Café Forte
October 31, 2019
Everyone calls Café Forte a “hidden gem” in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Nestled in the middle of art galleries, this little restaurant has been providing healthier cuisine options to the area since 1996. And by healthier, we dont mean something that may be good for you but tastes like cardboard. Café Forte uses locally grown produce and organic ingredients to produce delicious meals that are actually good for you.
The Feel at Cafe Forte Arizona
Cafe Forte Arizona is part sidewalk café and part bistro. You can sit outside on the covered sidewalk and people watch while dining. Or you can sit inside in the cool, quiet dining room and enjoy the local artwork displayed on the walls of this small restaurant. Call ahead for reservations (480-994-1331) because this intimate little café fills up quick. If you feel like eating at home, takeout is available.
There is a full bar, a nice wine list and daily drink and menu specials. Happy Hour is Wednesday through Friday, from 3:30pm to 6pm. Restaurant hours for lunch are Monday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm (closed Mondays from June-Oct) and for dinner are Wednesday through Saturday from 4pm to +/- 9:30. The Café Forte restaurant is closed Sundays.
The Food
Fortes menu is full of Italian comfort food made with local ingredients. The dinner menu offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Start your meal with one of the appetizers like Baked Brie en Croute (a signature appetizer) or polenta cakes topped with sautéed sweet sausage sound pretty good. The Chilled Gazpacho seems to be a customer favorite.
Entrée selections include chicken, steak and pasta. Sweet Potato Enchilada, Spinach and Cheese Ravioli, Signature Café Meatloaf, and Forte Turkey Balls are just a few of the menu items waiting for you. Fish options include Horseradish Crusted Salmon and Salad of Sashimi Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna.
Lunch menu items at the Cafe Forte restaurant include sharing plates, and several vegetarian and vegan items. While many of the menu items are the same as the dinner menu, several sandwiches and burgers have been added. Sandwiches offerings include a smoked salmon platter, a BLT, tuna salad and egg salad. Pasta, burgers and melted sandwiches include a Café Cuban, Tuna Melt, Fuzzili Pomodoro, and several raviolis. And you have a choice of beef, lamb or veggie burgers.
The Fine Points
Café Forte can be found at 7032 East Main Street in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. It’s a great way to end the evening after attending an Art Walk. If you are looking for other restaurants nestled in the heart of Old Town, our knowledgeable staff here at Parsons Villas will be happy to make some suggestions. Give us a call today! Check out our Flipkey rentals in Scottsdale.
