LON’s at the Hermosa Inn
American
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley
602-955-7878, hermosainn.com
Thanks to its territorial decor and fabulous patios, LON’s is a romantic favorite that oozes Old Arizona charm. The chefs source locally for their Southwestern-inflected menu, from Crow’s Dairy goat cheese in the salad to Noble Bread at brunch and dinner. $$$
Arboleda
Mediterranean
15345 N Scottsdale Rd.,
480-701-1007, arboledaaz.com
A wholly original concept launched by the hospitality group behind San Francisco-based Town Hall, Arboleda boasts a delectable assortment of jamón plates, pop-’em-until-you-die Ibérico ham croquettes and a shockingly tender orange-and-thyme-candied pork shoulder steak. Fine swine isn’t the only magic conjured at Arboleda – you’ll also find pleasant wisps of molecular gastronomy and a filet mignon trio done in scrumptious roulades with truffled potato. $$$
Bourbon & Bones
Steakhouse
4200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-629-4922, bourbonandbonesaz.com
This hip, good-looking chophouse specializing in premium bourbons and wet- and dry-aged steaks is anything but buttoned-up, but don’t let the cool music, creative cocktails and lively vibe fool you – you’ll pay top-dollar for the bone-in filets and center-cut rib-eyes. Then again, if you’re a scenester, you may love every minute of it – the bar at happy hour is a very good place to be. Other location: San Tan (480-597-9459). $$$-$$$$
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
Mexican
7228 E. First Ave.
480-970-9002, cienagaves.com
This lively, colorful cantina in Old Town serves fresh, excellent margaritas (made with premium tequilas). Tacos come in a slew of varieties and can be ordered by the platter. Great Kahlúa flan. Other location: North Scottsdale (480-467-4455). $-$$
Dominick’s
Steak
15169 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Scottsdale Quarter)
480-272-7271, dominickssteakhouse.com
The Mastro family, who created Mastro’s steakhouses and Mastro’s Ocean Club, spent millions constructing this lavish temple to beef at Scottsdale Quarter. Try the succulent bone-in veal chop. $$$$
El Chorro
American
5550 E. Lincoln Dr.
480-948-5170, elchorro.com
A Valley touchstone for generations, El Chorro offers a peerless patio and welcoming dining room. The core of the old menu remains, with an emphasis on such mid-20th-century favorites as shrimp cocktail, beef Stroganoff, trout almondine, wine-braised short ribs and delicious sticky buns. $$$$
Fat Ox
Modern Italian
6316 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Lincoln Plaza)
480-307-6900, ilovefatox.com
Named for a cattle-centric food festival in Italy, Fat Ox offers modern Italian food in an absolutely gorgeous setting. Expect an expansive, amaro-focused cocktail list and some truly exquisite pasta dishes, like garganelli with black truffle butter, speck and Parmesan. Also expect nose-bleed prices. This is Scottsdale, after all. $$$-$$$$
The Greene House
California Cuisine
15024 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Kierland Commons)
480-889-9494, thegreenehouseaz.com
This lean, clean-lined space offers sophisticated California cuisine that reflects a reverence for the simple and natural. Feast on fresh salads, Asian-inflected appetizers, house-made pastas and memorable fish entrées. $$-$$$
Hush Public House
New American
14202 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-758-5172, hushpublichouse.com
Just close your eyes and point: Everything is delicious and comforting at this dim, narrow and noisy strip mall restaurant run by industry vets Dom Ruggiero and Charles Barber. The menu, which skews New American, features lots of shared plates, so come with a food-loving friend or three and order in quantity. Don’t miss the country pâté, chicken liver mousse, spaghetti alla chitarra, luscious Italian beef sandwich or New York strip – all excellent, all a bargain. $$-$$$
JOJO Coffeehouse
Breakfast/Brunch/Coffee
3712 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
480- 907-6100, jojocoffeehouse.com
Set right off Scottsdale Road in Old Town, this breezy and bright breakfast and lunch spot has a fun coffee flight – a selection of five sippable styles (e.g. cold brew, mocha, latte) served on a handsome plank. From the food menu, try the goat-cheese-studded JOJO breakfast sandwich, the breakfast tacos and an assortment of pancakes. $-$$
Hearth ’61
Modern American
5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley (Mountain Shadows Resort)
480-624-5400, mountainshadows.com
Housed in the resurrected Mountain Shadows Resort, casual but elegant Hearth does a splendid job of turning out modern American classics with surprising little twists. Try the ahi tartare, artisanal flatbreads, short rib agnolotti, herb-crusted salmon or honey-fig cheesecake, and you’ll get the delicious drift. $$-$$$$
Maple & Ash
Steakhouse
7135 E. Camelback Rd.
480-400-8888, mapleandash.com
Scottsdale scenesters love this gorgeous steakhouse, a stylish Chicago transplant offering caviar, an oven-roasted seafood tower and tons (literally) of steak, including a 40-ounce porterhouse that will set you back $215. Bring a credit card with lots of room on it; this quintessential Scottsdale experience is expensive. $$$$
North Italia
Italian
15024 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Kierland Commons)
480-948-2055, northitaliarestaurant.com
Hungry for a snug New York loft setting, rustic Italian food given a modern spin and a great glass of wine? Go North. And when you get there, try the grilled branzino with roasted vegetables or the prosciutto and fig pizza. Other locations: Phoenix (602-324-5600), Gilbert (480-256-8978). $$
Ocean 44
Seafood/steaks
4748 N. Goldwater Blvd.
480-867-0044, ocean44.com
Brought to you by the Mastro family of upscale steakhouse fame, this swanky seafood restaurant is the hottest game in town for good reason: gorgeous décor, impeccable service, good booze, great steaks and lots of seafood – sometimes good, sometimes great. Here, it’s the overall experience that counts. $$$-$$$$
Sushi Ko
Sushi/Japanese
9301 E. Shea Blvd.,
480-860-2960, sushikoscottsdale.com
Enjoy modern Japanese dishes including katsu curry, Chilean seabass with mushroom sauce and tofu steaks. Don’t pass up more traditional selections, such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. $$
Tottie’s Asian Fusion 2
Pan-Asian
6204 N. Scottsdale Rd.
480-998-8220, tottiesasianfusion.com
Elegantly decorated with treasures from the owner’s country of origin, Laos, and other Asian nations, Tottie’s serves the best of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Owner Tottie Kaya ensures that everything is fresh and delicious by personally grocery shopping and assisting in the kitchen. Other location: Scottsdale (480-970-0633). $$
About this guide
The restaurants listed are noteworthy and randomly selected from our rotating master list. We suggest that you confirm information, and we solicit your help in correcting any errors in the guide. We also ask readers to send us complaints in writing when one of the listed restaurants fails to meet expectations. Please note that, unless otherwise indicated, the listed restaurants offer free parking and recommend reservations for peak hours and large groups. Price categories reflect average dinner entrée prices; drinks, tax and tip are extra.
$=under $10 $$=$11-$15
$$$=$16-$25 $$$$=$26 and over
