Hash Kitchen
Last year, Hash Kitchen celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a bold new menu. The breakfast and brunch favorite, which is known for its playful spins on classics and inventive creations, is also home of the original build-you-own bloody mary bar. In addition to daytime dishes, diners can expect an upbeat atmosphere, an elevated cocktail program, social media moments, and rotating guest DJS and turntables every weekend. 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.3214; www.hashkitchen.com.
Compiled by Becky Antiocco
Bakery
Ruze Cake House
The mother-daughter baking team behind this popular bakery has taken Scottsdale and social media by storm with their fresh, artistic designs. Beautifully decorated macarons, cactus-shaped cookies, and delicate cupcakes are lined up along the pristine counter. Ruze believes that local and sustainable ingredients make better, fresher-tasting cakes; all of its honey, citrus, and milk are sourced from Arizona farmers. The Ruze Boba is a popular signature drink featuring fresh housemade prickly pear puree, rose syrup, tea, and milk. There is a large selection of vegan cakes and baked goods, as well as gluten-free options. It’s the perfect place for special occasions, weddings, and custom desserts. 7033 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.438.8692; www.ruzecakehouse.com; $-$$
Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop
This beautiful, French-inspired bakeshop has pastry cases filled with sweet treats. The mother/daughter-owned bakery specializes in custom cake design for special occasions and other gourmet baked goods like donuts, cookies, and macarons. The award-winning and nationally-acclaimed shop also offers a variety of unique and seasonal pastries, breakfast, lunch, and a full coffee bar. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. 7350 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; 480.994.6733; www.sweetdees.com; $$
Voodoo Doughnut
Portland’s iconic doughnut shop has brought its signature traditional and unconventional doughnuts to Arizona. The signature Voodoo Doll is a raised yeast doughnut filled with raspberry jelly topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake. Try the Cap’n Crunch-topped Oh Captain, My Captain, pig out on The Homer, or get your sweet-salty fix with the Bacon Maple Bar. The Voodoo Dozen includes all of the specialty flavors or stick to your old favorites with a classic dozen. Vegan doughnuts are also available. 1324 S. Rural Road, Tempe; 602.641.6669; www.voodoodoughnut.com. $
Coffee House
Sip Coffee & Beer
This neighborhood shop offers specialty coffee drinks and a large selection of rotating craft beers on tap and bottled beers. Menu items include a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, a sandwich, and protein shakes. Sip often hosts community events, supports charitable causes in the local community, and provides an eclectic space for locals to meet up, enjoy a beverage and a snack. 3617 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.625.3878; www.sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com; $-$$
Street Brew Coffee
Serving up locally roasted coffee, and housemade pastries, this coffee joint has everything needed to get that buzz—caffeine, that is. Fresh, locally roasted coffee can be served hot or iced with a fresh pastry on the side. The shop also serves Cactus Liquor products, including cold brew, CBD cold brew, and energy drinks. Customize your beverage with a variety of syrups and dairy or non-dairy milks. Street Brew also serves smoothies or tea if coffee isn’t your jam. 10634 N. 71st Place, Scottsdale; 480.525.2060; www.streetbrewcoffee.com; $
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
This coffeehouse celebrates classic cafe fare alongside globally influenced coffees, teas, frozen drinks, pastries and desserts. While the traditional lattes and mochas are out of this world tasty, the internationally inspired beverages are a great way to step out of any caffeine comfort zone. For instance, the French Vietnamese Au Lait is a masterpiece of Sweetwaters’ dark roasted French chicory coffee and sweetened condensed milk which is an Asian finish to a French coffee. This community melting pot is a great place to sip, relax and repeat. 14850 N 87th St., Scottsdale; 480.410.4118; www.sweetwaterscafe.com; $
Village Coffee Roastery
Village Coffee Roastery is one of the oldest independent coffee houses in Arizona, opened in 1996 by chemist Craig Sellmen. Arabica beans are roasted via a patented scientific process utilized by only 12 roasters in the world, ensuring that the exceptional coffee is reproduced with near-perfect consistency each time. As a result, the coffee is as much science as it is art. Drip coffee varietals change every day to a different regional brew. In addition to a wide variety of coffee and espresso beverages, Village Coffee Roastery offers a breakfast and lunch menu that features burritos, pastries, salads and sandwiches. 8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.905.0881; www.villagecoffee.com; $
European
Cava
CAVA was started in Maryland by three friends with a love of Greek food and family time. In 2018, CAVA joined forces with Zoës Kitchen to bring its bold craveable bowls, dips and pitas to the market. Chef-curated bowls with fresh ingredients like lentil avocado, Greens + Grains, Greek salad, tahini, harissa and more are healthy, tasty and satisfying. Pita wraps are also available. Vegetarian eggplant dips, tzatziki, and varieties of hummus, spreads, and sauces are prepared daily, free of additives and preservatives. 14601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 602.805.7957; www.cava.com; $$
Cornish Pasty Co.
These hearty hand pies called pasties have taken the Valley by storm since Cornwall native Dean Thomas founded the original Tempe Cornish Pasty Co. in 2005. The restaurant serves pasties with dozens of filling and flavor combinations like the spicy asiago chicken and the Oggie, a traditional pasty with steak, potatoes, onions and rutabaga. Pasties can also be ordered partially baked to take home and cook at your leisure. Vegetarian friendly. Open at 11 a.m. daily. 3800 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.945.1220; www.cornishpastyco.com; $$
Le Sans Souci
Le Sans Souci serves outstanding French cuisine in Cave Creek. Guests can choose a coursed dinner with soup, salad, a main course and dessert. Familiar French fare like trout meuniere and coq au vin are a few of the guest favorites. Happy hour Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. 7030 E. Bella Vista Drive, Cave Creek; 480.488.2856; www.lesanssoucirestaurant.com; $$$
Soup & Sausage Bistro
Those looking for comfort food that isn’t “elevated” or “reimagined” should stop into this bistro. Traditional eastern European dishes like hearty borshcht and savory pierogi and holubtsi (cabbage rolls) are flavorful, and authentic. While the restaurant serves more than its namesake dishes, the soups, particularly the chicken soup and solyanka, are absolute standouts. Beef cabbage rolls are made from scratch with cabbage leaves, ground beef, and rice. Pork ribs under cherry sauce and the hunter stew are tasty entree selections. 4030 E. Bell Road, Phoenix; 602.525.5061; www.soupnsausagebistro.com; $$
Italian
Marcellino Ristorante
Award-winning chef Marcellino Verzino is passionate about Italian cuisine. At Marcellino, he maintains the integrity of the Italian dining experience through his cooking, service, and ambiance. Fans of the restaurant are enamored by the fresh handmade pasta and savory meat entrees like the osso bucco, and the array of Mediterranean seafood dishes and imported wild game. The restaurant regularly features live music and cooking classes with Chef Marcellino. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; 480.990.9500; www.marcellinoristorante.com; $$$
Parma Italian Roots
Parma combines coastal California cuisine with fresh Italian food with menu items like cioppino, pan-seared salmon, butternut squash-filled agnolotti, grilled Spanish octopus with red pepper romesco sauce, and charcuterie and cheese board with chef-selected options. The craft cocktail selection includes the Primrose with tequila, grapefruit juice, and cinnamon, Mellow Cello with vodka and limoncello, and the Bellini Float with bourbon, prosecco, and raspberry sorbet. Happy hour daily from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 20831 N. Scottsdale Road; Scottsdale; 480.292.9900; www.parmaitalianaz.com; $$-$$$
Sapori D’Italia
Sapori D’Italia is one of Fountain Hills’ premier spots for casual Italian dining. Husband and wife Gasper and Maria Manno are native Sicilians who have teamed up to serve authentic pizzas and classic entrees, using house-made pasta and mozzarella and imported San Marzano tomatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Marinara, Bolognese, alfredo, pesto, puttnesca, carbonara – you name it, it can be served on your pasta. Seafood and steak entrees are also available, and pizzas are made in the wood-fired oven that is the centerpiece of the restaurant. 11865 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.9535; www.saporiditaliaaz.com; $$
Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar
Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen and Bar is in the heart of downtown Scottsdale offering modern Italian fare in a sleek atmosphere with a relaxing patio. Pasta options include spaghetti puttanesca salmon, fettuccini carbonara and three-meat lasagna. Other Italian favorites include pork Osso Bucco and chicken Milanese. Gluten-free pasta and vegetarian options available. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. 7303 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.427.2264; www.tommyvscottsdale.com; $$-$$$
Steakhouse
Fogo De Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
No one does all-you-can-eat meat like a Brazilian steakhouse. The Fogo de Chão Churrasco experience includes servers that continually bring skewers of meat carved tableside including filet mignon, sirloin, ribeye steak, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as Brazilian sides including crispy polenta and caramelized bananas. Seafood appetizers and entrees are also on the menu. 6300 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.609.8866; www.fogodechao.com; $$$-$$$$
Hand Cut Chophouse
Hand Cut Chophouse is a modern steakhouse with locations in Nashville and Scottsdale that takes a modern approach and uses and quality ingredients in their chops, steaks, and burgers. With a world-class wine list and full mixology bar, you’ll have the perfect pairing for any meal. Chef’s Cuts include Truffle Steak Frites, Red Chimichurri Short Rib, and Caesar Flat Iron. A variety of burgers and sandwiches and premium cuts can be accompanied by flavorful and creative sides like Crab Mac & Cheese, Salt & Vinegar Fries, or Black Truffle Mash. Salads and pasta round out the menu. Finish up with Brioche Bread Pudding, Butter Cake, or PB&J Brownie. 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.494.2008; www.handcutchophouse.com; $$$$
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
Strap on your cowboy boots and kick back at this bar and grill. Since 1935, Harold’s has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to both cowboys and locals who come in to start the day with thick-cut French toast or satiate their hunger with Harold’s 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak. Enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday, and happy hour specials daily. 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.1906; www.haroldscorral.com; $$
J&G Steakhouse
Located inside The Phoenician, J&G Steakhouse offers stunning views, craft cocktails, fine wines, and delicious steak and seafood entrees including roasted Icelandic cod, sauteed Dover sole, filet mignon, and bone-in rib-eye steak. Dine under the stars on the scenic sunset patio, enjoy small bites or cocktails in the lounge, or host an event in the private dining room. A tasting menu is also available. Open nightly for dinner at 5 p.m. with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.214.8000; www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com; $$$$
STK Steakhouse
At this Old Town Scottsdale establishment, diners can indulge in delicious steaks set to the background music of a dynamic DJ. The famous cuisine and atmosphere can be enjoyed during brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu showcases USDA beef from farms in Iowa and Nebraska, market salads, seafood platters, and a plethora of sides. The restaurant was in Forbes’ 100 best steakhouses in America and dubbed “a steakhouse for the stiletto set” by Thrillist. 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; 480.581.5171; www.stksteakhouse.com; $$$$-$$$$$$
Wine Bars & Lounges
The Goose
Continuing the restaurant group’s tradition of bird-named cocktail bars – both The Ostrich and The Blue Heron are in the East Valley – the team behind Crust Simply Italian owns The Goose, the moniker inspired by the flocks around the lake at McCormick Ranch. The naming convention is a nod to the Prohibition era, when speakeasies were named after animals to signify that they were safe havens for drinking. The Goose’s cocktail menu features classic recipes whose origins are acknowledged on the menu. There are also some new crafts on the menu, along with whiskey-based cocktails, flights, mocktails, and an extensive wine list. Food options include pizza, salad, charcuterie, salmon, and caviar. Or just stick with dessert like the warm butter cake or Nutella cheesecake. 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.948.3099; www.thegooseaz.com; $$
Grapes & Hops
The diverse wine and beer me nu caters to every palate. Craft beers, red, whites, bubbles, malt-based shots and non-alcoholic beverage pair with charcuterie boards that can be ordered pre-made or customized with assorted cheese, dips, meat, and more. It’s the perfect place for a date night or catching up with friends and family. Discover a new favorite to take home or to come back and enjoy. 4843 E. Greenway Road, Scottsdale; 480.599.0104; www.grapeshops.com; $$