Look beyond this buzzy stretch, and there are plenty of other finds: fine dining destinations, date-night spots, and under-the-radar neighborhood gems.
Here are our top 10 favorite places to eat in Scottsdale.
At Andreoli Italian Grocer, make sure to check out the specials board as there's always something interesting to try.
Jackie Mercandetti
Andreoli Italian Grocer
8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale
Chula Seafood
20581 Hayden Road, Scottsdale8015 E. Roosevelt St., ScottsdaleThe Heflin family has been fishing along the Pacific Coast since 2009, focused on sustainable fishing practices. They opened the first location of Chula Seafood in south Scottsdale in 2015 and the restaurant and seafood counter has been a favorite of Valley diners ever since. The menu often rotates to feature the freshest catch from the Helfin’s boat, aptly named Chula. On a chilly day, it’s hard to beat a bowl of clam chowder or the tuna melt, which gets a Southwestern makeover courtesy of Hatch green chiles and spiced Oaxacan cheese. The generally humble griddled sandwich feels luxurious thanks to confited albacore, but that richness is cut through with a side of bright, garlicky chimichurri for dunking. Chula has plenty to offer on the raw side as well, from a rotating selection of oysters and sashimi to Hawaiian-style poke. There are two great options to visit in Scottsdale – in the spot that started it all in on the south side, or in the newer Grayhawk location in north Scottsdale.
Fat Ox
6316 N. Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleFat Ox, a modern, high-end restaurant that sits on the border between Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, is a destination spot that treats customers right. Servers, who don black-tie uniforms, provide little stools to put your purse on, heaven forbid it touch the floor or hang on the back of your chair. Wine is served from individual decanters. And there's valet parking. All of this sets an expectation for excellence in the meal. A plate of fresh bread served first is an indication of what's to come. Scallops, salmon, and Ribeye fill the entrees section of the menu, but be sure not to look past the handmade pastas. In the Rosso Creste di Gallo, the individual pieces of house-made pasta are a wine-shade of purple and maintain a sturdy and satisfying bite. The 25-layer lasagna is a showstopper and the Garganelli sings with black truffle butter. Just like the decor and drinks at this high-end restaurant, the food is fit for a special occasion.
Though "seasonal" and "local" have become culinary buzzwords for many restaurants, Scottsdale's FnB restaurant embodies the spirit of these movements. FnB also takes both to another level. James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman turns simple, local produce into fare that's at once comforting and novel. Drawing inspiration from international cuisine, she creates a menu that changes almost constantly but often includes dishes made with locally raised chicken and produce grown mere miles from the restaurant. The service is always friendly, and the restaurant's Arizona wine list allows diners to explore the state's offerings. The colorful FnBar, on one side of the restaurant, is an ideal space for opening or capping a night of eating.
Hai Noon
7017 E. McDowell RoadJames Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda has made a triumphant return with Hai Noon. He left downtown Phoenix for Scottsdale and opened his latest restaurant inside the renovated hotel Sonder The Mariposa. The dining room and bar have a vintage charm with turquoise horseshoe-shaped booths, warm woods, exposed stone and macrame-wrapped lights. The taut but shareable menu leans into seafood, such as the tuna, seared and served with a punchy beetroot puree and pinot noir reduction, or the sea bream, which is cured, letting its brine and sweetness shine through. The land-based dishes are just as bright. The coconut curry lamb chops are bold and tender. The mushrooms, done in parchment with sake, soy, garlic butter and trottole pasta, are packed with umami. The cocktails likewise wow. The Honey Dew Me Rumchata, a rum-based drink, is playful and packed with melon flavor thanks to honeydew syrup and frozen melon balls.
Stop in for a cocktail and a light bite at the bar area of Francine.
Jackie Mercandetti
Francine
4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Travel to a beautiful, modern, French countryside mansion without leaving Scottsdale at Francine. This swanky, high-ceilinged spot, located at the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, is the perfect destination for a date night or a celebratory meal. Start with a cocktail and a plate of salty, savory tuna tartare or fresh hamachi crudo with pine nuts, before diving into an herb-crusted rack of lamb or lobster pasta. If a full dinner isn't in your plans, grab a stool at the bar and watch as bartenders craft cocktails in gold shakers while you sip on a glass of wine or shot of espresso and people watch. This spot is both elegant and full of energy, making for an entertaining and delicious experience. 
Hai Noon offers classics along with the unexpected from its home within a renovated Scottsdale hotel.
Sara Crocker
Hai Noon
7017 E. McDowell RoadJames Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukuda has made a triumphant return with Hai Noon. He left downtown Phoenix for Scottsdale and opened his latest restaurant inside the renovated hotel Sonder The Mariposa. The dining room and bar have a vintage charm with turquoise horseshoe-shaped booths, warm woods, exposed stone and macrame-wrapped lights. The taut but shareable menu leans into seafood, such as the tuna, seared and served with a punchy beetroot puree and pinot noir reduction, or the sea bream, which is cured, letting its brine and sweetness shine through. The land-based dishes are just as bright. The coconut curry lamb chops are bold and tender. The mushrooms, done in parchment with sake, soy, garlic butter and trottole pasta, are packed with umami. The cocktails likewise wow. The Honey Dew Me Rumchata, a rum-based drink, is playful and packed with melon flavor thanks to honeydew syrup and frozen melon balls.
The Italian beef with snapped peas and Boulevardier cocktail at Hush Public House.
Jackie Mercandetti Photo
Hush Public House
14202 N. Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleChef Dom Ruggiero has been busy over the past couple of years opening Fire at Will and Bar Cena. But his original spot stands the test of time. Hush Public House is a minimally decorated strip mall restaurant where the focus is on one thing, and one thing only: food brimming with flavor. Start your meal with Ruggiero's most famous appetizer, an entire head of fried cauliflower. Next, move on to the Duck Fried Rice which is served with a runny egg on top and includes a generous portion of duck confit strewn throughout tender rice and veggies. Finish your meal with the Date Cake, a sticky toffee pudding by another name, for a decadent, bourbon-tinged treat. Before or after your meal, stop by Bar Cena for a quick cocktail next door.
