Luxe Lunches
Local restaurants reinventing the midday meal
By Alison Bailin Batz
While brunch gets the Instagram posts and dinner gets the reservations, lunch deserves a little attention, too. Whether closing a deal, catching up with friends or simply escaping the office for an hour, these Valley restaurants prove the best reservation just might be the one made for noon.
Il Bracco
Though still new to the Valley, Il Bracco’s sophisticated mid-century dining room, art-filled interiors and expansive travertine patio have quickly made it Scottsdale’s go-to destination for business lunches and midday celebrations alike. The restaurant’s signature lunch combinations immediately set it apart, especially The combo sandwich, layered with imported Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, a cherry pepper spread, arugula, and house vinaigrette on house-baked bread. Pair it with the signature kale salad tossed with pecorino, toasted almonds, breadcrumbs and lemon vinaigrette or a cup of tomato basil soup before adding the namesake frozen Bracco, a refreshing blend of vodka, elderflower, grapefruit and sparkling wine. www.ilbraccorestaurant.com.
Durant’s
Friday belongs to Durant’s. Available only one day a week, lunch at the iconic Central Avenue steakhouse, a tradition spanning decades, remains one of the Valley’s most enduring dining experiences. Guests enter through the restaurant’s famous back door, walk through the bustling kitchen and emerge into the legendary red dining room. Revived in 2025 following the restaurant’s extensive restoration, the beloved power lunch draws business leaders, civic figures and longtime regulars between 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The menu features Durant’s famed porterhouse for two, prime rib, caviar service, lobster Thermidor and crispy veal Parmesan alongside signature sides including scalloped potatoes and rigatoni vodka. www.durantsaz.com.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
For many diners, the best lunch is one where there is something for everyone, especially those with dietary preferences and allergies. That is exactly what sets Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen apart. Long before gluten-free and plant-based dining became commonplace, the locally owned favorite built its reputation around thoughtfully prepared fare for virtually every lifestyle. Today, guests can choose from handcrafted pizzas, pastas, salads, and soups with dedicated gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options seamlessly woven throughout the menu. www.picazzos.com.
Wolf by Vanderpump
If seeking lunch with a view, there are not many more breathtaking than Wolf, which offers sweeping Camelback Mountain views from its perch atop Caesars Republic Scottsdale. Dramatic decor and striking lighting complement a vibrantly colored cocktail menu featuring ingredients including hibiscus, lychee and cotton candy. The food is globally inspired – such as elote dip, Argentinian prawns and Israeli couscous – but also has Lisa Vanderpump’s personal Cobb salad recipe and her husband Ken Todd’s preferred haddock and chips. And yes, the menu includes Vanderpump’s famous goat cheese balls, a staple enjoyed on several of her television shows for more than a decade. www.wolfbyvanderpumpscottsdale.com.
Saint Urban
Those craving the viral “girl dinner” trend before sunset should consider Saint Urban, which now has a “girl lunch” menu. Bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the Scottsdale restaurant has become a favorite for stylish daytime get-togethers. The signature girl-focused offering pairs a fresh seasonal salad with a generous serving of the restaurant’s addictive housemade shoestring fries, combining sensibility and indulgence. It is a playful take on one of social media’s biggest food trends, paired with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and a standout wine program discounted for the lunch crowd. www.sainturbanaz.com.
Postino
Few places have mastered the midday meetup quite like Postino. Equal parts neighborhood gathering spot and stylish wine cafe, its eclectic artwork, communal tables and intimate patios create the kind of atmosphere where one hour can easily become two. The popular “Pick Two” menu lets diners mix and match gourmet soups, salads and panini sandwiches, while the signature bruschetta board remains the biggest draw with toppings ranging from prosciutto and brie to warm artichoke spread and rotating seasonal favorites. Then there is the offering that has made Postino a lunch institution across the Valley: $6 glasses of wine served daily at lunch. www.postinowinecafe.com
Beginner’s Luck
Beginner’s Luck offers brunch all day, even on weekdays, allowing guests to enjoy chilaquiles, eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, thick-cut French toast and other favorites long after morning’s end. A selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and shareables ensures everyone finds something they like. Specialty coffee drinks transition into lunchtime cocktails, while the retro-inspired design, colorful accents and a lively dining room create an atmosphere that feels equal parts nostalgic, energetic and social. www.beginnersluckaz.com.
Nook Kitchen
Wine lovers should make a habit of lunchtime at Nook Kitchen, especially on Wednesdays. The Arcadia favorite’s Wine Wednesday program offers half-price bottles all day, while Thursdays feature a three-course lunch with arancini or a half salad, any pizza or pasta, and the signature “Nookie” skillet chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Seasonal dishes such as the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad and pesto chicken pizza showcase the kitchen’s fresh approach to midday Italian cooking. www.nookkitchen.com.
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
Few lunches begin with 23 acres of gardens, towering palms and uninterrupted mountain views. At Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen inside Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, the surroundings are every bit as memorable as the meal. Through Sept. 15, the restaurant is offering a weekday lunch menu available a la carte or as a two-course prix fixe highlighting vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Start with the whipped eggplant dip or colorful Fattoush salad before choosing entrees including the chicken sandwich with harissa aioli, goat cheese and pepperoncini or Norwegian salmon frites served with a crisp green salad and hand-cut fries. www.andazscottsdale.com.