So many great restaurants, so little time in South/Old Town Scottsdale.
The Breakfast Club
American
4400 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-222-2582, breakfastclub.us
Wake up and smell the coffee. This sunny, upscale spot serves breakfast all day, and the choices are awesome. Try the huevos con masa, eggs Benedict (in all of its delicious versions) and the bananas Foster pancakes. Other locations: CityScape (602-354-7284), Biltmore (602-661-3443). $-$$
Arcadia Farms Cafe
French/American
7025 E. First Ave., 480-941-5665, arcadiafarmscafe.com
Cozy and cluttered, this quaint cottage is where everyone goes for the quintessential grazer lunch. Try the strawberry chicken salad or the yummy turkey and Brie sandwich. $-$$
Atlas Bistro
Eclectic
2515 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-990-2433, atlasbistrobyob.com
Tucked away inside AZ Wine Co., this tiny BYOB feels cozy and a little quirky, thanks to an eclectic menu and wine-geek servers. The Southwestern-edged menu changes frequently, but always includes red meat, seafood and vegetarian options. $$$
Barrio Queen
Mexican
Seven Valley locations, barrioqueen.com
Gourmet Mexican food is on la mesa at this Old Town Scottsdale hot spot. Don’t miss the elote or fresh guacamole sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. $-$$$
The Beverly on Main
American
7018 E. Main St., 480-889-5580, beverlyonmain.com
This buzzy, cheeky spot might have the most eyebrow-raising cocktail names in the Valley: M.I.L.F. (tequila, agave nectar, orange Cognac, lime, chile rim) and Pirate Hooker (rum, mead, orange Cognac, lime, passion fruit), to name a few printable ones. $$
Berdena’s
Coffee
7100 E. Fifth Ave., 480-256-1403, berdenas.com
This cute corner coffee shop is bright, airy and flush with delicious pastries and coffee creations. Try the honey-lavender latte. $
Café Monarch
New American
6939 E. First Ave., 480-970-7682, cafemonarch.com
Feeling flush? You’ll need to be to partake of a scrumptious four-course prix fixe dinner at this elegant fine dining restaurant, where the atmosphere is quiet, the wine list is deep and every server and sommelier is ultra-attentive. $$$-$$$$
Chula Seafood
Seafood
8015 E. Roosevelt St., 480-621-5121, chulaseafood.com
Don’t be turned off by the run-down strip mall that houses this seafood market and restaurant specializing in fresh fish caught off the Southern California coast. $$
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
Mexican
7228 E. First Ave., 480-970-9002, cienagaves.com
This lively, colorful cantina serves up fresh, excellent margaritas (made with more than 100 premium tequilas). Tacos come 13 different ways and can be ordered by the platter. The Kahlúa flan, sopapillas and churro sundae are crave-worthy. $-$$
Citizen Public House
New American
7111 E. Fifth Ave., 480-398-4208, citizenpublichouse.com
Old Town’s original gastropub still has it going on. Updated menu items like seared venison with burnt honey jus, and Mediterranean sea bass with rainbow chard promise palate satisfaction. The trailblazing cocktails remain first-rate. $$-$$$
Cornish Pasty Co.
British/Pub Grub
3800 N. Goldwater Blvd. , 480-945-1220, cornishpastyco.com
Everything is better when it’s encased in flaky pastry dough, right? That’s the prevailing philosophy behind Cornish Pasty Co. The local mini-chain has been slugging out pasties – big, calzone-like British pastries filled with savory, stew-y fillings – since 2005. $-$$
Diego Pops
Mexican
4338 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-970-1007, diegopops.com
This Old Town eatery serves tacos, appetizers and salads along with killer soft-serve sundaes. Try one of more than 30 tequilas that range in price from $7 to $80 a shot. They pair well with the Brussels sprouts nachos with beet crema. $-$$
EVO
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., 480-265-9814, evoscottsdale.com
Various star chefs have elevated this Old Town eatery with handmade pastas, intensely flavored sauces and delightful specialty meat dishes. $$-$$$
Farm & Craft
Healthy
4302 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-568-8980, ilovefarmandcraft.com
This great-looking “farm-to-table” eatery excels at the breakfast sandwich and a fleet of sides. The indoor-outdoor bar is lively and gorgeous. $-$$
Fellow Osteria
Modern Italian
1455 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-207-1864, fellowosteria.com
Brought to you by Nicholas Campisano and Joshua James of Clever Koi and Across the Pond, this airy osteria specializes in Americanized modern Italian cuisine, plus a handful of random dishes such as a kale salad, a chicken Milanese sandwich and knock-your-calzini-off calamari fritti. $$-$$$
FnB
American
7125 E. Fifth Ave., 480-284-4777, fnbrestaurant.com
James Beard Award winner Charleen Badman serves a farm-focused menu dependent on ingredients she receives from local growers. If manti – pillowy Turkish dumplings – are on the menu, order them. The beverage list includes a generous selection of Arizona beer and wines. $$-$$$
Francine
French
4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., 480-690-6180, francinerestaurant.com
Brought to us by celebrity chef Laurent Halasz, this light, airy spot, specializing in dishes from the South of France, is a beautiful place for beautiful people, and they show up in droves for grilled octopus, steak tartare, salade Niçoise, steak frites and duck à la Provençale. $$$
Franco’s Italian Caffe
Italian
4327 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-481-7614, francosscottsdale.com
Culinary legend Franco Fazzuoli (of former Scottsdale gem Franco’s Trattoria) presides over a stellar menu of Italian dishes, ranging from penne shrimp with radicchio and chicken contadina to bistecca Fiorentina and a rotating list of specials from lobster risotto to lamb osso buco. Desserts include Governor’s Chocolate Cake, concocted by former Arizona governor Fife Symington. $$$-$$$$
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
Soul Food
3133 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-945-1920, loloschickenandwaffles.com
Lo-Lo’s is the friendliest place for soul food in the Valley. The fried chicken and waffles are outstanding, but so are the greens, mac and cheese, cornbread and red velvet cake. $
Frank & Lupe’s
Mexican
4121 N. Marshall Way, 480-990-9844, frankandlupes.com
If you’ve shied away from New Mexico-style food because you’re not keen on molten lava, head for this little café, where the carne adovada and chile poblano are never too hot. $
Geisha A Go Go
Asian
7150 E. Sixth Ave., 480-699-0055, geishaagogo.com
Asian cuisine with a little karaoke on the side. The traditional menu features meals cooked on hot rocks, a sexy sushi bar and a plethora of specialty drinks. $$-$$$
The Herb Box
Contemporary American
7051 E. Fifth Ave., 480-289-6160, theherbbox.com
The menu of this chic local favorite is a perfect fit for ladies who lunch or date night. Highlights include Korean fried cauliflower, short rib tacos, butternut squash and corn enchiladas, urban market steak salad and Guinness chocolate cake. $-$$
The House Brasserie
New American
6936 E. Main St., 480-634-1600, thehousebrasserie.com
Start your culinary world tour with oh-so-European charcuterie and cheeses paired with vino or hand-pressed cocktails like the honey-grapefruit imbued Sazerac Square, then dig into the lamb pasty, a flaky pocket of braised meat and curried potatoes. $$
Jewel of the Crown
Indian
7373 Scottsdale Mall, 480-949-8000, jewelofthecrown.net
Small but pretty, this jewel can really sparkle, thanks to its exotic setting and authentic Indian food. Try the excellent curries, vindaloos and vegetable dishes with garlic naan. The chicken tikka masala is not to be missed. $-$$
Kaz Bar
Cocktail lounge
7137 E. Stetson Dr., 480-946-3004, kazbarscottsdale.com
Reached by an unmarked back door, Kaz Bar is Scottsdale’s foremost vino speakeasy. Snacks include pâté, chopped salad and flatbread. Want to pair your Pinot with something heartier? The short rib tacos and pulled-pork sliders are savory winners. $$-$$$
Kona Grill
Eclectic
7014 E. Camelback Rd., 480-429-1100, konagrill.com
There’s something yummy for everybody at this rich-looking restaurant, where the Asian-inspired menu offers pizza, burgers and meatloaf, as well as sushi, noodles and satay. The Scottsdale location’s outdoor bar is a scene at happy hour, and a great break while shopping at Fashion Square. $$-$$$
Kyoto
Japanese
7170 E. Stetson Dr., 480-990-9374, kyotoscottsdale.com
By 6 p.m., this legendary sushi and teppanyaki restaurant is slammed with 20-somethings on their way to the clubs and Gen Xers celebrating their birthdays. High turnover equals fresh fish. $$
Los Olivos
Mexican
7328 E. Second St., 480-946-2256, losolivosrestaurants.com
This local landmark has been serving up good old-fashioned Mexican food for years. Great sour cream enchiladas, green corn tamales and steak picado. Also excellent margaritas. $-$$
Malee’s Thai Bistro
Thai
7131 E. Main St., 480-947-6042, maleesthaibistro.com
The most popular Thai restaurant in Scottsdale goes heavy on the sugar, light on the chiles. But the tom kha gai and jalapeño-fried rice are wonderful. $$
Marcellino Ristorante
Italian
7114 E. Stetson Dr., 480-990-9500, marcellinoristorante.com
Marcellino Verzino brings elegance to his modern Italian cuisine by using fresh ingredients and cooking them simply. An Old Town classic. $$-$$$
The Mission
Mexican
3815 N. Brown Ave., 480-636-5005, themissionaz.com
Super chef Matt Carter’s swanky gastro-lounge serves up mouthwatering meals and exotic cocktails, all in a quaint adobe-style setting. $$-$$$
Ocean 44
Seafood/steaks
4748 N. Goldwater Blvd., 480-867-0044, ocean44.com
This seafood restaurant is the hottest game in town for good reason: gorgeous décor, impeccable service, good booze, great steaks and lots of seafood. $$$-$$$$
Pizzeria Virtú
Italian
6952 E. Main St., 480-663-9797, pizzeriavirtu.com
Casual, family-friendly sibling to chef-owner Gio Osso’s Virtù Honest Craft,this masterful Old Town pizzeria provides the antidote to bland commercial pies, turning out no-flop oven-blistered VPN pizzas with next-level toppings such as smoked scamorza, King Oyster mushrooms and soppressata. He also offers two weekly pasta and main course specials. $$
Ra Sushi
Sushi
3815 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-990-9256, rasushi.com
Although these sexy-looking sushi bars possess traditional Japanese design elements, their menus and outlook are strictly modern. Also with locations in Ahwatukee, North Scottsdale, Chandler and Mesa. $$$
Rehab Burger Therapy
Hamburgers
7210 E. Second St., 480-621-5358, rehabburgertherapy.com
Check in for “therapy” to scarf down one of Rehab’s 11 burgers made with 100 percent USDA ground chuck beef. An Old Town hangover-beating favorite. $$
DeFalco’s Italian Grocery
Italian
2334 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-990-8660, defalcosdeli.com
A great place to grab a fat Italian sandwich or the fixings to make Italian specialties at home. Sturdy takeout entrées include lasagna and eggplant Parmesan. $
J.T. Prime
Steak
4216 N. Brown Ave., 480-597-5864, jtprimekitchen.com
Don’t be deceived by its prosaic branding – the food is anything but. Beef carpaccio, dressed with truffle oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano and capers, is a symphony of salt and umami, while a plump, pan-seared lobe of Chilean sea bass, dolled up with a red pepper vinaigrette, is positively dreamy. $$$
The Salt Cellar
Seafood
550 N. Hayden Rd., 480-947-1963, saltcellarrestaurant.com
Nobody’s put off by the dated decor of this perennially popular underground seafood joint. Excellent fresh catches and great happy-hour bargains on seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, halibut “ceviche” and mussels in butter sauce. $$-$$$
Second Story Liquor Bar
New American
4166 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-945-5555, secondstoryliquorbar.com
Take the stairs up to this swank gastropub, where global accents highlight an American menu. Good place for cocktails and street-watching on the balcony overlooking Scottsdale Road. $$-$$$
Sel
New American
7044 E. Main St., 480-949-6296, selrestaurant.com
Within the framework of a four-course prix fixe meal, chef Branden Levine offers a repertoire of ingredients and styles, shifting into different roles every few weeks in this small, quietly chic restaurant. Outstanding regular entrées include filet, duck breast and halibut, but the purées and reductions are recombined with infinite variety. $$-$$$
ShinBay
Japanese
3720 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-361-1021, shin-bay.com
You’ll need an open mind and some serious cash to partake in Shinji Kurita’s spectacular omakase, a mind-blowing, multi-course roller coaster of virtuoso Japanese cuisine, manifested in at least two dozen mostly classical preparations of seafood and exotic vegetables. $$$$
Starlite BBQ
American/Barbecue
7620 E. Indian School Rd., 480-553-9330, starlitebbq.com
Walter Sterling of Ocotillo created this small, friendly neighborhood joint, devoted to barbecue and sophisticated American dishes. You won’t want to miss the swoon-worthy grilled meatloaf – crisp-edged and fatty – or any of the great veggies and sides. $-$$
Sugar Bowl
American
4005 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-946-0051, sugarbowlscottsdale.com
Known Valleywide, this pink-and-white ’50s ice cream parlor makes shakes, sundaes and banana splits. Dive into dessert first, then have soup, a sandwich or any of the offered daily specials. $
SumoMaya
Asian-Mexican fusion
6560 N. Scottsdale Rd., 480-397-9520, sumomaya.com
SumoMaya lives up to the cultural seesaw of its name, with fine fusion cuisine that marries the flavors of Mexico and Asia in a high-intensity exposition kitchen. The décor includes whimsical luchador masks and a sunglasses-wearing Buddha. Menu selections are equally adventurous, from king crab guacamole to pork belly pozole ramen. End on a sweet note with fluffy tres leches cake or the eatery’s signature Green “Magic” Mojito. $$-$$$$
Tapas Papa Frita
Spanish
7114 E. Stetson Dr., 480-699-5004, tapaspapafrita.com
Sitting on the patio along the bank of the Arizona Canal sipping a Spanish red is a lovely way to spend an evening. Order tapas of marinated manchego cheese, share a well-crafted paella Valenciana or cut into a filet mignon with melted Spanish blue cheese. $$-$$$
Toca Madera
Modern Mexican
4736 N. Goldwater Blvd., 480-478-0157, tocamadera.com
This dazzling Modern Mexican eatery, a West Hollywood import, offers reinvented Mexican food, much of it organic, vegetarian or vegan. Plan to spend astronomical sums for fried calamari, sashimi Mexicano and American Wagyu cooked on a hot rock. $$$-$$$$
Virtù Honest Craft
Mediterranean
3701 N. Marshall Way, 480-946-3477, virtuscottsdale.com
Virtù offers an ever-evolving Mediterranean menu at the charming Bespoke Inn. Head straight for the signature charred octopus (one of PHOENIX magazine’s 75 Best Dishes in the Valley) and wash it down with a handcrafted cocktail. For dinner, we recommend handcrafted pasta. Great cocktails, too, like the Confused Negroni with peach tea-infused vermouth, Meletti 1870 and orange bitters. $$-$$$
Wok ‘N Roll
Japanese
4412 N. Miller Rd., 480-427-2526, woknrollaz.com
Enjoy signature dishes like sticky glazed salmon and mango salsa, plus drinks like the Wok ‘-N- Rita with Cabo Wabo blanco tequila, cilantro and pineapple in a rockin’ setting complete with live music, happy hour and karaoke nights. $$-$$$
Zinqué
French/American
4712 N Goldwater Blvd., 623-745-9616, lezinque.com
Paris meets SoCal at this upscale bistro and wine bar in Scottsdale Fashion Square’s ever-evolving luxury wing. Find French fare such as tartines, charcuterie and ratatouille. Consider splurging on the grilled whole branzino. $-$$
ZuZu
New Contemporary
6850 E. Main St., 480-248-2000, hotelvalleyho.com
With updates in décor and dishes, the airy, open eatery at the retro Hotel Valley Ho offers entrées like Tuscan kale salad, pan-seared sea scallops and roasted spaghetti squash. For dessert, splurge on the doughnut sundae, warm butterscotch pudding cake in a Mason jar, or the resort’s over-the-top Showstopper Shake, which changes seasonally. $-$$$
