True Food Kitchen’s poke bowl ($22) is a lighter, brighter twist on the trendy traditional version, swapping out ahi tuna for sustainable, wild-caught albacore and sushi rice for a nutrient-dense mixture of brown rice and quinoa. For an umami flavor combination, the base ingredients are combined with earthy avocado and Asian-roasted mushrooms, while Persian cucumbers, pickled ginger, watermelon radishes, and cashews add a little crunch and spice. The dish is then infused with a housemade ponzu, which has antioxidant properties and a hint of sweetness – yet only a fraction of the salt content. True Food Kitchen, 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.4500; www.truefoodkitchen.com.
AMERICAN
EMILY’S CAFÉ
Emily’s Café is serving up food from the heart day after day. Come in and feel like you’re right at home at your favorite aunt or grandmother’s house. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner most days and while all their menu items look absolutely delectable, the true stand out is their Sunday Brunch. Pomegranate mimosas, eggs Benedict, crispy fried potatoes – there is no greater comfort meal. 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.2000; $$
LIBERTY STATION
Liberty Station is a culmination of comfort food, regional influences and timeless style. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the menu features an array of shareable starters, fresh seafood, steaks and chops. A highlight of the restaurant is their custom smoker, viewable from the patio. Whether you are looking for tender smoke meats, vegan or gluten-free options, you’re guaranteed to find something to stick to your ribs and make your heart and soul happy. 34522 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.595.9930; www.libertystationtavern.com; $$
SIMON’S HOT DOGS
The creators of Simon’s Hot Dogs are serving up some unique treats. You’ll find a variety of options from traditional to what-did-you-say-was-on-that? While it might sound a little kooky, you’ll want to step out of your comfort zone and order the Columbian. This dog is topped with sweet pineapple, crushed chips, mozzarella and their own special sauce. You can even opt for a beef or veggie dog. 4280 Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.426.9218; www.simonshotdogs.net; $
ASIAN
ARI SUSHI
Ari Sushi offers a variety of Japanese dishes that will please the tastes of everyone in your party, from sushi to teriyaki. Using only the freshest ingredients available and an artful touch, your dishes will arrive with beautiful presentation and will taste as good as they look. Besides excellent dinner options, they also offer up to three rolls for $13 at lunchtime. 29605 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.585.9709; $$
BEI
Looking for a wide variety of Asian dishes? Bei is serving up sushi, Japanese, Korean barbecue, ramen, rice bowls and much more. They offer a wide variety of sushi rolls at reasonable prices as well as generous sashimi combinations. One menu highlight is the Bei bulgogi entree; a generous serving of marinated rib-eye that is seasoned perfectly and has bright and full flavors. Stop by for happy hour and sushi roll prices that are hard to beat. 2200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.471.6609; www.beisushi.com; $$
POKE SPOT
Poke is sweeping Arizona and there are now so many opportunities to get your fix. Freshness is key with poke and Poke Spot in North Scottsdale prides itself on providing an assortment of fresh fish options. You can design your own custom bowl, choosing your base, protein, sauce and your choice of toppings. With attentive service, an immaculate dining room and fast delivery of your completed bowl, Poke Spot is the ideal destination for lunch or a healthy meal on the go. 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.907.7053; $
BREAKFAST
BENEDICT’S CAFE
This quaint eatery offers up breakfast and lunch options, making it a perfect spot to stop in for brunch on the weekends. Order up a fluffy omelet, decadent French toast or a perfectly crafted coffee, and you will leave with a full and happy belly. Chef Donna Londot also teaches cooking classes here, so she just might share your favorite dish’s recipe with you. 5555 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 602.992.3337; www.benedictscaterers.com; $$
BREAKFAST KITCHEN BAR
As a newer tenant to Scottsdale Quarter, Breakfast Kitchen Bar features mouth-watering breakfast options as well as heartier lunch plates and a playful small bites menu available daily after 3 p.m. Some breakfast favorites are almond croissant French toast and a pearl couscous lentil breakfast bowl, while tapas offerings include bruschetta and grilled salmon tacos. Select breakfast items are also served all day. 15037 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.747.0563; www.breakfastkitchenbar.com; $$
BUTTERS PANCAKES & CAFÉ
With all of the breakfast dishes that you expect to see like fluffy pancakes, flavorful omelets and crispy French toast, Butter’s delights the pickiest of eaters. For diners looking for something a little different, they also offer up creative dishes like the Mexicana omelet, Irish benny, and the eggs verde. 8390 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale; 480.629.4333; www.butterscafe.com; $$
EGG N’ JOE
We have two words for you: German pancakes. Sure, this breakfast joint has omelets, Benedicts, French toast, waffles and eggs any way that you want them, but the star here is the German pancakes. First off, they are massive. As in, bigger than your plate massive. The pancakes are light and airy and can be topped your choice of fruit. If you’re looking for the comfort that only a traditional big breakfast can provide, this is the place for you. 23271 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.9968; www.eggnjoe.com; $$
STREET CAFÉ & COFFEE LOUNGE
At Street Cafe, not only do they serve up phenomenal breakfast dishes, pastries and hearty lunches, but a portion of the proceeds go to feeding the less fortunate. You’ll find an ever-evolving menu featuring items like French toast, filling pasta dishes and sandwiches and well-crafted coffee drinks. This mindful restaurant stands to show that eating nourishes the body and soul. 10435 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.607.2733; www.streetcafeaz.com; $
ITALIAN
EVO
The vibe here is upbeat and the menu is tight and concise. The pastas are all handmade daily and with the freshest ingredients. You can’t miss with the beef heart sandwich (no joke) and you will never forgive yourself if you leave without trying the focaccia rustica. 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.265.9814; www.evoscottsdale.com; $$
NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
For more than 18 years, Nick’s has been creating happy diners with their homemade pasta, pizza and seafood dishes. One local favorite is their veal marsala; the tender meat is not overpowered with a heavy tart sauce. The light wine-based sauce allows the depth of flavor to complement the veal. Pasta options are seemingly endless and they also have an extensive gluten-free menu, creating the perfect local spot to share a meal with the whole family. Nick’s on Frank Lloyd Wright, 13910 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.314.9445; Nick’s at Pinnacle Peak, 23417 N. Pima Road, 480.515.0096; Scottsdale; Nick’s at Tatum and Shea, 10810 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.953.1110; www.nicks-italian.com; $$
NONNA URBAN EATERY
You’ll at once feel welcomed once you step into the bright and airy space of Nonna Urban Eatery. The large windows and custom mural behind the bar area will transport you to a European café, complete with friendly service and a shareable tapas style menu. While the menu changes often, you can always count on handmade pastas and European influenced dishes. 7240 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.663.3296; www.nonnascottsdale.com; $$
POMO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA
This is the only local restaurant to offer a truly authentic Neapolitan pizza. In fact, the pizza is certified by the V.P.N. (Verace Pizza Napoletana) and the A.P.N. (Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani) from Italy. In addition to authentic Italian pizzas – which are all homemade, of course – Pomo offers salads, soups, pastas and paninis. 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.1366; www.pomopizzeria.com; $$
THE SIDE DOOR CORNER STORE
The Side Door Corner Store presents an uncomplicated menu that will please any of your diners as easily as your wallet. Choose from a variety of specialty pizzas with a Brooklyn-style crust. Try the Mexico City for a kick, with refried beans, mozzarella, red onion, cilantro, and topped with tortilla chips. 3370 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.4484; www.thesidedooraz.com; $$
MEXICAN
CARLSBAD TAVERN
If you enjoy a little kick in your dishes, you’re going to love Carlsbad Tavern. This restaurant prides itself on presenting guests with the best representation of New Mexican cuisine. From New Mexican pot stickers and stacked enchiladas to habanero cheeseburgers and Southwestern gumbo pasta, all of the dishes here have a nice range of heat. You’ll also find a variety of locally brewed beers to help you cool dow. 3313 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.787.2241; www.carlsbadtavern.com; $$
DIEGO POPS
This trendy urban eatery in Old Town has quickly garnered a well-deserved reputation for some of the best hearty and healthy Mexican fare in the area. Their Brussels sprout nachos are a game changer as far as snacking while watching a game goes. You can opt for their taco selections in corn, flour or crispy as well as in a bowl over cilantro-lime or brown rice. They also have three different types of tuna poke, all of which are fresh and light. 4338 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.970.1007; www.diegopops.com; $$
SALT + LIME MODERN MEXICAN GRILL
With Mexican fare being a staple in the Valley, it’s always fun to experience different interpretations. Salt + Lime boasts casual and classy Mexican cuisine, and the simple, yet artful, approach to their menu items proves this to be true. Start off with the requisite chips and salsa, and then choose between five different salsas of varying degrees. Next, move straight onto any one of their 12 creative taco combinations. 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.661.5463; www.saltandlimeaz.com; $$
SUMOMAYA MEXICAN-ASIAN KITCHEN
SumoMaya seamlessly melds the bold flavors of Latin America and the Far East, creating an exciting menu no matter which section you choose. If you love guacamole, you’ll be delighted by the addition of rib-eye, lump crab or bacon to the traditional starter. SumoMaya also has eight different types of ceviche and a wide array of rolls, tacos, and bowls. If you’re looking for a delicious departure from traditional, put this place on your list of spots to visit. 6560 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.397.9520; www.sumomaya.com; $$
MODERN AMERICAN
FARM & CRAFT
A restaurant has arrived that has menu suggestions for specific ailments. Farm & Craft features dishes that help to increase your probiotic levels, assist in anti-inflammatory efforts and even items that contribute to reducing overall stress. They’ve even worked wellness into their cocktails. You are able to enjoy their healthy-without-being-bland dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your body will be grateful. 4302 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.568.8980; www.ilovefarmandcraft.com; $$
LINCOLN RESTAURANT
Lincoln Restaurant has replaced the space that formerly housed BLT Steak within the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. This restaurant delivers a more refined menu that honors the flavors and culture of our great state, and ingredients are sourced from 10 local farms. The adjacent (and renamed) Bar 1936 mixes up cocktails utilizing housemade mixers and craft ice cubes. 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley; 480.905.7979; www.camelbackinn.com; $$$
VIRTÙ HONEST CRAFT
Located in a charming bed and breakfast, The Bespoke Inn, is the charming and homey Virtù. The menu features contemporary cuisine inspired by Chef Gio Osso’s Mediterranean roots. The menu is thoughtfully crafted and plays up exciting flavor combinations. In the event that the food isn’t enough on its own, the staff mixologists are constantly coming up with new drinks featuring artisan spirits. 3701 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale; 480.946.3477; www.virtuscottsdale.com; $$$
SEAFOOD
EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD
Feast on extremely fresh seafood in a sophisticated environment with an upbeat live jazz band. The menu provides a wide variety of seafood dishes as well as steak offerings. The Scottish Salmon is a light, fresh option and might counteract the decadent indulgence of the can’t-pass-up truffled macaroni and cheese. 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.730.4800; www.eddiev.com; $$$
SALT CELLAR
The Salt Cellar has been a staple in the Valley since 1971 and ranks among the top seafood restaurants year after year. As the chef is able to procure different seasonal fish throughout the year, you will see their menu board changing which can equate to a new experience as the year goes by. They always have seriously large live Maine lobsters on the menu. If lobster isn’t your thing, you really can’t go wrong with any of the Salt Cellar specialties. 550 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.1963; www.saltcellarrestaurant.com; $$$
WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE
Wildfish Seafood Grille is a bustling and sophisticated eatery that boasts no bad seats in the house. You’ll have great views of the sleek bar and busy exhibition kitchen, ensuring that you get a good view of all the action. Fresh seafood is key here, with deliveries coming in from coastal waters all over the U.S. The half-pound Australian lobster tail crowns an impressive menu that also includes Chilean sea bass, Georges Bank scallops and Pacific ahi tuna. Make sure to start out your visit with a trip to the oyster bar. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.994.4040; www.wildfishseafoodgrille.com; $$$
STEAKHOUSE
CHOLLA PRIME STEAKHOUSE & LOUNGE
Outside of Vegas, you may not expect much from a restaurant located in a casino, but Cholla Prime Steakhouse (located at Casino Arizona) is working to change residents’ minds one plate at a time. The prices here make it easy to try out all of their entrees. The filet mignon is offered with either a classic bearnaise or porcini mushroom sauce, though no matter which entree you choose, make sure to get a side of their indulgent lobster mashed potatoes. 524 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale; 480.850.7736; www.casinoarizona.com; $$
MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE
Guests have long known that Morton’s is a fantastic place to celebrate a special occasion. Diners who call ahead to let the staff know of their occasion will arrive to congratulatory greetings as well as a decorated table. It bears mentioning that Morton’s also features an eclectic and enticing “Bar Bites” menu, encouraging you to pop in after a long day and enjoy selections such as mini crab cake BLTs, tuna tacos and petite filet mignon sandwiches. 15233 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.951.4440; www.mortons.com; $$$$
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
Regarded mainly as a special occasion destination, The Capital Grille can fulfill a variety of dining needs. The atmosphere provides an opulent and posh feel, ensuring that you’ll feel like a king or queen as you dine on a Delmonico steak in the dining room or nosh on mini-tenderloin sandwiches at the bar. 1689 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.348.1700; www.thecapitalgrille.com, $$$
WINE BARS
DECANTUR – THE WINERY AT DC RANCH
Aside from the extensive list of uniquely crafted wines that Decantur offers, this winery has a variety of unique experiences. The wines that they feature are available by the glass, terzo, bottle or case. You’ll also have the opportunity to craft your own wines with their distinctive program. You’ll be led through the entire process from fermentation all the way to labeling. 18245 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.209.1137; www.decantur.com; $$
GWIN WINE + BEER
The husband-and-wife team at GWIN bring a wealth of wine knowledge that served as the inspiration for this wine lounge. You can find wines from the family vineyard as well as many regional favorites and craft beers. The light menu features charcuterie and cheese boards as well as a dessert flight that will pair perfectly with the wine or beer of your choosing. 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.247.9915; www.gwinaz.com; $$
SORSO WINE ROOM
The wines at Sorso are actually on-tap, so you can taste their way through different regions and vintages by getting a full glass or just a taste. In addition to the 32 on-tap, they offer more than 100 wines from all over the world by glass or bottle. The short and sweet menu is full of items handpicked to pair with your chosen glass of vino. 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.951.4344; www.sorsowineroom.com; $$