10 Amazing Restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix
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The restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix absolutely blew me away during our visit for our epic Arizona road trip. From vibrant flavors to dreamy settings, nearly every meal felt like a standout experience. That said, I know I’ve barely scratched the surface of what this foodie paradise has to offer, so consider this a taste test for my next trip—because I’m already plotting my return to discover even more!
This list has a little something for everyone—casual restaurants and breweries with fantastic food, adorable brunch spots, and more refined dining experiences. Let’s dig in!
Restaurants in Scottsdale
1. Luci’s at the Orchard
Luci’s at the Orchard is seriously THE CUTEST brunch spot in Scottsdale! While they serve lunch, dinner, and cocktails too, there’s just something about the vibe at Luci’s that feels made for a sunny, leisurely brunch. The space is a perfect blend of original ranch house charm and modern, vibrant touches, making it feel warm, inviting, and totally Instagram-worthy.
You can enjoy your meal indoors or on their gorgeous patio, surrounded by greenery and good vibes. Their menu is packed with so many tempting options that it’s almost impossible to pick just one. But with food this good, there’s really no wrong choice!
I went for the avocado toast, and it was everything I love about a good avo toast—topped with pickled onions, just like I make it at home. Absolutely delicious!
2. Toca Madera
The moment you step into Toca Madera, it’s clear you’ve entered somewhere truly magical. Hats off to the interior designer because this place is an absolute stunner! It’s no wonder Toca Madera is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Scottsdale. Honestly, I was so mesmerized by the ambiance they could’ve served me cardboard, and I might not have noticed.
Thankfully, the food is far from cardboard. Toca Madera delivers traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist that’s as delicious as it is innovative. Pair that with their jaw-dropping, multi-sensory cocktails (seriously, some even come with their own little show!), and you’ve got a feast for all of your senses.
While the price points here are on the higher side, it’s worth it for the experience alone. If you’re looking to indulge without breaking the bank, their happy hour (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM) is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Toca Madera’s magic.
3. Fat Ox
Fat Ox is a modern Italian gem in Scottsdale. It offers a more refined dining experience complete with a global wine selection, housemade pasta, and expertly roasted meats. From the moment you step inside, the exquisite interior and top-notch service set the tone for a memorable meal.
Dining here with a group? Take my advice and go the tapas route! It’s the perfect way to sample a variety of dishes without the stress of narrowing down their amazing menu. Our table shared the Ox Caesar salad, steamed mussels, garganelli pasta with black truffle butter, speck, and Parmesan (absolutely divine), and the filet, each dish better than the last.
While food can take a little time to arrive, the atmosphere, conversation, and wine make it easy to relax and enjoy the moment. Just a heads-up—they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly!
4. OHSO Brewery and Distillery
OHSO Brewery and Distillery is the perfect spot for great bar food, excellent beer, and a lively atmosphere! We lucked out by arriving during their happy hour (open–6 PM Monday–Friday), where beer pitchers, signature cocktails, and glasses of wine are just $8, and snacks range from $5 to $10. The buffalo chicken dip isn’t on the happy hour menu, but trust me, it’s worth the splurge!
They have a great beer selection with everything from light ales to rich porters, and their house-made flavored vodkas and whiskeys are a fun bonus! This spot strikes the perfect balance between casual dining and quality food, with prices that won’t break the bank.
Restaurants in Phoenix
5. Pizzeria Bianco
Pizzeria Bianco had me feeling like I’d been whisked away to Italy! Their handcrafted wood-fired pizza is chef’s kiss absolutely delicious and totally lives up to all the hype.
With a couple of locations to choose from, I highly recommend heading to the one in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square. It’s set in the most charming, rustic old brick building that used to be a blacksmith shop—talk about dining with character!
The menu might be short, but trust me, it’s got everything you need. Pizza is the star of the show (as it should be), but they also offer some fresh salads, a couple of sandwiches, and shareable small plates to round out the experience. You really can’t go wrong!
6. The Henry
Florida friends, if you’ve been to The Library or Oxford Exchange, you’ll totally get the vibe at The Henry—it’s got that same chic, cozy charm. Bonus: they have a coffee bar, so you know it’s already a win!
But The Henry is more than just a pretty place (though the aesthetic is on point). The menu is delightfully eclectic, with familiar ingredients transformed into clever, unexpected dishes. We tried the short rib potstickers and the hot honey crispy chicken, and let me tell you, our tastebuds were thrilled.
The drinks? Equally impressive—and almost a little too easy to sip. Whether you’re here for a coffee, a cocktail, or an unforgettable meal, The Henry is a Phoenix restaurant that delivers on all fronts!
Amazing Restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix
7. Culinary Dropout
I’m not sure if all of Culinary Dropout’s locations have the same vibe, but the Phoenix one definitely knows how to keep guests entertained! With fun outdoor lounge areas, huge HD TVs, corn hole, and ping pong, you’ll never be bored here. (You know I can’t resist a good bar and restaurant with games!) But while you can easily get distracted by the fun, trust me—you’re going to want to focus on your dish and cocktail.
Remi nailed it when he said, “You know the food is %$## amazing when you’re enjoying it so much you forget about your bomb ass drink.” And yep, that’s about right.
Culinary Dropout has a full menu with a great variety of options, from soups and salads to sandwiches, entrees, and even a couple of fun desserts if you’ve got room to spare. We had their roasted salmon paired with Gochujang Brussels sprouts, and it was absolute perfection. Plus, they’ve got some fantastic cocktails to match—don’t skip those!
8. Hash Kitchen
Is anyone else so over places that only do brunch on the weekends?! Well, get ready because Hash Kitchen is about to rock your world. They serve brunch seven days a week, people! And it gets even better—they’ve got a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and mimosa flights.
Seriously, why aren’t more places doing this?!
The menu is packed with delicious options like hashes, pancakes, scrambles, and more. It might sound basic, but trust me, there’s nothing basic about this brunch menu. Indulge in their smores pancakes (chocolate chip pancakes with marshmallow fluff, graham cracker dust, Nutella drizzle, and campfire marshmallow) or go savory with the Mexicana scrambler (chorizo, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, and pepper jack cheese).
Yeah…I’m drooling just thinking about it.
9. Sip Coffee and Beer
Okay, I know coffee shops might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of culinary recommendations, but hear me out—both of these spots totally deserve a shoutout! First up, we hit the Phoenix location of Sip Coffee and Beer, which is tucked inside an old car shop and has the most amazing vibe. It’s one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel like you’re in the coolest spot in town.
There were plenty of people grinding away here (and if I lived in Phoenix, I’d absolutely be one of them). The best part? You can start your day with a killer cup of coffee and then graduate to a refreshing beer or cocktail—all while staying in the same seat. Reward yourself for that hard work, right?
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention…there’s a speakeasy! 36 Below is the perfect spot to sip on some impeccably crafted cocktails. Honestly, you can tell every detail, from the drink to the glassware, was carefully chosen. If you know anything about me, a coffee shop paired with a speakeasy is absolute heaven!
10. Dutch Bros
Okay, I usually try not to hit the same coffee spot twice on a trip, but y’all, I couldn’t resist!! Dutch Bros’ Creme Brulee Pumpkin Spice cold brew was the drink I didn’t even know I was missing in my life. Trust me, one sip and you’re hooked. Warning: getting this drink could be dangerously addictive for your bank account—you’ll want to grab one every single day!
We finally started seeing Dutch Bros pop up in Florida, and I’m pumped! But for my Arizona peeps, you’re in luck—there are Dutch Bros locations all throughout the neighborhoods in Phoenix, so go get your fix!
Which of these fun restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix are you checking out first?!
That wraps up my culinary adventure through Scottsdale and Phoenix! From cozy brunch spots to unforgettable dining experiences, these cities definitely know how to impress when it comes to food. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a more refined dining experience, there’s no shortage of amazing places to explore!
And hey, I know I’ve only scratched the surface—there are so many more spots I’m excited to check out on my next visit. If you’ve got any favorites I need to try next time, drop them in the comments!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and if you plan on making your way to Utah, be sure to check out my other guides like:
Epic 10-day Utah road trip itinerary
How to spend a weekend in Salt Lake City (without skiing)
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