Scottsdale Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Scottsdale. Your complete guide to dining in Scottsdale.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Scottsdale! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Scottsdale has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Scottsdale's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Scottsdale like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Scottsdale offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Scottsdale.
Olive & Ivy
Highly rated American in Scottsdale with 4.6 stars from 5692 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7135 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
elements
Highly rated Restaurant in Scottsdale with 4.6 stars from 1280 reviews.
📍 5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
ZuZu
Highly rated American in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1160 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Cafe Monarch
Highly rated American in Scottsdale with 4.8 stars from 1477 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 6939 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Cala Scottsdale
Highly rated Mediterranean in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1804 reviews.
📍 7501 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Mediterranean cuisine
The Frybread Lounge
Highly rated American in Scottsdale with 4.8 stars from 442 reviews.
📍 7211 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Élephante Scottsdale
Highly rated Italian in Scottsdale with 4.3 stars from 553 reviews.
📍 7014 E Camelback Rd #601, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Francine Restaurant
Highly rated French in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 1442 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 4710 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
Carlsbad Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 3238 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3313 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
PINYON – Coastal Mediterranean
Highly rated Mediterranean in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 144 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7363 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Mediterranean cuisine
The Italian Daughter
Highly rated Italian in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 1027 reviews.
📍 23655 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Call Her Martina
Highly rated Mexican in Scottsdale with 4.6 stars from 509 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7135 E Camelback Rd #165, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Mexican cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Scottsdale.
Fry's Marketplace
Highly rated Bakery in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1591 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 4707 E Shea Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Caspian Food Market
Highly rated International in Scottsdale with 4.3 stars from 214 reviews.
📍 17040 N Scottsdale Rd #108, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Albertsons
Highly rated Bakery in Scottsdale with 4.3 stars from 1482 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 2785 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market - open October through May
Highly rated International in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 756 reviews.
📍 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 1952 reviews.
📍 7555 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Sprouts Farmers Market
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1588 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4402 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
AJ's Fine Foods
Highly rated International in Scottsdale with 4.4 stars from 530 reviews.
📍 15031 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Scottsdale with 4.6 stars from 4424 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 330 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Scottsdale.
Arizona Food Tours
Highly rated International in Scottsdale with 5 stars from 556 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Taste It Tours Scottsdale Food Tours
Highly rated Restaurant in Scottsdale with 4.9 stars from 676 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Scottsdale.
Grounds on 2nd
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.9 stars from 185 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3703 N 69th St #1, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Red Canyon Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 274 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7240 E Main St Suite A4, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Fourtillfour Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 529 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7105 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Schmooze
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.4 stars from 831 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4222 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Berdena's
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 528 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7051 E 5th Ave suite i, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Sip Coffee & Beer
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 865 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3617 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Tamosan Coffee Lounge
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.7 stars from 641 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 10269 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Village Coffee Roastery
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.6 stars from 499 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 8120 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Scottsdale.
Signature Dish
A must-try Scottsdale specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Scottsdale dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Scottsdale with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Scottsdale specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Scottsdale creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Scottsdale classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Scottsdale specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Scottsdale dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Scottsdale with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Scottsdale specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Scottsdale.
Coach House Entertainment
Highly rated Bar in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1079 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7011 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Old Town Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 1181 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7330 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Outrider Rooftop Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Scottsdale with 4.2 stars from 380 reviews.
📍 7142 E 1st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Cottontail Lounge
Highly rated Cafe in Scottsdale with 4.4 stars from 205 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 7277 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
One Handsome Bastard Distillery
Highly rated Bar in Scottsdale with 4.9 stars from 131 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7042 E Indian School Rd Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Mother Tucker's Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Scottsdale with 4.5 stars from 160 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4420 N Saddlebag Trail #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Scottsdale's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Scottsdale vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scottsdale is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Scottsdale offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Scottsdale specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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