The stunning McDowell Mountains surround this Arizona city in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. In Scottsdale, temperatures soar in the summer but remain mild in winter when visitors flock to golf courses, hiking trails, and bike paths.
Scottsdale has no shortage of exceptional restaurants, from Southwestern fare to fusion.
Read on to learn my choices of where to eat in Scottsdale, including restaurants that have been in business for decades and a couple that are new to the culinary scene.
1. La Fogata
As the sun dropped and the sky turned intense colors of violet and orange, I savored a warm Arizona evening on the patio at La Fogata, Scottsdale Resort & Spa.
The terrace overlooks the 18th hole of the McCormick Ranch Golf Course and Scottsdale’s iconic Camelback Mountain.
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Even with the classic Arizona setting, the roasted salmon succotash–with couscous, ancient grains, grilled corn, tomatoes, and chipotle–was why this restaurant makes my list for where to eat in Scottsdale.
Locally sourced ingredients tasted like they had just been plucked from a garden. The salmon was flaky and moist and grilled to the exact medium-rare doneness.
After-Dinner Speakeasy
I skipped dessert and found my way to the resort’s speakeasy, The Madam, for a nightcap. Location hint: Check out the Social Boardroom, which features chess, a pool table, a shuffleboard, and a golf simulator. Like any good speakeasy, the entrance is hidden in plain sight.
And no, the password isn’t “open sesame.” Staff whisper the magic phrase to gain access.
The bartender mixes classic cocktails, such as an old-fashioned. Just don’t order a beer or glass of wine; cocktails are the only libations on the menu.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton, recently underwent a $40 million renovation, so everything is shiny new. Not only does the resort house one of my favorite places to eat in Scottsdale, but its proximity to Old Town Scottsdale makes it an ideal location from which to explore.
Read More: From Flamboyant Sunsets to Foodie Faves: The Best of Scottsdale
2. Tortilla Factory
At the tortilla station near the Old Town Tortilla Factory’s entrance, a woman named Lulu churned out one delicious-smelling tortilla after another.
She stopped long enough to pose for a photo before a nearby mural, holding a basket of freshly made beauties, just cooked and browned on a hot grill.
Tucked away in Old Town Scottsdale, a historic part of town filled with art galleries and bougie shops, the Old Town Tortilla Factory has delighted customers with fresh tortillas for over two decades. Built in an adobe home, the Tortilla Factory feels authentic and welcoming.
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Food at the Old Town Tortilla Factory is described as “Southwestern with a Mexican twist.”
A good choice is the Oaxaca Bowl, made with sauteed scallops or shrimp, tossed with poblano chiles, corn, cilantro and garlic in a cream sauce; or the grilled mahi mahi fish tacos.
The freshly made tortillas tasted more flavorful and soft than I’m used to. Knowing Lulu had just prepared the tortillas, they tasted even better.
3. El Encanto Cantina & Restaurant, Family-Owned for Three Decades
The temperature felt oven-hot, but the frozen margarita was icy as I sipped a tequila-laden glass of deliciousness at El Encanto Cantina & Restaurant in Cave Creek, about a 30-minute drive from Scottsdale.
This family-owned cantina opened in 1989 with Mexican-inspired furnishings and food.
On the restaurant’s menu, along with a list of awards, is one description that reads, “Like a trip to Mexico but without the long drive.”
The patio, next to a pond home to ducks and turtles, is the most fun and lively place to sit. A pitcher of margaritas sits on many of the tables, and misters spray a cooling spray of fine mist over the patio.
Within minutes of sitting down, a server delivered a tray of three salsas, ranging from mild to hot, with a basket of warm chips. The luscious salsas, made onsite, contain tomatoes, jalapeno, roasted chiles, cilantro, and chipotle.
I ordered ceviche, a cheese crisp (you won’t find it on the menu, even though it’s a customer favorite), and spinach enchiladas.
Even though it’s a bit of a drive from Scottsdale, El Encanto is worth every mile.
4. Hula’s Modern Tiki
Also located in Old Town Scottsdale, Hula’s Modern Tiki offers a taste of the tropics in the middle of the desert.
With tiki décor, surfer vibes, and Hawaiian music playing, Hula’s is a terrific choice when deciding where to eat in Scottsdale.
My favorite items were the spicy seaweed salad, ahi, and fresh yellowfin tuna. They even serve cold brew Kona coffee.
Hula’s Modern Tiki also serves bowls, tacos, and burgers. The drink menu includes tropical cocktails such as mai-tais and a blue Hawaiian (coconut rum, vodka, sweet & sour, blue curacao, coconut, and pineapple). I was pleased to see a Red Stripe beer, which is a Jamaican lager, on the menu.
5. Tia Carmen
Foodies will love Tia Carmen, at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.
Chef Angelo Sosa is the heart and vision behind this upscale restaurant.
You may recognize his name from the popular show Top Chef. Sosa, a culinary genius, finished as a runner-up.
Chef Sosa was not on site when I dined at Tia Carmen, but his flair and talent influence the restaurant’s food preparation and overall vibe.
As I entered the restaurant through massive doors, I noticed—in addition to rich, beautiful aromas—enormous lampshades hanging from lofty ceilings.
Tia Maria’s general manager, Maritza Portillo, explained that ceilings were so lofty, they needed to fill them.
“The shades are so large they can fit over a Prius,” Portillo added.
With the restaurant’s classy, elegant vibe, Tia Carmen’s real appeal is exquisite food.
Portillo told me that Sosa’s Aunt (Tia) Carmen inspired the eatery’s name and is also the inspiration behind Chef Sosa’s love of cooking.
“Chef Sosa always says it’s about delicious food made with love,” Portillo added, smiling.
I was smiling, too. After one bite of the corn tostada described on the menu as “made with elote spice, crema, feta, and cilantro,” I knew I was in for a flat-out amazing meal.
If You Go:
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton, recently underwent a $40 million renovation, including Luna Spa. Its proximity to Old Town Scottsdale makes it an ideal place to stay when exploring the area.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is also an excellent option and features Tia Carmen and Kembara, two restaurants opened by renowned Chef Angelo Sosa.
For more information about Scottsdale, visit Experience Scottsdale
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