Alchemy Restaurant at Copperwynd Resort, Scottsdale

Alchemy Restaurant at CopperWynd's floor-to-ceiling windows slide open, unveiling the Sonoran Desert. Depending on the time of day, guests may see snow-capped peaks holding up an azure sky, or perhaps a thin ribbon of orange from the sun's last rays brushing over the mountaintops.

This setting is a worthy pairing to chef Paul O'Connor's artfully plated New American cuisine, from an open-faced pecan trout sandwich for lunch to pan-seared duck breast during dinner. Regardless of the dish, he prepares each one largely from local ingredients.

Besides dramatic views from its stylish dining room, the restaurant also extends to a wraparound patio that overlooks the resort's manicured grounds. An adjacent wine bar doles out drinks to be enjoyed while you’re soaking in panoramic vistas on the patio or using the fireplace to burn Polaroid snapshots that don't do the views justice. These majestic environs earned the restaurant a diners' choice award for both Best Ambiance and Scenic View on OpenTable.