Pretty Penny — Restaurant in Phoenix

Having had the privilege of working with Michelin-starred chefs and James Beard-nominated establishments in Chicago/San Francisco and just moved to Phoenix, my wife and I approached Pretty Penny with high expectations. Needless to say, this exceptional restaurant surpassed them all, proudly standing as one of the finest dining experiences in Phoenix and the greater Southwest.

From the moment you step into Pretty Penny, you're enveloped in an inviting atmosphere where modern elegance meets warmth and comfort. The ambience strikes a remarkable balance, setting the stage for the culinary and beverage artistry that's about to unfold.

The dynamic team at Pretty Penny, led by the talented trio of Sean bartender whom greeted us, Jake, Sam servers helping each other and owner Brenon, orchestrates a seamless symphony of flavors and hospitality. Their dedication and passion are palpable, creating a service experience that's nothing short of stellar. Every detail is meticulously attended to, ensuring that guests feel not just welcomed but genuinely cared for.

The menu is a masterpiece in itself. Each dish showcases local ingredients with a unique twist, offering a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition. Whether you're indulging in their sumptuous appetizers, expertly prepared entrées, or decadent desserts, the flavors are both bold and nuanced, delighting the palate with every bite.

Yet, beyond the exceptional cuisine, it's the personal touches and thoughtful interactions that truly elevate the experience. Sean behind the bar helping his service team with seating and making amazing drinks according to my wife, Jake/Sam whom were helping each other and very knowledge about the menu, and Brenon's visionary leadership coalesce into a dining journey that is as memorable as it is delicious.

After savoring the culinary delights at Pretty Penny, I highly recommend extending the evening next door at their cocktail bar, Legends. This concept is an adventure in itself, with expertly crafted beverages and an atmosphere that invites relaxation and revelry. The creativity in the cocktail selections is akin to the culinary innovation found at Pretty Penny, making it the perfect post-dinner destination to unwind and reflect on a meal well-enjoyed.

Pretty Penny is not only a testament to culinary excellence but also a beacon of hospitality and community in Phoenix. Whether you're a local or just passing through, prepare yourself for an unforgettable dining experience that rivals the finest establishments across this great country. It's clear why this restaurant deserves a place among the best, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit.

In a city brimming with dining options, Pretty Penny stands out as a true gem—and one that should not be missed. Bravo to the entire team for crafting such a remarkable experience....

If you have one night, and one night only, for a meal in downtown Phoenix — go here!

One of the best meals we’ve had in the Phoenix valley, hands-down! We will be back as often as we possibly can be 😂

Pretty Penny is exactly the restaurant that Roosevelt Row needed right now. It balances an amazing, high-end food and cocktail menu with a cozy neighborhood restaurant vibe. It doesn’t feel overly fussy or formal — thoughtfully designed, without veering into “style over substance” territory.

It’s worth coming for the cocktails and wine menu alone. (And they do half-priced bottles till 7 daily!)

We had the Dill or No Deal cocktail — which tastes like boozy spa water in the absolute best way — and the brown butter Paloma.

Don’t miss their specials. They clearly have GREAT fish and meat providers, and build specials around what they can get on any given day. We snagged the last ‘Le Prawn James’ of the night — a homemade squid ink bucatini seafood pasta, served in the shell of the largest prawns I’ve ever seen.

The couple next to us ordered the tomahawk steak special, which was a perfectly cooked GIGANTIC tomahawk steak with sides, for under $100 🤯

Our favorite items that we tried on their main menu were the Bluefin Duo (toro and akami served on top of perfectly caramelized shallots? Say no more!), scallop ceviche, and carrots & lentils.

I say favorites, but… that’s everything we ordered. Because everything we got was equally good 😅Our waiter Jake was awesome and had great recommendations.

We sat at the bar and enjoyed watching the food being made. They have some high top tables, some standard tables, some lounge-y couch/armchair seating around a table, and a patio area.

Our only “complaint” was that the pacing was a little off — but I assume they’re just working out the kinks since they opened...

Update August 2024 - My last review promised that I would be back to try the food and we did just that. Did you know that wines are 1/2 price before 6 pm? So….we started things right. Starting with champagne paired with roasted cauliflower made with cous-cous, crimson raisins, almonds, and cherry. We moved on to citrus salad, sea scallop ceviche, and finishing with octopus tostada. Each dish was perfect - well-presented and flavorful. See my new pics.

Located in the heart of the vibrant Roosevelt Row neighborhood in Phoenix, Pretty Penny restaurant offers a dining experience that exceeds expectations. Led by Chef Marcelino Ramos, in collaboration with Brenon Stuart and Sam Olguin, the culinary team delivers a delightful surprise with meticulously prepared dishes. Initially drawn in for drinks, we were seated at a bar table overlooking the bustling kitchen, where we witnessed the careful craft behind each plate. The "Persimmonator," with its blend of clear persimmon, cold-pressed pomegranate, red apple, mace, and vanilla Greek yogurt, and the “Brown Butter Paloma”, featuring brown butter, grapefruit-lime whey, and blanco tequila, set the stage. Upon discovering the "Caviar at Cost" sign, we indulged in Russian sturgeon caviar served with crème fraîche and Pringles chips—an unexpected delight. As we departed, we knew we'd return to savor more of Pretty Penny's...