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Scottsdale, Arizona is foodie heaven. Stroll through Old Town Scottsdale and you’ll pass rooftop lounges, mom and pop ice cream shops and outdoor wine bars. Wondering where to eat? Here are the best restaurants in Scottsdale with menu highlights.
The writer was hosted on this trip.
It won’t be easy to pick a place to eat in Scottsdale, Arizona. Do you want a table with a view? Or perhaps a cozy bistro with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients? We’ve eaten our way through the huge variety of casual and fine dining establishments in Scottsdale – here are the ones you’ll want to try on your next visit.
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Best Hotel Eats in Scottsdale
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Dining in Scottsdale is all about enjoying cooler temps in the evening. With that in mind, head to the outdoor patio at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s SWB where you can dine while gazing upon the McDowell Mountains. For starters, try the bistro’s signature guacamole spiked with lime and cilantro. Follow that with the smooth Cream of Corn & Poblano Soup. When ordering, be sure to think ahead to the HRS Cheesecake with salted caramel, roasted peanuts and chocolate ganache. You don’t want to run out of room! Menu.
Canopy Scottsdale
You don’t have to stay at this brand new Hilton property to enjoy its fabulous rooftop view of Old Town Scottsdale. Stop by the Outrider lounge to enjoy open-air appetizers and happy hour specials. I recommend the tepary bean hummus! This lounge is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Menu.
The Phoenician
Another glorious spot for an evening meal is the expansive porch of The Phoenician’s Mowry & Cotton. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this modern American restaurant has a wonderful selection of salads, starters, bowls, flatbreads and vegetable sides. For a casual dining experience, order dishes to sample and share with the table. Then, enjoy the view of the resort pools below. I enjoyed the Mowry Chop salad and the Buccatini Pasta. Kids will love their options, too, which include mocktails and gelato for dessert! Menu.
Best Brunch in Scottsdale
Hash Kitchen
Hands down, the best over-the-top brunch in Scottsdale can be found at Hash Kitchen in Gainey Ranch. But this place is wildly popular. And they don’t take reservations, so try to visit at an off-time. When ordering, know that the portions are huge, so be prepared to share. My sizzling carnitas hash, which came in its own cast-iron skillet, was the only meal I needed that day. But, if you can, try to save room for cannoli donuts and possibly a mimosa flight (filled with edible glitter!). Menu.
Best Lunch in Scottsdale
New Wave Market
If you’re looking for a light lunch, New Wave Market is just the ticket! This locally-owned eatery offers quick and delicious handmade breads, salads, ice creams, baked goods and locally roasted coffee. Husband-wife team Sergio and Country Velador make fresh food and desserts that will refresh you on a hot Arizona day. The Stetson Chopped Salad hits the spot. And, you’ll definitely want to pick up some cookies to enjoy later. Note that the shop is closed on Sunday and Monday. Menu.
Best Wine Tasting in Scottsdale
LDV Winery Tasting Room
Why yes, this is a list of family-friendly restaurants, but kids can join you on LDV’s large outdoor patio as you give Arizona wines a try. And, you should! LDV Winery, a family-owned estate in Arizona’s Chiricahua Mountain foothills, has been producing award-winning Rhone variety wines since 2002. Stop by the LDV Winery tasting room to sample a flight of vegan, gluten-free and sustainably grown wines. You may even be served by the charming owners, Peggy Fiandaca and Curt Dunham!
Best Modern Latin Flavors in Scottsdale
The Mission
If you want to dine at The Mission (and you do), make a reservation a few weeks in advance. This popular restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale delights with its tableside guacamole. Also try the signature margarita made with Corazon Reposado tequila and agave. I recommend ordering the grilled street corn and white bean purée to accompany your tortilla chips. Those dishes alone may fill you up! Menu.
Still hungry? Check out the restaurant scene in Chicago, San Diego and Punta Gorda, Florida.
Want more? Here is a sampling of the Scottsdale restaurants I am excited to try next!
Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale
Fat Ox
After opening The Mission, Chef Matt Carter took on this new venture, serving up modern takes on the hearty recipes of rural Italy. Housed inside a stylish dining room, Fat Ox features sharable starters, including hand-pulled cheeses, house-made pasta and signature Caesar salads prepared tableside. Menu.
Marcellino Ristorante
Chef Marcellino Verzino was born on his family’s farm in the Campania region of Italy. He began cooking at the age of 12. Today, Verzino and his wife, Sima, proudly operate this beautiful downtown Scottsdale restaurant, where they serve historic Italian recipes with the finest and freshest ingredients. Menu.
Pizza Restaurants in Scottsdale
Craft 64
Craft 64 is an artisan wood-fired pizza restaurant with 36 local Arizona craft beers on tap, wines by the glass and a comfortable neighborhood atmosphere. The restaurant sources its own produce, dairy and meats locally and hand makes its own mozzarella cheese and fresh dough in-house daily. Menu.
Healthy Eats in Scottsdale
Farm & Craft
Farm & Craft’s Wellness Menu offers healthy and sustainable meals prepared with gluten-free, organic and hormone-free ingredients. Menu.
FnB
Chef Charleen Badman, a recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2019 Best Chef: Southwest, is known for her locally sourced elevated vegetable creations. Menu.
Comfort Food in Scottsdale
Citizen Public House
Chef Bernie Kantak’s upscale gastropub is locally renowned for its starters like pork belly pastrami and grilled octopus. Thanks to its bold flavors, Citizen Public House landed on the USA Today list of best Scottsdale restaurants in 2016. Menu.
Barbecue Restaurants in Scottsdale
Starlite BBQ and Whiskey Bar
Starlite BBQ and Whiskey Bar is a casual neighborhood restaurant offering a variety of smoked and grilled meats. Vegetarian, vegan and healthy choices are also available. All desserts are made in-house by the pastry chef. And, of course, there is a full bar. Menu.
Asian
Malee’s Thai Bistro
Malee’s uses only authentic Thai spices imported directly from Thailand. Plus, curbside pickup is available. Menu.
Hiro Sushi
Hiro Sushi offers traditional Japanese food, including sashimi, served fresh from Hiro San’s sushi bar and kitchen. Menu.
Best New Restaurants
FRANCINE
Born in Provence, France, the well-known and respected restauranteur Laurent Halasz brings a wealth of culinary knowledge to the Valley restaurant scene. His new restaurant—an homage to his mother, Francine—offers a fresh take on French Mediterranean cuisine. Menu.
Pizzeria Virtu
Pizzeria Virtu is the latest creation of Chef Gio Osso, a long-time Phoenix area favorite. Having trained through the VPN Americas, he became a certified pizzaiolo by the AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) the governing body which upholds the traditions of Napoletana style pizza. Menu.
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