With sizzling summer temperatures behind us, an outdoor meal can be downright delightful. Here are the 10 East Valley patios with the most impressive views, the boldest flowers and the quaintest ambience.

Acacia
Southwestern resort elegance in north Scottsdale

The Four Seasons’ steakhouse not only offers prime cuts of meat, but views worthy of Arizona Highways magazine. Nestled in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Acacia boasts simple, Southwestern-inspired decor (cactuses, chimineas and the like) and amazing desert vistas. According to Holly Matthews of Scottsdale, Acacia is particularly pretty (and romantic) at sunset. “It’s just beautiful.” ’Nuff said.

The details: Open for dinner daily; 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale,

Arcadia Farms
Cape Cod charm in the heart of Scottsdale

It’s no surprise that Arcadia Farms’ lush, cute-as-a-button patio is in high demand. “I’d (recommend) a reservation,” says Cindy Stouffer of Scottsdale. “It’s tough to get in without one.” That’s because the patio, which oozes a certain Cape Cod cottage charm with its colorful flowers, shade trees, iron furniture and oversize umbrellas, is packed daily, from 11 a.m. on. And for good reason — the gourmet salads and sandwiches are as delicious as the ambience.

The details: Open for lunch daily; 7014 E. First Ave., Scottsdale,

Chart House Restaurant
Scottsdale lakeside fine dining

For Kris Fuentes of Phoenix, Chart House — which specializes in all things steak and seafood — is the perfect place to cool off. “I like the patio because it just seems to be cooler off the water,” he says of the restaurant, nestled off Camelback Lake in the swank McCormick Ranch area. Featuring tiki torches for an island touch and picturesque views of Camelback Mountain, the patio is especially enjoyable at dusk.

The details: Open for dinner daily; 7255 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale,

El Encanto Mexican Patio Cafe
Mexican beauty in Cave Creek

What’s not to love about El Encanto? The mission-style patio eatery features a Spanish water fountain in the center, along with a pond (complete with ducks), shade trees and a plethora of potted flora. The upscale Mexican cafe is so scenic, in fact, that it’s a popular spot for weddings and receptions. “It’s nice and green,” says Scottsdale resident Nona Roberts. “A nice escape from the city.”

The details: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; 6248 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek,

El Zócalo Mexican Grill
Lush garden oasis in Chandler

Let’s be frank: El Zócalo’s interior isn’t anything spectacular. It’s the Mexican cafe’s back patio that’s the stunner. Featuring a fountain surrounded by a rainbow of flowers, cactuses and other potted greenery, the patio has the lush, vibrant feel of a Mexican villa. Says Nancy Campos of Mesa: “I could sip margaritas back here all day long.” (Be warned, though — the patio fills up fast and El Zócalo doesn’t accept reservations, so dining during non-peak hours is recommended.)

The details: Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday; 28 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler,

Gordon Biersch Brewery
People-watching on Tempe's Mill Avenue

Coffee Plantation used to be the prime place for people-watching on Mill Avenue — but that was before Gordon Biersch opened on the corner of Mill and Fifth Street. From the second-story brewery, diners have a bird's-eye view of all the downtown Tempe goings-on; and while it may not qualify as a “pretty” view, Joe Lyons of Tempe says it certainly is entertaining. “I get a kick eating out here because you see the craziest stuff — especially on party nights (Fridays and Saturdays).”

The details: Open for lunch and dinner daily; 420 S. Mill Ave., Suite 201, Tempe,

House of Tricks
Cozy 1920s cottages in Tempe

According to Louisa Dermer of Tempe, House of Tricks truly is the best Mill Avenue has to offer. “It’s unique — there’s no other place on Mill like it.” Or, for that matter, in the entire East Valley. The restaurant’s patio — situated in front of the pair of ’20s cottages that make up Tricks — is shaded by twinkle-lit trees just as old. The green and white patio, featuring vines snaking all about, also boasts a bar, perfect for sipping wine on a lazy fall afternoon.

The details: Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday; 114 E. Seventh St., Tempe,

Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
A taste of the Old West in Scottsdale

This popular steakhouse is the perfect place for a party — a big party. That’s because Pinnacle Peak’s three patios comfortably seat several hundred cowpokes. Our fave? The Sunset Patio, which boasts a cactus garden, palo verde trees and breathtaking views of nearby Pinnacle Peak. It’s the distinctly Arizona feel — along with the mesquite-grilled steaks — that keeps Scottsdale’s Cheri Vaughn coming back for more. “It’s a really good place to bring people that have never been out West before.”

The details: Open for dinner Monday through Saturday and lunch and dinner Sunday; 10426 E. Jomax Road, Scottsdale,

Rancho de Tia Rosa
Festive Mexican atmosphere in Mesa

Tia Rosa is a triple threat — great Mexican fare, great service and great ambience, due in large part to the lush, spacious patios. (Patron Melinda Waters of Mesa concurs, saying, “it’s the best, all around.”) Adorned with potted flowers, cactuses and several water features, the front and back patios are also lined with twinkle-lit trees, giving the space a cozy ’n’ colorful feel. Best of all, Tia Rosa offers a special table for two under one of the property’s giant pine trees; diners have to request that table specifically in order to be seated there.

The details: Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday; 3129 E. McKellips Road, Mesa,

Sugo Pastaria Wine Bar
Scottsdale's sexy dining spot

Though this downtown Scottsdale hot spot doesn’t boast any stunning views, Sugo’s patio — bathed in red lights — is just too special not to include in our list. The spacious but simple space features trees wrapped in red twinkle lights and a red candle on every table, creating a feel that’s just crazy, sexy, cool. Says Carter Germain of Scottsdale: “It’s a great place to just chill with a glass of wine.” We’ll drink to that.

The details: Open for dinner daily; 4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale,