Could I please have some suggestions for moderate priced restaurants in Phoenix. would like a little ambience,if possible.

PHX is a really large metro area.
How about some idea as to which part of town you'll be in and how you define "moderate priced", and any type of cuisine in particular?

The first night will be near the airport and then out in Glendale. Moderate means 20 to 35 an entree. Not too fond of Mexican, would like French or American.

Two of my favorites for moderately priced restaurants are Mimi's and
Bahama Breeze. Both are casual, and don't know if ambience in each is what you would like but they both have very good menu selections.

One of my favorites is Rustler's Rooste. Southwest decor with good food and a great view of the city. Especially nice at night.

If you are looking for ambience, would suggest T. Cook's in Phoenix in the Royal Palms Resort. Good food and lovely atmosphere.

You must be from NYC or close by....for up to $35 an entree you can eat virtually anywhere in Arizona....so you have plenty of choices.
You might check Zagat.com under the Arizona heading, lists most major restaurants with food, service and decor scores as rated by readers, along with prices.

I'd suggest:
Michael's at the Citadel (bit of a drive, though) at Pinnacle Peak and Pima
Roxsand at 24th and Camelback
Cafe Terra Cotta at the Borgata on Scottsdale Rd
Marquesa at the Princess resort (another long drive)
Phoenix is short on high end dining establishments, but there are plenty of mid range establishments worth a visit.

Jo, There isn't much in terms of well known Phoenix restaurants in Glendale. Most are in East Phoenix (along Camelback) or in Scottsdale. Tarbells is a favorite, El Chorro gives you great scenery of Camelback Mountain, Fifth Avenue Bisto in Old Town Scottsdale, Eddie Matneys, Vicent Guerrhailt etc.

Some suggestions: Razz's Restaurant, Roaring Fork, Barmouche, Lon's at the Hermosa Inn (nice atmosphere). Mary Elaine's at The Phoenician Resort has great food, great service and a lovely view of sunset and the city lights. But only if you decide to splurge. Prices there are well above $35.

As one post mentioned, Cafe Terra Cotta is nice. Also, Maria's in Naples is a good place for Italian food.

La Fontanella on 44th Street in Phoenix originally from Little Italy in Chicago-great food - charming place. If you get to Scottsdale - don't miss Buster's - a lovely place on a lake with really excellent food at reasonable prices - near the Hyatt Gainey Ranch Resort on Hayden and Via de Ventura

I agree that the restaurant selection in the Glendale area is, unfortunately, bleak. I have eaten at Dillon's at 99th Avenue and Thunderbird, very good, casual. We are also crazy about La Fontenella, Italian, and El Chorro, American and would like to suggest a fabulous new French restaurant, Sophie's French Bistro, on Osborn Road, just west of 24th Street...reservations a must for lunch and dinner and Sun. brunch.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I wish we had more time in Phoenix to try more than one or two of the suggested restaurants.

I second (or is it third) La Fontanella - had wonderful lamb chops there recently.

If you want cowboy atmosphere - go to Pinnacle Peak Patio in Scottsdale - used to be way out in the desert and is now in the suburbs, but still has some atmosphere

Do we need reservations at La Fontanella?

Yes

If it's real western cooking with a sawdust-on-the-floor atmosphere you want, it's hard to beat any of several Bill Johnson's Big Apple restaurants. Great beef ribs. And it won't bust your budget.

I just came back from Phoenix. I had a wonderful meal at a new restaurant called Red Fish in North Scottsdale. It has a New Orleans based cuisine. I would agree with everybodys choices here except for Bill Johnsons Big Apple. Unless I had a day their food has gone down hill. I am a Phoenix native and remember this restaurant when it was wonderful and fun. It still appears to be fun. 8-) If you head toward Carefree or Cavecreek be sure to try Horney Toad or Satisfied Frong....both on Cavecreek Road. It is a must for all visitors.

Just returned from Phoenix. Had wonderful lamb chops at La Fontanella. Thanks for the advice, and also that we needed reservations. Enjoyed the week even though the Cubs lost!! Also found Ernie's in Scottsdale, neighborhood bar with wonderful crab cakes.