The surrounding Sonoran Desert is palpable in this new restaurant via rich red loveseats, sand-colored walls and cactus-green chairs, as well as a cozy glass-enclosed fireplace. Opt to dine under the stars on the patio—all the better to behold the craggy Pinnacle Peak and the desert expanse. Start your alfresco dinner with the lobster bisque with pearl onions. For entrées, this steakhouse offers raw choices (Wagyu beef tartare with mustard crème fraîche), Nebraska corn-fed prime cuts, and a list of fish and chicken meals. Go for regional dishes, such as Arizona grass-fed tenderloin with savory chorizo bread pudding. A great steal is the daily three-course tasting menu that changes weekly ($40, $60 with wine pairings), which in the past has included standouts such as arugula dotted with pear and Gorgonzola, halibut with tomato and couscous, and warm chocolaty cake with caramel ice cream.

Talavera Information:

• Dinner. Children's menu. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. Valet parking. Outdoor seating.