Best Scottsdale Restaurants

Here are some of the best‑regarded restaurants in Scottsdale, across fine dining, upscale casual, and fun local spots.

Fine dining and special occasions

Cafe Monarch – Multi‑course prix‑fixe New American in an elegant, chandelier‑lit Old Town house; one of Scottsdale’s top romantic, special‑occasion destinations.
Ocean 44 – Splashy steak and seafood house with raw‑bar towers, prime steaks, and a strong wine list, popular for celebrations.
Virtu Honest Craft – Intimate Mediterranean/Italian‑inspired restaurant with a seasonal, chef‑driven menu and excellent cocktails.
Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse / Dominick’s Steakhouse / Talavera – High‑end steakhouses known for polished service and classic sides.

Upscale but relaxed favorites

Olive & Ivy – Californian‑Mediterranean food with a big canal‑side patio at Scottsdale Waterfront; great for brunch, happy hour, or dinner.
Citizen Public House – Upscale gastropub in Old Town with craft cocktails and creative New American dishes (their chopped salad is a local classic).
The Mission (Old Town) – Modern Latin restaurant known for table‑side guacamole, tacos, and a deep tequila list.
The House Brasserie – Romantic Victorian‑style house with refined New American fare and a charming patio.
Oliver’s Modern American – Newer modern‑American spot drawing buzz for steaks, scallops, and cocktails in stylish surrounds.

Local flavor and fun atmosphere

Carlsbad Tavern – New Mexican/Southwestern comfort food (green chile, blue‑corn enchiladas) in a cave‑themed space, open late and great for groups.
HULA’S Modern Tiki – Polynesian‑inspired plates and tiki drinks, lively but laid‑back, good for happy hour or casual dinner.
Farm & Craft – Health‑oriented bowls, flatbreads, and cocktails with lots of organic, gluten‑free, and vegan options.
Karsen’s Grill – Cozy neighborhood bar‑and‑grill with excellent burgers, salads, and a friendly, low‑key vibe.

Notable chef‑driven picks from local “best of” lists

FnB – James‑Beard‑winning, vegetable‑forward New American restaurant with an all‑Arizona wine list; frequently cited as Scottsdale’s most influential spot.
Hush Public House – Small, chef‑driven restaurant in north Scottsdale focused on big‑flavor seasonal plates.
Fat Ox – Modern Italian steakhouse known for house‑made pastas and wood‑fired meats.

Quick reference table

Type	Restaurant	Neighborhood / Note
Fine dining	Cafe Monarch	Old Town; prix‑fixe, very romantic.
Steak & seafood	Ocean 44	Near Fashion Square; buzzy, upscale.
Chef‑driven Mediterranean	Virtu Honest Craft	Old Town; intimate, seasonal.
Mediterranean/Brunch	Olive & Ivy	Waterfront; big patio, all‑day.
Gastropub	Citizen Public House	Old Town; cocktails, chopped salad.
Modern Latin	The Mission	Old Town; table‑side guac, tequila.
Southwestern/New Mexican	Carlsbad Tavern	Hayden Rd; fun cave theme.
Tiki / Polynesian	HULA’S Modern Tiki	Old Town; tiki drinks, casual.
Health‑forward	Farm & Craft	Old Town; bowls, GF/vegan.
Neighborhood grill	Karsen’s Grill	Old Town; burgers & beers.

Author

Editor at Large

As an author and restaurant food reviewer, my duties include visiting various dining establishments to taste and evaluate their food, service, ambiance, and overall experience. I carefully assess the quality, flavor, presentation, and portion sizes of dishes, and observe the atmosphere and customer service. After these visits, I write detailed, honest, and engaging reviews that accurately reflect my dining experience, aiming to help readers make informed decisions about where to eat. I also stay updated on food trends, maintain high standards of objectivity, and ensure my content is clear and insightful for my audience.