Inn

Price: Expensive
American
Asheville
4.7
5724 reviews
Such a beautiful venue! Loved sitting outside and the heaters up above kept us nice and cozy on a cool evening. Inside was live singing and music. We will definitely go back. So much history in this upscale hotel. Pricey drinks and food but worth it for the night.

A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant

Talula’s Garden

Price: Very Expensive
American
Washington Square
4.8
12122 reviews
Amazing as always. I took my husband here for his birthday. The staff was kind and thoughtful. The food was great. I had the workaholic drink - it was incredible. We love this place!

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

Tavern on the Green

Price: Expensive
American
Midtown West
4.6
16657 reviews
Absolutely amazing experience on New Year’s Day was such a beautiful place and the food was incredible would come back from the uk just for this place !


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A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant

Tom Hams Lighthouse

Price: Expensive
Seafood
Downtown
4.6
6134 reviews
Great place all around but the seating hostess could be more courteous to the customers

A photo of Tonto Bar & Grill (Lunch reservations not required, excluding holidays) restaurant

Tonto Bar & Grill (Lunch reservations not required, excluding holidays)

Price: Moderate
American
Cave Creek
4.7
3800 reviews
Great food and service! A wonderful experience. We’ll definitely be back.


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A photo of The Tropicale restaurant

The Tropicale

Price: Expensive
Californian
Palm Springs
4.7
9351 reviews
The food is always terrific. The service is always top notch.

A photo of True Food Kitchen - Pasadena restaurant

True Food Kitchen - Pasadena

Price: Moderate
American
Pasadena
4.6
2851 reviews
I always love coming here because it is always consistently good!

A photo of Ulele restaurant

Ulele

Price: Expensive
American
Tampa
4.7
12734 reviews
Atmosphere and food choices very unique; the wood fire smell lingers throughout the restaurant giving it a true florida feel. Meals were a bit pricey but nothing is quite like this restaurant. I had the chili; where else can you get a combination of Alligator, wild boar, venison, duck, ground chuck, cranberry beans and chili spices?! Was tender and so filling!

A photo of Wildflower - Tucson restaurant

Wildflower - Tucson

Price: Expensive
Contemporary American
Casas Adobes
4.7
5897 reviews
Great food and service. The atmosphere was really good. The only minor complaint was the cold air draft coming from patio area. Overall, Wildflower is an outstanding restaurant and I’d definitely come back!!

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