Doesn't Recommend

giorgigi

Joined 6 years ago

Avoid At All Costs. The restaurant touts its "2001 Best Of" on its website, which it really shouldn't. The service, food used to be "okay" if you wanted incredibly tiny, mediocre portions of an actual meal. Not sure what happened, but Michael's is definitely resting on its laurels. The blase chef, Michael, as stated in a previous review, couldn't care less about your "dining" experience as long as you pay. I'd rather have been eating in a Burger King.

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littleitaly3

Joined 6 years ago

What a Rip-off!. If you are considering dining and we use that word loosely at Michaels at the Citadel, you may want to rethink your decision. We had the displeasure of dining there on three occasions. The raving reviews (I suspect written by the proprietor?s relatives) sucked me in on the first occasion. On the last two occasions the restaurant was selected by business associates and fortunately it was on their expense account

For $180.00, not including tax and tip, two can ?dine? as follows; two tiny (think match-box size) lamb chops, a couple of glasses of vastly overpriced wine and a non-descript salad. Switch the entree to Chicken Parmigianino and only pay $125.00 not including tax and tip. Please tell me what chicken dish is worth that amount of money? Throw in dessert and up the two entrees by another $20.00. The Chef?s special Beef Tenderloin at over $35 a pop was far from tender and the fish could have been fresher.

We have no problem paying $100 per person for a very good dining experience. There are literally hundreds of good non- pretentious restaurants in Scottsdale that offer great food along with good value. If you are looking for an excellent Italian restaurant go to Leccabaffi?s in Scottsdale. If you are looking for Chicken Parmigianino you can find it anywhere, even at Carrabba?s, at a quarter of the cost and much better tasting.

Bottom line, save your money and dine better elsewhere.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A luxurious hot spot for sophistication and sheer romance.. In Short
The golden-hued dining room exudes warmth with candles and a brick fireplace, while a 23-foot waterfall adds a splash of granduer. Standout entrees include the pan-seared juniper duck served atop a bed of dried apricot couscous and the herb-seared Chilean sea bass. Seasonal desserts, like the blueberry bread pudding, ensure a perfect ending.

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myulian

Joined 8 years ago

Simply Superb!. My boyfriend and I went there for a birthday dinner and to say the least, I was really impressed by the food and services. We ordered the rock shrimp risotto for appetizer, which was extremely flavorful. And for entrees, we ordered the signature braised ribs and lemon sole.... and they were all delicious! The waiter was polite and attentive. He made sure my boyfriend enjoyed his complementary birthday desserts. Overall, our dining experience was simply superb!

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caroleca

Joined 8 years ago

A nice evening except for Michael.... I took my parents to Michael's. My mother ordered off the menu and her dishes were really wonderful. My father and I ordered the tasting menu which was good but I couldnt say great. Wines were nice, but really didn't pair with the courses. I wouldn't order it again. At the end of the evening, our waiter (who was GREAT!) took me to see the studio kitchen. Michael happened to be in there. I've not felt so put off in a long time. The waiter even mentioned to him that we ordered the tasting menu which generally elicits a positive reaction from most chefs. Michael has obviously learned to cook, but somehow he's not learned the simple phrases like "I hope you enjoyed your meal" or "thank you for coming." Bottom line for me, there are too many other great places to go to put up with a rude chef.

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reader30

Joined 9 years ago

BEST IN THE VALLEY. Start your eveing with a martini and a sunset view served up by a charming, friendly bartender.

When you are ready for dinner, request a table by one of the fireplaces (my favorite is by the fireplace on the courtyard patio).

Unique wines by the bottle and the glass at resonable prices (a rare thing in this neighborhood). Don't be afraid to pick the brains of the staff to help with your decision...they know their stuff.

The food, simply put, is spectacular. Every item on the menu is well thought out with appropriate starches and vegetables and sauces. Even the garnishes of micro-spouts and greens are dressed and seasoned. NO DETAIL IS OVERLOOKED by these serious culinarians. Closing out the evening with dessert is a must!! Contemperary, cutting edge flavors and textures with the same attention to detail.

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cynderLahh

Joined 11 years ago

Tops!. Make your reservations, but allow time for a drink & a sunset view before dinner ~ the 2nd floor outdoor patio/bar offers both. Friendly, world class staff makes your time & $$ well spent - our group of 6 was treated w/ the utmost courtesy & respect; even as we enthusiastically lingered well past closing. Food is first rate, but means nothing if you don't have the right staffing - Michael's delivers the total package.

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snowbird1986

Joined 11 years ago

Outstanding Food - Better Service!!!. What a sense of being important! We were treated like royalty by the very knowledgeable staff. The meal was exquisite and the ambience very soothing and romantic.

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lindaaz1

Joined 11 years ago

One of Arizona's treasures. Michael's is one of those very special places where you can find a romantic table by the fireplace,dine in there private dining room with your closest friends or enjoy a before or after dinner drink in the upstairs bar which has live music. It is truely a slice of what makes Phoenix so unique. Soft lighting, rustic but sophisticated southwest decor tucked away in North Scottsdale, in a desert setting that makes you realize why you live here. Oh, and most importantly...the food is out of this world!