The stunning McDowell Mountains surround this Arizona city in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. In Scottsdale, temperatures soar in the summer but remain mild in winter when visitors flock to golf courses, hiking trails, and bike paths.
Scottsdale has no shortage of exceptional restaurants, from Southwestern fare to fusion.
Read on to learn my choices of where to eat in Scottsdale, including restaurants that have been in business for decades and a couple that are new to the culinary scene.
1. La Fogata
As the sun dropped and the sky turned intense colors of violet and orange, I savored a warm Arizona evening on the patio at La Fogata, Scottsdale Resort & Spa.
The terrace overlooks the 18th hole of the McCormick Ranch Golf Course and Scottsdale’s iconic Camelback Mountain.
Even with the classic Arizona setting, the roasted salmon succotash–with couscous, ancient grains, grilled corn, tomatoes, and chipotle–was why this restaurant makes my list for where to eat in Scottsdale.
Locally sourced ingredients tasted like they had just been plucked from a garden. The salmon was flaky and moist and grilled to the exact medium-rare doneness.
After-Dinner Speakeasy
I skipped dessert and found my way to the resort’s speakeasy, The Madam, for a nightcap. Location hint: Check out the Social Boardroom, which features chess, a pool table, a shuffleboard, and a golf simulator. Like any good speakeasy, the entrance is hidden in plain sight.
And no, the password isn’t “open sesame.” Staff whisper the magic phrase to gain access.
The bartender mixes classic cocktails, such as an old-fashioned. Just don’t order a beer or glass of wine; cocktails are the only libations on the menu.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton, recently underwent a $40 million renovation, so everything is shiny new. Not only does the resort house one of my favorite places to eat in Scottsdale, but its proximity to Old Town Scottsdale makes it an ideal location from which to explore.
Read More: From Flamboyant Sunsets to Foodie Faves: The Best of Scottsdale
2. Tortilla Factory
At the tortilla station near the Old Town Tortilla Factory’s entrance, a woman named Lulu churned out one delicious-smelling tortilla after another.
She stopped long enough to pose for a photo before a nearby mural, holding a basket of freshly made beauties, just cooked and browned on a hot grill.
Tucked away in Old Town Scottsdale, a historic part of town filled with art galleries and bougie shops, the Old Town Tortilla Factory has delighted customers with fresh tortillas for over two decades. Built in an adobe home, the Tortilla Factory feels authentic and welcoming.
A Margarita is a Must When Dining in Scottsdale
Food at the Old Town Tortilla Factory is described as “Southwestern with a Mexican twist.”
A good choice is the Oaxaca Bowl, made with sauteed scallops or shrimp, tossed with poblano chiles, corn, cilantro and garlic in a cream sauce; or the grilled mahi mahi fish tacos.
The freshly made tortillas tasted more flavorful and soft than I’m used to. Knowing Lulu had just prepared the tortillas, they tasted even better.
3. El Encanto Cantina & Restaurant, Family-Owned for Three Decades
The temperature felt oven-hot, but the frozen margarita was icy as I sipped a tequila-laden glass of deliciousness at El Encanto Cantina & Restaurant in Cave Creek, about a 30-minute drive from Scottsdale.
This family-owned cantina opened in 1989 with Mexican-inspired furnishings and food.
On the restaurant’s menu, along with a list of awards, is one description that reads, “Like a trip to Mexico but without the long drive.”
The patio, next to a pond home to ducks and turtles, is the most fun and lively place to sit. A pitcher of margaritas sits on many of the tables, and misters spray a cooling spray of fine mist over the patio.
Within minutes of sitting down, a server delivered a tray of three salsas, ranging from mild to hot, with a basket of warm chips. The luscious salsas, made onsite, contain tomatoes, jalapeno, roasted chiles, cilantro, and chipotle.
I ordered ceviche, a cheese crisp (you won’t find it on the menu, even though it’s a customer favorite), and spinach enchiladas.
Even though it’s a bit of a drive from Scottsdale, El Encanto is worth every mile.
4. Hula’s Modern Tiki
Also located in Old Town Scottsdale, Hula’s Modern Tiki offers a taste of the tropics in the middle of the desert.
With tiki décor, surfer vibes, and Hawaiian music playing, Hula’s is a terrific choice when deciding where to eat in Scottsdale.
My favorite items were the spicy seaweed salad, ahi, and fresh yellowfin tuna. They even serve cold brew Kona coffee.
Hula’s Modern Tiki also serves bowls, tacos, and burgers. The drink menu includes tropical cocktails such as mai-tais and a blue Hawaiian (coconut rum, vodka, sweet & sour, blue curacao, coconut, and pineapple). I was pleased to see a Red Stripe beer, which is a Jamaican lager, on the menu.
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Sherry Spitsnaugle is a travel writer and guidebook author, based in Denver, Colorado. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, the North American Travel Journalists Association, and the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association.
Where to Eat in Scottsdale: 5 Must-Try Restaurants
