From upscale dining and lively dinner spots to casual bites and the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth, here's your ultimate guide to eating your way through Scottsdale.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its beautiful desert scenery, luxury resorts, incredible shopping, and vibrant nightlife. But one thing that deserves just as much attention? The food scene.
Whether you're planning a girls' weekend, a romantic getaway, or simply visiting for a few days, Scottsdale has no shortage of incredible places to eat. From intimate fine-dining restaurants to lively dinner spots that turn into an entire night out, there's truly something for every occasion.
One of my favorite things about Scottsdale is how many great restaurants are concentrated around Old Town and the surrounding area. You can spend the afternoon shopping, grab a cocktail, enjoy an amazing dinner, and finish the night with dessert without having to venture too far.
I've rounded up some of my favorite recommendations, broken down by the type of dining experience you're looking for.
For a Fancy Dinner: Scottsdale's Best Upscale Restaurants
Sometimes you want to get dressed up, order a great cocktail, and enjoy a dinner that feels like an occasion. Scottsdale has plenty of restaurants that deliver exactly that.
The Guest House
If you're looking for a stylish, upscale dinner spot, The Guest House deserves a place on your list. It's the kind of restaurant I'd recommend for a date night or an evening when you want to dress up and enjoy a more elevated atmosphere. A great option for starting a night out in Scottsdale. They have some really unique menu items like a cotton candy mocktail, buttery croissant like bread to start, and truffle steak tartare.
Café Monarch
For a truly special dining experience, Café Monarch is one of Scottsdale's standout restaurants. Known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful setting, and refined multi-course dining, this is somewhere I'd recommend for an anniversary, birthday, or special occasion. It's definitely more of a splurge, but if you're looking for a memorable fine-dining experience, this is a great choice.
Virtù Honest Craft
For something a little more intimate, Virtù Honest Craft is a wonderful option. With its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and charming atmosphere, it feels sophisticated without being overly formal. This is a great place to slow down, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend the evening catching up over good food and wine.
Maple & Ash
If you love a luxury steakhouse experience, Maple & Ash is worth considering. Expect an upscale atmosphere, indulgent dishes, and the kind of dining experience that feels like a celebration. This would be one of my picks for a birthday dinner, couples' getaway, or a night when you're looking to go all out. Tip: Let the staff know in advance if you’re celebrating something special and they can customize your menu for you!
The Stay Edit Tip: For upscale restaurants like Café Monarch and Maple & Ash, I'd recommend making reservations well in advance, especially if you're visiting Scottsdale over a weekend.
For Dinner and an Experience: Scottsdale's Most Fun Restaurants
One thing Scottsdale does particularly well is combining dining with entertainment and atmosphere.
These are the restaurants I'd recommend when you want dinner to be more than just a meal. Whether it's the music, cocktails, decor, or overall energy, these places offer something a little extra.
Toca Madera
If you're looking for a restaurant with a lively atmosphere and beautiful interiors, Toca Madera is a must-consider. Known for its modern Mexican-inspired menu, creative cocktails, and energetic dining experience, it's a great choice for a girls' trip or celebratory dinner. This is somewhere I recommend anytime someone tells me they’re going to Scottsdale. It truly is a one of a kind place that you have to see for yourself.
WOLF by Vanderpump
For a dramatic, design-forward dining experience, WOLF by Vanderpump is definitely worth checking out. Created by Lisa Vanderpump, the restaurant is known for its elaborate decor and distinctive atmosphere. It's a fun option for anyone who loves a restaurant that feels just as much like an experience as a place to eat.
Culinary Dropout
For something a little more relaxed but still full of energy, Culinary Dropout is a great option. Think casual American comfort food, cocktails, and a social atmosphere. It's perfect for a group dinner when you want good food without the formality of a fine-dining restaurant. This spot really has it all with the best grilled bread you’ll ever eat, live DJs, and top tier service.
Reserve
If you're looking for an elevated dining experience that feels a little more exclusive, Reserve is another restaurant to consider. This is a great choice for travelers who appreciate thoughtful cuisine and a more intimate setting. I'd recommend it for a special evening when you want the dining experience itself to be the main event.
Carlsbad Tavern
For something completely different, Carlsbad Tavern brings a Southwestern-inspired atmosphere with a unique cave-like setting. This bat themed restaurant has a great happy hour and some delicious menu items like ribeye quesadillas and spicy crab cakes. It's a fun option if you're looking for a restaurant with personality, bold flavors, and something a little outside the traditional Scottsdale dining scene.
The Stay Edit Tip: If you're visiting Scottsdale for a girls' weekend or birthday trip, I'd put Toca Madera and WOLF by Vanderpump near the top of your list. They're great choices when you want a fun atmosphere to be part of the evening.
For a Quick Bite: Casual Restaurants Worth Trying
Not every meal needs to be a fancy dinner. Sometimes you're coming back from the pool, spending the afternoon shopping, or simply want something good without making a big production out of it.
Luckily, Scottsdale has plenty of casual restaurants that are perfect for lunch or an easy dinner.
Farm & Craft
Farm & Craft is a great option when you're craving something fresh and a little lighter. With a health-conscious approach to dining and a bright, welcoming atmosphere, it's a nice change of pace from some of Scottsdale's heavier restaurant options. I'd recommend this for lunch after a morning exploring Old Town.
Moxies
If you're looking for a casual but polished restaurant with a broad menu, Moxies is a solid choice. It's a great spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks with friends, especially when everyone in your group is craving something different.
Karsen's Grill
For a more laid-back, local feel, Karsen's Grill is worth adding to your list. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that's perfect when you want a casual meal without all the bells and whistles. A great option for stepping away from Scottsdale's more upscale dining scene.
Rehab Burger Therapy
Sometimes all you want is a really good burger, and that's where Rehab Burger Therapy comes in. This casual restaurant is a fun option for lunch or a relaxed dinner, especially if you're craving something hearty after a long day exploring.
Hula's Modern Tiki
If you're in the mood for something tropical, Hula's Modern Tiki offers a fun island-inspired atmosphere with creative cocktails and flavorful dishes. It's a great choice for a casual meal that still feels like you're on vacation. They have fresh fish, to die for crunchy spicy chicken tacos, and a key lime pie martini that will make you forget you are in Arizona!
The Stay Edit Tip: If you've spent the morning walking around Old Town Scottsdale, Farm & Craft, Rehab Burger Therapy, and Hula's Modern Tiki are all great options to consider for a casual lunch.
Best Mexican & Latin Restaurants in Scottsdale
You can't visit Arizona without enjoying some incredible Mexican food.
From traditional favorites to more modern Latin-inspired restaurants, Scottsdale has plenty of places to satisfy a craving for tacos, margaritas, and everything in between.
The Mission Old Town
The Mission is one of my top recommendations for Mexican-inspired dining in Scottsdale. With its sophisticated atmosphere, Latin-inspired menu, and beautiful presentation, it feels a little more elevated than your typical Mexican restaurant. It's a great choice for date night or dinner with friends.
Call Her Martina
For a more modern, lively atmosphere, Call Her Martina is another great option. It's stylish, energetic, and a fun place to enjoy Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails. This is somewhere I'd recommend for a girls' dinner or a fun evening out.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio
If you're looking for something more traditional, Los Olivos Mexican Patio is worth checking out. This longtime Scottsdale restaurant offers a classic Mexican dining experience with a casual, welcoming atmosphere. It's a great choice for anyone who appreciates an old-school local restaurant.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
For tacos, margaritas, and a laid-back atmosphere, Cien Agaves is a great option. It's especially convenient if you're spending time exploring Old Town Scottsdale and want to stop for a casual meal or drinks.
The Stay Edit Tip: If you're looking for a more upscale Mexican-inspired dinner, I'd choose The Mission or Call Her Martina. For a casual lunch and margaritas, Cien Agaves is a great pick.
Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale
Sometimes nothing sounds better than a great bowl of pasta, a glass of wine, and a cozy dinner.
Scottsdale has several Italian restaurants worth checking out, whether you're looking for something romantic or a more casual meal.
Mamma Lucy Italian
For a traditional Italian dining experience, Mamma Lucy Italian is a restaurant to consider. It's a great option when you're craving familiar Italian favorites and a relaxed atmosphere.
Pasta Brioni
Pasta Brioni is another solid choice for Italian food in Scottsdale. With a menu centered around classic Italian dishes, it's a great spot for a comfortable dinner with family or friends.
Spiga Cucina Italiana
For something a little more polished, Spiga Cucina Italiana offers an inviting atmosphere and Italian-inspired cuisine. It's a nice option for a date night or a relaxed evening when you're looking for a more elevated Italian dinner.
Marcellino Ristorante
If you're looking for a romantic Italian restaurant, Marcellino Ristorante deserves a spot on your list. Known for its handmade pasta and refined Italian dining experience, it's a wonderful choice for a special evening.
The Stay Edit Tip: For a romantic Italian dinner, I'd lean toward Marcellino Ristorante. If you're looking for something more casual, Pasta Brioni is a great place to start.
Best Desserts & Sweet Treats in Scottsdale
No vacation is complete without something sweet.
Whether you're looking for ice cream after dinner or an afternoon treat while exploring Old Town, Scottsdale has some great options.
Dessert in Desert
For something indulgent, Dessert in Desert is a fun stop to consider. It's a great choice when you're craving a sweet treat after a long day of exploring.
Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl is a Scottsdale classic and one of the most charming dessert stops in the area. With its retro pink interiors and old-fashioned ice cream parlor atmosphere, it's a fun place to visit for both the desserts and the experience. I'd especially recommend this if you're exploring Old Town.
Sweet Republic
If you're an ice cream lover, Sweet Republic is worth checking out. Known for its creative flavors and artisan approach to ice cream, it's a great option when you want something a little different from your typical scoop.
Shakes & Cones
For a simple but delicious dessert stop, Shakes & Cones is another great option. Whether you're craving a milkshake or a frozen treat, it's an easy way to finish off an afternoon or evening in Scottsdale.
The Stay Edit Tip: Sugar Bowl is a must-consider if you love charming, nostalgic spots. It's also a fun place to stop for photos while exploring Old Town.
Best Coffee Shops in Scottsdale
If you're anything like me, finding a good coffee shop is an essential part of exploring a new city.
And while there's nothing wrong with Starbucks or Dutch Bros, sometimes it's nice to branch out and try something local.
Scottsdale has some great independent cafés that are perfect for grabbing your morning coffee before a day of shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing by the pool.
Fourtillfour Café
If you appreciate a coffee shop with personality, Fourtillfour is worth visiting. Known for its automotive-inspired atmosphere and stylish setting, it's a fun stop for coffee lovers looking for something different.
Bright Side Café
Bright Side Café is another spot to keep on your radar for a relaxed morning coffee or casual café stop. It's a nice option when you want to slow down and enjoy the morning before starting your day.
Three Beans Café
For a cozy coffee shop experience, Three Beans Café is another great choice. Whether you're grabbing something to go or sitting down for a little while, it's a nice alternative to the larger coffee chains.
Awaken Café
Awaken Café is another option to consider if you're looking to switch up your usual morning coffee routine. It's worth adding to your list if you enjoy discovering new cafés while traveling.
The Stay Edit Tip: If you want a coffee stop that feels especially Scottsdale, I'd start with Fourtillfour. It's a fun alternative to the typical coffee chain and a great addition to a morning exploring the area.
Final Thoughts: Scottsdale Is a Food Lover's Destination
One of the best things about visiting Scottsdale is that there's truly a restaurant for every occasion.
You can spend one evening enjoying an upscale dinner at Café Monarch, the next having cocktails and a lively meal at Toca Madera, and the following afternoon grabbing burgers or tacos while exploring Old Town.
And with so many great restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots concentrated around Scottsdale, you won't have to go far to find something worth trying.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, girls' weekend, or your first Arizona vacation, I'd recommend building at least a few of these restaurants into your itinerary.
For more Scottsdale inspiration, be sure to check out The Stay Edit's Ultimate Scottsdale Travel Guide, where I share my recommendations for where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in the desert.
Happy travels, and happy eating!
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