Where to Eat in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Dining

Although Scottsdale’s nickname is the “West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale is an upscale community in the heart of Arizona. Part of the fun of traveling to Scottsdale is getting to taste the local cuisine. While Scottsdale has your usual fast food joints and chain restaurants, there are several Scottsdale restaurants unique to the area. Why not try something you can’t have back home? Restaurants in Scottsdale  Arizona appeal to a variety of palettes - from the spicy cuisine of the Southwest, to family-style steakhouses, to rich Italian dining.

The British Open Pub & Grill

This Scottsdale restaurant serves up traditional British fare; however, it’s a far cry from your typical pub grub. Stop in any night of the week for a beer – there are over 50 to choose from, and they’re not domestic pilsners so branch out and try a pint. With a Specials Board that changes daily, The British Open serves experimental dishes from around the world, as well as home-style favorites like fish n chips and bangers n mash. And of course there’s a big screen TV where you can keep up with sports. Cheers to that!
 

Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse & Microbrewery

Out of all the restaurants in Scottsdale, this one wins the prize for paying homage to the the old days of the Wild West. This is the place to come when you need a good juicy steak burger and a heaping plate of cowboy beans or a baked potato. And that’s not all. Pinnacle Peak Scottsdale also boasts a microbrewery where you can get a pale ale or a Hefeweizen with your meal. After dinner stick around for some two-stepping or line dancing. Yee haw!
 

Palm Court

Old world continental cuisine is what this Scottsdale eatery is famous for – that and their decadent Sunday brunch. With a well-dressed wait staff and elegant décor, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back into an era where people used to change into proper clothes to eat a meal. You’ll be impressed with tableside preparations and the personalized matchbooks (if you call enough ahead). With a romantic atmosphere and live guitar music, it’s the perfect place to bring a date. Nothing about Palm Court is overdone – not even the prices.
 

Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar

Foodies, listen up. No vacation in Scottsdale is gastronomically complete without a meal at Tapino’s. With a happy hour, dinner and late night menu, you’ll have several options; nibble on tapas over drinks (at the horseshoe bar or the outdoor patio) or feast on a four-course dinner. And while this wine bar may not serve the most authentic Spanish cuisine, following the popular fusion trend, you have to remember, after all, that you’re in Scottsdale. Food at Tapino’s won’t disappoint even the pickiest American diner. And wine connoisseurs should not miss the fabulous wine flights.
 

Café Forte’s Bistro & Wine Bar

Sometimes you just need a little comfort food. Located in the art district of Scottdale’s Old Town, Café Forte is one of those places that make you feel at home as soon as you step through the door. With a comfortable atmosphere you’ll be presented with a bunch of healthy versions of the favorites you grew up with, meaning organic produce, hormone-free meat, and fresh local ingredients. Be sure to save room for the fresh peach pie and support America’s local farmers.
 

Frank & Lupe’s Old Mexico

If you’re looking for some authentic Mexican cuisine, head to Frank & Lupe’s where the fresh salsa and cold margaritas will make you feel as if you’re South of the border and not in an upscale Arizona city. Great for happy hours, this Scottsdale mainstay has a patio perfect for socializing after work and on weekends. With combination of interior dishes (a far cry from Taco Bell) and Southwestern dishes, you may be introduced to some cuisine you can’t get in your neck of the woods. Hint: Arrive early as seating is limited.

Don & Charlie’s

A Scottsdale landmark with a reputation that precedes it, Don & Charlie’s is a no frills, what you see is what you get kind of restaurant. (Don’t let the white clothed tables fool you). For folks who prefer good old American cuisine: USDA steaks, BBQ baby back ribs, chicken and veal – this place is a carnivore’s delight. Sports fans, take note: This Scottsdale restaurant features the largest sports memorabilia collection “west of the Missisippi.” Steak and sports and Scottsdale. It doesn’t get much better than this.
 

Sea Saw

Over 2,500 wines reside patiently in Sea Saw's cellar, awaiting that perfect pairing with chef Nobuo Fukuda's dramatically-prepared sushi masterpieces. Be adventurous with shinshu mushi (sea bass with green tea soba noodles in mushroom broth) or octopus with buffalo mozzarella and tomato. For a special night out, call ahead to reserve the 10-course omakase tasting menu, which runs $125-175 with wine. Described by the chef as "Japanese tapas," these creations combine unusual textures and flavors for a truly unique culinary experience

Rancho Pinot Grill

Laid-back and unpretentious, this Valley restaurant serves creative interpretations of comfort food. The interior is totally personal, an off-beat cowboy decor enlivened by hip accents. The cuisine, which has garnered a number of awards, places an emphasis on local, organic foods. The menu constantly changes and is dependent on whatever is fresh and available each day. Many of the entrees are grilled or cooked in a wood-burning oven, imparting them with a smoky flavor that seems appropriate to the region. The wine list, all 5000 bottles of it, ensures that each meal will find its best complement.