Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen
Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen is a truly authentic scratch kitchen. It is a family- owned and -operated business started by chef Rocco Pezzano, who used his southern Italian roots to inspire the restaurant. The chef-driven menu is derived from Rocco’s roots in the south of Italy, combining traditional flavors with modern cuisine. Serving brick oven pizza, hand-crafted pasta, salads, bruschetta, and more, Sfizio creates a cozy and authentic Italian dining experience using daily handcrafted dough, imported meats, and fresh produce. 21050 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480.687.8107; www.sfizioitaliano.com; $$
Barbecue
Arizona BBQ Shack
The meats here are dry-rubbed with a special house blend of spices then smoked up to 14 hours. A wide selection of barbecue meats – such as pulled pork, brisket, and smoked bratwurst – pair well with three choices of housemade barbecue sauce and many Southern side dishes. Stop by on Saturday for the brisket burnt ends special. 8471 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale; 480.948.4227; www.azbbqshackscottsdale.com; $$
Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue
Recently named “Best Ribs in Arizona” by Food Network, Bryan’s offers a variety of barbecue meats, available as sandwiches, plates or combos with sides including baked potato salad and its famous olive coleslaw. Meats are also available by the pound. USA Today notes the ribs, pulled pork, vegetarian pulled spaghetti squash, brisket chili and homemade ice cream sandwiches as reasons to visit Bryan’s. 6130 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek; 480.575.7155; www.bryansbarbecue.com; $$
Handlebar J
Known as “Scottsdale’s Original Rib House,” Handlebar J is a one-of-a-kind saloon that first opened in 1966 and has been owned and operated by the Herndon family since 1975. This Western-themed establishment is famous for its slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with homemade smoky chipotle barbecue sauce. Check out the monthly calendar for live music by The Herndon Brothers and other national acts. Don’t miss the line dancing classes on Tuesday evenings. E. Becker Ln., Scottsdale; 480.948.0110; www.handlebarj.com; $$
Starlite BBQ and Whiskey Bar
This casual neighborhood restaurant offers delicious barbecue smoked with Arizona pecan and mesquite woods. Appetizers include porky fries, crispy rock shrimp and mesquite grilled cauliflower. The wide selection of barbecue includes beef ribs, pork, brisket and meatloaf. Starlite supports local businesses, using Arizona beef, produce from McClendon’s Farm, and fresh bread from Arizona Bread. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m. 7620 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale; 480.553.9330; www.starlitebbq.com; $$
The Thumb
The Thumb is a combination gas station and barbecue joint. Guests can stop by for gas, get a car wash, and meander around the kitschy gift shop before popping over for some tasty barbecue. Stop in for breakfast to indulge in the savory Pig N Grits, breakfast burritos, or hangover special. Try the hardwood-smoked pulled pork with spicy house barbecue sauce, or the famous breakfast brisket stack that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (served all-day). 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8186; www.thethumb.com; $$
Breakfast
Butters Pancakes & Café
Butters uses the finest and freshest ingredients on its extensive breakfast and lunch menus, served up in a friendly neighborhood breakfast café. There are more than 10 varieties of pancakes, with favorites like cinnamon roll pancakes and strawberry chocolate chip. You’ll also find an array of French toast, waffles, crepes, egg dishes, skillets, and fresh-squeezed juices. Lunch items include burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Three locations in Scottsdale: Scottsdale 101, Northsight Crossing, and Mercado on Hayden; www.butterscafe.com; $$
The Eleanor
You won’t find a DJ spinning tunes or bloody Marys piled high with outrageous toppings that could be a meal. Instead, The Eleanor is a welcoming neighborhood breakfast joint that serves high-quality, tasty breakfast items and savory sandwiches for dine-in or grab-and-go. Breakfast sandwiches and burritos; eggs prepared your way, in scrambles, omelets, chilaquiles, or hash; varieties of pancakes and French toast; quick bites like toasts and bowls; and freshly prepared handhelds like the stacked BLT and beef po’ boy, will make this site of the former Scottsdale Dry Cleaners a regular part of your morning routine. When dining in, explore the creative and fresh cocktail menu or sidle up to the coffee bar. 3027 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.685.2525; www.theelanoraz.com; $-$$
First Watch
“Yeah, it’s fresh” is First Watch’s motto. First Watch is a daytime cafe serving dependable breakfast and lunch fare with a rotating seasonal menu. Guests will find the usual omelets, pancakes, salads, and sandwiches, along with several original creations. For healthier options, First Watch offers low-carb entrees with fresh fruit on the side and protein-packed bowls. Fresh juices like Morning Meditation, Kale Tonic, and Purple Haze are made daily using all-natural ingredients and can be boosted with a wellness shot of antioxidant-rich vitamins. Scottsdale locations at Hilton Village, The Promenade, and 94 Hundred Shea; www.firstwatch.com; $$
Scramble
Whether you’re craving a healthy breakfast or hearty comfort food, Scramble is the breakfast place for you. The Santa Fe eggs Benedict is one of the most popular entrees, and the brizzas (breakfast pizzas), are big enough to share. Not a breakfast person? Gourmet sammies—including the Hickman’s Burger with a fried egg or a tasty Cuban on a toasted hoagie—salads, and wraps are served all day as well. This fast-casual breakfast joint also has a dog-friendly patio. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. 6590 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.404.7264; www.azscramble.com; $$
Snooze
This diner with vibrant retro styling and a party vibe dishes out an eclectic menu that includes dessert-style pancakes, seven variations on eggs Benedict, fun French toast options, and plant-based dishes, as well as specialty cocktails. Come back often to try the seasonal cocktails, main courses, and pancake of the week, which could be a sweet treat like apple crisp, cranberry orange, or chocolate cookie dough. For a sampling of favorites, try the signature pancake flight of pineapple upside down, blueberry Danish, and sweet potato. Several Valley locations including Kierland Commons, 15054 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.3133; www.snoozeeatery.com; $$
Coffee Shops
Cartel Roasting Co.
What started as a small-scale roastery and café built on the idea of creating community through coffee has grown to include 12 cafes across Arizona and California. The newly renovated Old Town location has a hip vibe described by the owners as “Bette Midler and Drake co-hosting a spring training tailgate party.” Cartel sources its coffee beans from around the world, and its quality roasts have earned the roasters notoriety among local restaurants and retailers that serve the brew. Coffee drinkers can purchase coffee by the cup or whole beans to savor at home. Locations in Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, Paradise Valley, and more. www.cartelroasting.co; $
Fourtillfour
Founded in 2007, Fourtillfour is a small coffee shop that serves Four Coffee, an Arizona-based small batch roastery with four signature blends. The shop combines the owner’s passions for great coffee and vintage vehicles. Enjoy the coffee, small bites, and car culture seven days a week. Stop by on Saturday and Sunday for Cars and Coffee events with different themes each weekend. 7105 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; 602.888.3583; www.fourtillfour.com; $
Jojo Coffeehouse
Jojo Coffeehouse is a community-focused breakfast and brunch restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale that dishes up craft products through farm fresh food and drinks. This establishment is thoughtful about using natural and organic ingredients without GMOs and preservatives whenever possible. Not your typical coffee shop, JOJO has a great selection of kombucha, craft beer, wine, signature mimosas (including flights) and sangria. The build-your-own omelet option and decadent pancakes are wildly popular. Live music on Saturdays and Sundays during breakfast and brunch rounds out the coffeehouse vibe. 3712 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.907.6100; www.jojocoffeehouse.com; $$
Breweries
Bone Haus Brewing
Bone Haus Brewing lives up to its name, with skulls and bones decorating the walls of the tap room, a nod to the ossuaries and catacombs of Europe. Beyond the haunting decor, the brewery offers bold and adventurous craft beers, with the Desert Distortion New England IPA being its signature, crafted in many varieties, including blood orange. It is also known for prickly pear pale ale, Belgian-style brews, and a steady rotation of seasonal beer and limited editions. The venue often brings in food trucks to satisfy hungry appetites and hosts live music, beer and yoga events, cornhole tournaments, and “beer school. 14825 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.292.9541; www.bonehausbrewing.com; $
Fate Brewing Company
Fate offers small-batch brews with perfectly paired bites at two locations, one in Scottsdale and one in Tempe. Favorite Fate beers include Fateful IPA, Buena Vista Blonde Ale, and the award-winning Candy Bar Milk Stout. Traditional pub fare like nachos and wings, along with a variety of salads, sandwiches, and smashed burgers are available to complement your favorite pint. The Scottsdale location has a large beer garden with a dog-friendly patio and offers a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. 1312 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480.656.9100. www.fatebrewing.com; $$
Goldwater Brewing Co.
Goldwater Brewing Co. is a family-owned-and-operated craft beer brewery in Old Town Scottsdale. The tap room boasts more than 20 of its own craft beers and some specialty brews served directly from its tanks. The brewery specializes strictly in brewing, serving, and distributing its beers to local businesses. Though guests can stop in for tastings, no food menu is offered at this time. Check out the brewery’s website, as there is often a food truck scheduled to park nearby for a bite to eat with your brew. Don’t forget to take a growler home or pick up a keg for your next party! 3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.350.7305; www.goldwaterbrewing.com; $-$$
French
Francine
Founded by celebrity chef Laurent Halasz, Francine has quickly become a Scottsdale favorite. Located at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Francine dishes up cuisine from the south of France with casual elegance and top-notch service. Signature dishes include grilled octopus, beef carpaccio, lobster pasta, and rack of lamb. Guests will be wowed by the grand dining room, equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, unique artwork, a rustic fireplace, and a marble bar. 4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.690.6180; www.francinerestaurant.com; $$$-$$$$
Voila French Bistro
Family-owned and operated for more than 25 years, the restaurant offers classic bistro dishes in a setting that evokes a sense of the real France. The menu includes traditional French cuisine, including mussels, escargot, quiche, sole meuniere, duck, and foie gras. Succumb to temptation and order classic French desserts like truffles, pavlova cake, macarons, and tarts. Special dining events are held frequently. Open for dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. 10135 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale; 480.614.5600; www.voilafrenchbistro.com; $$
Zinc Bistro
Located at Kierland Commons, Zinc Bistro has the atmosphere of a New York-style Parisian cafe with a lively, pet-friendly patio. The menu features French favorites including an oyster bar with fresh shellfish, a daily preparation of foie gras, steak frites, and an amazing chocolate souffle. 15034 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.603.0922; www.zincbistro.com; $$$-$$$$
Health Food
Flower Child
Part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, Flower Child’s menu offers the opportunity to try a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins offered as salads, bowls, and wraps with several vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Dishes like Crushed Avocado Toast, hummus, and a daily soup round out the fresh, healthy menu. Wash it all down with an always-refreshing seasonal lemonade. 10460 N. 90th St., Scottsdale and at Desert Ridge; www.iamaflowerchild.com; $$
Nekter Juice Bar
This healthy, fast-casual juice bar serves made-to-order cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and bowls. Quick, healthy bowls and smoothies for on-the-go meals are their specialty. While you’re in, try a wellness shot loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Everything is made fresh, or you can pick up a grab-n-go bottle or juice cleanse to kickstart your healthy eating habits. Six Scottsdale locations and one in Cave Creek. www.nekterjuicebar.com; $
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen
Developed in 2019 by Chef Aurore de Beauduy and restaurateur Roman Yasinsky, this BYOB restaurant concept combines the elegance and sophistication of French cuisine with paleo diet nutrition principles. Diners can feast on specialties like the paleo bread platter, beet tartar, and rabbit stew. The kitchen is entirely gluten-free, and substitutions can be made to accommodate other dietary and lifestyle needs. A ready-to-eat meal program is also available in paleo or keto options, either by subscription or a la carte. 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale; 480.7715123; www.sapienskitchen.com; $-$$
True Food Kitchen
In collaboration with integrated medicine guru Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., True Food Kitchen is a leader in healthy farm-to-table full-service dining. The food and beverage menus are created with seasonal ingredients guided by Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid model. The farmers’ market crudites are a bouquet of chilled raw vegetables served with tzatziki and Kalamata olive dip that is a great starter for the table. The ancient grains bowl and grass-fed steak tacos are also fan favorites. True Food Kitchen happily caters to a variety of food preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.4500; www.truefoodkitchen.com; $$-$$$
Italian
DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant
Formerly The Blind Pig, DiMaggio’s has the same owners and authentic menu with a brand new name and look. Now open for dinner only, you’ll still find traditional homemade favorites like the Barolo braised short ribs, famous house made lasagna (Friday and Saturday only), chicken parmigiana, and more. Start with the clams oreganata or the arancini of the day. Salads are served family style. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 3370 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.994.1055; www.dimaggiosrestaurant.com; $$-$$$
Sophia’s Kitchen
At Sophia’s Kitchen, the menu is carefully crafted to offer craveable dishes for a variety of palates. It features family recipes, seasonal ingredients, chef specialties, modern tastes, and Italian comfort classics. Enjoy homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, bruschetta, seafood, salad, panini, and more. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list to pair with its menu items. A number of gluten-free options, including pizza on cauliflower crust and pasta, are available as well. Happy hour Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 17050 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale; 480.351.7160; www.sophiaskitchen.com; $$-$$$
Spiga Cucina Italiana
Spiga Cucina Italiana imports the classic flavors of Italy and the Iberian Peninsula. Diners can expect hearty southern Italian pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-fired oven, Sicilian-style seafood, and Northern Italian risottos, as well as an extensive wine collection and traditional Italian desserts. Pasta is made in-house daily. Try the pork saltimbocca or the grilled branzino as an entrée. Spiga’s lunch menu features antipasti, panini, pizza, pasta, risotto, soup, and salad. Happy hour Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. 7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.9000; www.spigaaz.com; $$
Latin/Mexican
Juan Jaime’s Tacos and Tequila
Inspired by the taco carts that line the streets in Mexico, Juan Jaime’s is a fiesta of street tacos and tequila cocktails. The menu consists of tacos, burritos, taco salads and enchiladas. Guests can choose from a variety of grilled meats and seafood and corn or flour tortillas. Head over to the salsa bar for house made salsas and then over to the actual bar for an ice-cold margarita. Happy hour every day from 4 to 8 p.m. 20343 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.515.5826; www.juanjaimes.com; $$
Maskadores Taco Shop
Although set up like a fast-casual taco shop, what comes out of the kitchen at Maskadores Taco Shop is quite gourmet. The street tacos are akin to authentic Mexican style in size and taste, and the carne asada burrito is filling and flavorful. Order your burrito “wet” if you want it smothered in either red or green sauce. With several locations across the Valley, Maskadores is ready to satisfy your taco craving wherever you are. Breakfast menu served all day. Vegan and gluten-free options available. Closed Sunday. Scottsdale location: 15090 N. Northsight Blvd. Fountain Hills: 16754 E. Glenbrook Blvd.; www.maskadorestacosops.com. $
The Mission
The Mission offers upscale, modern Latin cuisine including skirt steak, pork shoulder and vegetarian tacos, as well as seafood and cauliflower Veracruz. The chorizo porchetta is a combination of pork shoulder and house made chorizo served with velvety white bean puree. The Mission also offers a variety of unique margaritas and mojitos from spicy hibiscus to pineapple ginger. Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) features chilaquiles; corn, crab and shrimp pancakes; and cinnamon pecan waffles. Guac-Tail Hour daily from 3-5 p.m. at the Kierland location. Two locations: Old Town Scottsdale and Kierland Commons; www.themissionaz.com; $$$
Old Town Tortilla Factory
Built from a 75-year-old adobe home, Old Town Tortilla Factory cooks up fresh tortillas in the heart of Scottsdale’s arts district. Their menu offers Southwestern cuisine with Mexican flair. Diners can enjoy one of their many specialty margaritas with the house favorite red chile pork chop in the expansive garden patio during gorgeous Arizona evenings. The gazebo bar offers more than 120 premium tequilas as well as wine, beer, and cocktails. Good for an intimate dinner or a crowd. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. 6910 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.585.4848; www.oldtowntortillafactory.com; $$-$$$
Mediterranean
Green Corner
Fresh organic foods are prepared in the rich tradition of Levantine cooking, a culinary heritage found across Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Greek fries with feta and parmesan cheese and lemon sauce, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and hummus stand out on the appetizer menu. Shawarma, kebab plates, and gyros are savory and flavorful. Specialties include kibbeh, fragrant bulgur-beef croquettes; and knafeh, syrup soaked cheese pastry that’s a great finish for any meal. 10392 N. Scottsdale Road; 480.698.8090; www.greencorneraz.com; $$
Hummus Republic
Build your own wrap, pita, or bowl at Hummus Republic, with your choice of organic hummus or spread, sustainable protein, unlimited toppings, and 100 percent vegan sauces. Choose a base of couscous, warm garbanzo beans, kale, spinach, or greens. To top it off, select up to three spreads that include hummus varieties, feta, and tzatziki. Pick your protein then load up with tasty toppings like pickled red cabbage, tabbouleh, fried eggplant, tomatoes, and more. Other menu items included a vegan falafel burger and sweet potato fries. You can wash it down with a creatively flavored lemonade, or a tahini shake. 16211 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.550-5995; www.thehummusrepublic.com; $$
Munich Gyros
Munich Gyros serves tasty and affordable Greek fare in the Fountain Hills neighborhood, specializing in the gyro – tender slices of a beef-lamb combination served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki wrapped in warm pita bread. Other menu items include hummus, Greek salad, falafel and delicious baklava for a sweet finish. 16948 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.3647; www.munich-gyros.foodjoyy.com $
The Persian Room
The Persian Room, a fine dining restaurant with an elegant atmosphere and flavorful dishes, has been a North Scottsdale staple since opening in 1985. Persian meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes are flavorful and aromatic without being spicy, prepared with an expert blending of fresh ingredients such as turmeric, cardamom, pomegranate, basil, mint and more. Enjoy the unmatched flavors of Persian stews and flavorful entrees accompanied by fresh clay-oven-baked bread and saffron-scented basmati rice. Finish your meal with a traditional desert. 17040 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.614.1414; www.persianroom.com; $$
Pizza
Il Bosco Pizza
Once you step inside Il Bosco, your senses will be immediately awakened by the aroma of crusty handmade artisanal pizza cooking in the 900-degree, hand-tiled, wood-fired oven. Every pizza is hand-made and topped with a fresh assortment of imported cheeses, house-made sauces, and seasonal veggies and meats. To complete your dining experience, share a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables with burrata cheese and a glass of wine or draft beer. Gluten-free crust is available. 11108 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale; 480.335.8680; www.ilboscopizza.com; $$
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
A Chicago favorite, this famous spot is known for its deep-dish pizza and flaky butter crust. Try the Lou with spinach and mushrooms, the Malnati Chicago Classic with sausage and extra cheese, or create your own deep-dish delight. The menu also offers crispy thin-crust pizza, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and lunch specials. 17787 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.681.3400; www.loumalnatis.com; $$
Oregano’s
A trip to Oregano’s will require an empty stomach and several people in your party. The infamously large portions at Oregano’s make this place ideal for bringing the family or a big group. They serve a mix of old-world classic Italian-American dishes and several of their own modernized recipes. Pizzas are Chicago-style and can be made thin, pan, or stuffed. They have a variety of pastas, salads, sandwiches, and wings. Don’t forget to order The Original Pizza Cookie for dessert! Several locations throughout the Valley; www.oreganos.com; $$
Spinato’s Pizzeria
The Spinato family opened their first pizzeria after moving from Chicago to Phoenix in 1974. Now, with five locations, including one in North Scottsdale, guests are treated like family, and the focus is on fresh ingredients. Specialty pizza options range from Mamma’s signature spinach pizza to the Chicago with Italian sausage, red onion, and bell peppers. Don’t miss the baked spaghetti calzone. 9210 E. Via de Ventura., Scottsdale; 480.527.2450; www.spinatospizzeria.com; $$
Yo Pauly’s New York Pizza Co.
Home of the 24-inch New York Giant, Yo Pauly’s is a New York-style pizza shop that features specialty pies and dinners. Grab a slice or feed the whole family with favorites like Da Midtown Meltdown (extra pepperoni and extra cheese), the Hawaiian Vacation, 5 Boroughs BBQ Chicken, or the Madison Square Garden veggie pizza. Big salads, sandwiches, San Gennaro’s feast dinners, calzone, and stromboli finish out the menu. Don’t forget an order of cannoli for dessert! 8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale; 480.451.4400; www.yopaulysnypizza.com; $$
Seafood
Chula Seafood
A family-owned-and-operated fishery that sources sustainable seafood from the Pacific coast, Chula Seafood provides fresh seafood to several local restaurants. The restaurant’s menu can change daily, based on availability, but often features fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls, sashimi, and the famous green chile tuna melt. Patrons can purchase never-frozen, sustainable fish by the pound, poke, smoked fish, and daily specials from Chula’s fish market. Two Scottsdale locations: South Scottsdale, 8015 E. Roosevelt St.; 480.621.5121; Grayhawk, 20581 N. Hayden Road; 480.597.9125; www.chulaseafood.com; $$
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s is known for superb seafood, delicious steaks, upscale atmosphere and a lively cocktail lounge. Diners can enjoy fresh oysters, a shellfish tower, lobster tacos, crab cakes and premium hand-cut steaks. Seafood entrees include sea bass, scallops, salmon and lobster. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.730.4800; www.eddiev.com; $$$-$$$$
Mastro’s Ocean Club
The Mastro’s family of restaurants is a favorite for fine steak and seafood dining with impeccable service. Notable menu standouts include the lobster cocktail, bone-in filet mignon, and savory sides including the garlic mashed potatoes and decadent lobster mashed potatoes or lobster mac and cheese. The famous two-foot seafood tower served “smoking” with dry ice also serves as a succulent spectacle. Complete the dining experience with a bottle of wine from the broad list or order the restaurant’s infamous dry-ice martini. Live music Sunday through Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 15045 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale; 480-443-8555; www.mastrosrestaurants.com; $$$$
Modern Corner Grill
This family-owned-and-operated restaurant has an open kitchen and a full-size seafood bar with fresh oysters and seafood brought in daily. Can’t decide what to try from the oyster bar? Order the sampler that includes two fried, two grilled, and two Rockefeller style. Fish & Chips, Modern Scampi, and House Mussels make excellent dinner entrees or, for a non-seafood option, order the fried chicken and ribs, pork Bolognese, or chicken pasta. Conclude your meal with the bacon French toast bread pudding or salted caramel creme brulee. Happy hour Tuesday-Saturday, 4-6 p.m. 10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.531.1400; www.moderncornergrill.com; $$$
Steakhouse
Bourbon & Bones
A modern and upscale steakhouse located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Bourbon & Bones specializes in top-quality, wet- and dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. The bourbon butter asparagus is a nice accompaniment to the USDA prime and Wagyu cuts of beef. And as implied by the restaurant’s name, the bar is stocked with more than 75 high-end bourbons. The interior consists of studded leather and crystal lighting, perfect for an intimate evening. Enjoy the slow-roasted prime rib dinner every Sunday and Monday. Happy hour in the bar Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road; 480.629.4922; www.bourbonandbonesaz.com; $$$
Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse
Since 1951, Buffalo Chip Saloon has grown to become an Arizona icon and destination for a Wild West event and dining experience. At the saloon, guests can learn how to line dance, watch live bull riding on Wednesday and Friday nights, or bring the entire family in for the all-you-can-eat fish fry. The menu consists of classic barbecued meats, including brisket, spare ribs, sausage, and chicken; and traditional sides like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, beans, collard greens and more. 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.9118; www.buffalochipsaloon.com; $$
Maple & Ash
The high-end Chicago steakhouse opened a Scottsdale location in 2019, offering a modern take on the traditional steakhouse with sleek furnishings and a fun atmosphere. The menu includes caviar, a fire-roasted seafood tower and house made pasta. Steak offerings range from filet mignon and surf and turf to wagyu. Bonus: Don’t miss the restaurant’s decadent brunch, available Saturday and Sunday. At Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.400.8888; www.mapleandash.com; $$$$
Mastro’s
The Mastro’s family of restaurants is a favorite for fine steak and seafood dining with impeccable service. Notable menu favorites include the lobster cocktail and bone-in filet mignon with a choice of savory sides like garlic mashed potatoes. The famous two-foot seafood tower served “smoking” with dry ice also serves as a succulent spectacle. Complete the dining experience with a bottle of wine from the broad list or order an infamous dry-ice martini. Three concepts in Scottsdale: Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club, and Mastro’s Steakhouse; www.mastrosrestaurants.com; $$$$