74 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s D E S E RT B OTA N I C A L G A R D E N , P H O E N I X Late last year, Phoenix culinary icon Mark Tarbell took the reins at Gertrude’s restaurant and the Patio Café at the Desert Botanical Garden. “Our patio is more than just an outdoor dining space. It’s a front row seat to the desert,” said Tarbell. “Nestled inside the Desert Botanical Garden, we’ve created a setting where native blooms surround you as you dine. The vibe brings together the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and a seasonally driven culinary experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.” Dishes include 12-hour short rib and avocado risotto, crisp duck confit rillette and crispy nopales with mole. Gertrude’s gin and tonic features a choice of three gins crafted to honor Gertrude, the visionary behind the Desert Botanical Garden. dbg.org/visit/dining The Hermosa Inn PA R A D I S E VA L L E Y LON’s at The Hermosa Inn boasts one of the most beloved patios in the Valley, featuring towering trees, colorful flowers and multiple fireplaces. “The patio at LON’s has long been revered for its unique and authentically Arizona setting in a quiet residential Paradise Valley neighborhood at the foot of Camelback Mountain,” said John Dils, director of Food and Beverage. “Our patio is a perfect backdrop to enjoy LON’s globally inspired Arizona fare.” Signature menu items include monkey bread, croissant Benedict and huevos rancheros for brunch, and the Hermosa salad, Chilean seabass and braised short rib for dinner. Cocktail favorites include the Oink Fashioned, Lavender Haze and Last Drop. azhideawaycollection.com/hermosa-inn KITCHEN DOORS Carcara D OW N TOW N P H O E N I X Located at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Carcara’s patio is lined with Cara Cara orange trees, the restaurant’s inspiration and namesake. “Our patio offers expansive seating that wraps around the restaurant,” said Arthur Pottenger, director of Food and Beverage for the hotel. “It is framed by a glass wall, seamlessly blending the outdoor charm with the interior ambiance.”

Creating Culinary Experiences, Not Just Menus creativehandscuisine.com 602.628.1534 The menu showcases indigenous and seasonal ingredients inspired by Native American and Sonoran traditions. Signature dishes include Buffalo cauliflower and the Chicken and Three Sisters Succotash. Beverage options range from the nonalcoholic Coyote, made with ginger beer and house-made lavender honey, to Purple Rain, featuring reposado tequila, Violette liqueur and egg white. carcararestaurant.com Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails N O RT H S C OT T S DA L E Opened in October 2025, Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails offers Mediterranean cuisine and a spacious patio. “Our patio is designed as an outdoor living room, centered around a large firepit that draws people together. With comfortable lounge seating against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, guests often stay longer than they planned,” said co-owner Eric Greenwald. “The space opens seamlessly to the bar, creating a natural indoor-outdoor flow that keeps the energy connected throughout the restaurant.” Signature dishes include the Mezze Platter with marinated olives, jamón, cheese and grilled bread, and Piatta di Pane with charred scallion butter and harissa yogurt, which pair perfectly with the restaurant’s cocktail and wine offerings. heritagescottsdale.com