Confluence — Restaurant in Carefree

First time here. I love Binkley's and understand the chef at Confluence was his sous chef. I was underwhelmed by the place itself. No linen or effort to make the surroundings on par with the food. That is a shame as the food is first rate. I went with my wife and another couple. We all opted for the 4 course tasting. $65 which is VERY reasonable given the food quality. My buddy and I opted to up charge for the seared foie gras which is another $14 a person but worth every cent. I started with the arugula salad which was excellent but like many salads I get these days very shy on dressing! WTF is the case with that trend? Otherwise a solid start. The seared foie gras with potato bread, poached pear, hazelnut, mint, Yuzu, huckleberry was superb. I lusted for a glass of Sauternes but there was none on the list. They were able to get me a glass of CA white port which paired surprisingly well. I opted for the Iberico Pluma served with gnocchi which was likely the best pork I have ever tasted in half a century of eating pork of all kinds. I finished with the caramel risotto which was superb. The rice was cooked exactly as it should be. Firm with each grain maintaining its integrity. The wine list is not long. Maybe 50-60 bottles but well chosen. We had a 2017 Lucia pinot noir. I sure hope this place hangs in there. We all agreed that in dining out on a regular basis over the last 12-15 months, it was the only restaurant we all agreed we would return to. Get some linen on the tables and ensure that there are enough staff on the floor to serve the customers along with expanding the wine list and this will be a destination for all of Phoenix. I cannot...

Absolutely Amazing Dining Experience at Confluence Restaurant!

My recent visit to Confluence Restaurant in Carefree, AZ was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance, setting the stage for what turned out to be an exquisite culinary journey.

The Lobster dish with herb dumpling, sage, pancetta, broccolini, pumpkin, and brown butter was an absolute triumph. Each element of the dish was perfectly executed, and the flavors harmonized beautifully, resulting in a truly memorable gastronomic experience. The delicate balance of flavors and textures was a true testament to the chef's skill and expertise.

Equally impressive were the Oysters, which were a delightful burst of freshness and flavor. The combination of green apple, cucumber, jalapeno, radish, shallot, frisee, and cilantro created a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

As a wine enthusiast, I was thoroughly impressed by the restaurant's unbelievable wine selection. The inclusion of Sassicaia, a true gem among Italian wines, added an extra layer of sophistication to an already extraordinary dining experience.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhanced the evening, providing impeccable service that complemented the exceptional culinary creations.

In conclusion, Confluence Restaurant delivered an unparalleled dining experience that exceeded all expectations. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary. I can't wait to return and savor more of their remarkable dishes and...

Not super impressed and not sure why others are... We travel a lot for work and generally can take Eater articles as a good source of truth for places to eat wherever we are visiting. I am thinking maybe this landed a spot on the Eater article for the lunch menu? I was about to walk out as soon as we walked in, but we wanted to see what the hype was about. The dinner menu had exorbitant prices for very particular and overzealous dishes. This is the point where I was looking at the combinations thinking less might be more since it didn't seem like they necessarily had something for everyone. The salad was bland and absolutely covered in pre-shredded and pre-packaged supermarket cheese. I had a mound of it left in my dish after I was done with it. The scallops were paired with gnocchi which was an interesting pairing in itself. On top were just some casual slices of cured meat and six green beans we were very confused. Were you trying to get rid of excess ingredients? Was that intentional? How did we need to eat it to understand the whole vision? I would love to fully endorse this place, but I have to do what others have not and make sure people know what is on the other side. Their website seems to have not been updated in quite some time and if they are going to have a changing menu, it would be best to post for your patrons to keep people interested and coming back. Service was quick and they seemed happy to have some more business so we were well received and welcomed....