Known for its amazing desert scenery and world-class art galleries, Scottsdale is also a gourmand’s paradise. From elegant five-star establishments offering tasting menus to wine and craft beer bars with small bites, there is something in Scottsdale for every taste. We’ve made a list of a few restaurants in Scottsdale, focused on Old Town, to get you started on your epicurean journey. In no particular order, here you go.
Citizen Public House
A new favorite in the heart of all Old Town Scottsdale restaurants, with great locally sourced dishes and craft cocktails too. Start things off with the calorie buster Beer Fondue with SausagePear & Pretzels, (it’s worth every calorie!), and then move on to customer favorites like the Original Chopped Salad, Fair-trade Short Ribs, and Pork Belly Pastrami. There’s something here for everyone.
Farm & Craft
Healthy and sustainable, with a “Seasonal Wellness-Menu.” Sounds a bit dull, but this menu is anything but dull. They’re open early for breakfast, which is served until 3 pm! Popular dishes include the Breaky Burrito and Acai Bowl. Other popular menu items include the Salmon Poke Bowl, Fried Farro Bowl, and the build-your-own bowl option. Juices, smoothies, fresh-pressed cocktails, and kombucha cocktails—healthy and delicious!
FnB
With Chef Charleen Badman (2019 Best Chef –Southwest by the James Beard Foundation) at the helm, FnB is one of those Scottsdale restaurants that vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will love. Badman is known as the “veggie whisperer” and her seasonal menus using locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients showcase her talents. Her fall menu includes the Persimmon Salad (with pomegranate, greens, pickled onion, goat cheese and mint), New Zealand bluenose butterfish, Niman Ranch Ribeye and Roasted Sunchokes (with fall chanterelles, mascarpone and tarragon).
The Mission Old Town – Scottsdale Restaurants
This is modern Latin cuisine! All their meats are cooked using pecan and mesquite wood, instilling a unique flavor to their dishes. Grilled Street Corn, Fish Tacos and Brussels Sprouts Tacos, Duck Carnitas Empanadas and made-to-order guacamole are just a few of the tasty choices on the menu. And you’ll have to have at least one signature margarita with your pumpkin bread pudding. The food is beautifully presented and just as delicious.
Steak 44
If you’re a steak lover, this is the spot for you. This classy upscale steakhouse specializes in steak, seafood and “unique sides”. To start try the Fried Deviled Egg or typical choices from the Raw Bar. Steak 44’s steaks are wet aged for 28 days and hand-cut daily by the restaurant’s in-house butcher. Steaks are USDA Prime Grade Beef or Domestic Wagyu and come in two sizes, small and regular (12-22 oz.). Sides include Asparagus Fries, Corn Crème Brulee and Sautéed Wild Mushrooms. Gelato or a Brioche Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding should round things out nicely.
Olive & Ivy
Trendy, upscale casual, the Mediterranean with a modern elegant twist all describe Olive & Ivy. Open early for breakfast through late night, you can dine inside, out on the patio overlooking the waterfront, or rent one of their private rooms. Or stop by the Marketplace for easy-to-go options. Start with artichoke hearts with black truffle crescenza or bacon-wrapped dates then move on to the sweet potato cannelloni with roasted mushrooms topped with toasted almonds, or the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin.
Café Monarch
Named one of the Top Three Fine Dining Restaurants in the Nation by Trip Advisor, this elegant, five-star establishment is reminiscent of an old Italian villa. Upscale and sophisticated, romantic and intimate, this is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Café Monarch offers a four-course menu that varies due to the availability of local, seasonal ingredients but is always delicious.
A Few Extra Words…
Be sure to check each establishment’s website for current hours and Covid-19 response requirements. Reservations are a must, but don’t worry, most establishments are offering special take-out menus and curbside pickup.
There’s no better way to learn about a town than through its food and drink. You’re going to love Scottsdale for the exceptional locally sourced food as well as its amazing desert scenery. And you’ll be enjoying both to the max in one of our Parsons Villas vacation rentals. Rent one of our condos in the heart of Old Town, and you’ll be steps away from the best dining and nightlife in Scottsdale. Give us a call today to book your dream epicurean vacation rental!