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.
Pair wine or a specialty cocktail, such as the Cherry-Pistachio Negroni, with your meal at The Ends in Scottsdale.
Tirion Boan
The Ends
7137 E. Stetson Drive, ScottsdaleThe newest restaurant on this list, The Ends made a great impression right out of the gate. Prior to opening, the owners teased that the new spot would be inspired by the late chef, world traveler and television personality Anthony Bourdain. In doing so, they set some lofty expectations for themselves. But the restaurant and its kitchen deliver. Pastas are handmade and tender, portions are generous such as the massive eight-bone rack of lamb and the ambiance fosters connection and conversation. There's an element of Scottsdale's extravagance, delivered with a heavy dose of fun. For example, the Bovine Tartare is less minced raw meat and more giant, Flintstone-style bone complete with sugar-crusted marrow. There's Japanese Wagyu served in a milk bread sando, and for dessert, a play on a nostalgic banana split. The Ends is a little classy, a little fun and a lot delicious.
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. They are accompanied by duck sausage and brightened by huckleberry. The 25-layer lasagna is a showstopper. 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 wine list is filled with Arizona wines allowing 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.
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 fennel and cucumber before diving into a tender rack of lamb or decadent 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.
Hush Public House
14202 N. Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleChef Dom Ruggiero has been busy over the past couple of years opening Fire at Will and the former 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 Italian Beef with braised oxtail or the roasted halibut with tomato risotto. Finish your meal with the Date Cake, a sticky toffee pudding by another name, for a decadent, bourbon-tinged treat.
