10 Crowd-Favorite Phoenix & Scottsdale Restaurants That Totally Live Up to the Hype

Phoenix and Scottsdale are home to some amazing restaurants that locals can’t stop talking about. These spots have earned their reputation through incredible food, beautiful settings, and service that goes above and beyond. Whether you’re visiting Arizona or you’re a local looking for your next favorite meal, these restaurants deliver experiences that match their glowing reviews.

1. Different Pointe of View, Phoenix

Perched atop North Mountain, this gem offers breathtaking valley views that complement its exquisite cuisine. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the desert landscape perfectly, creating an atmosphere that’s hard to beat anywhere in Arizona.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients and artistic presentations. Chef Anthony DeMuro’s creations blend bold flavors with subtle nuances that surprise even the most experienced food lovers.

For special occasions, request a table on the terrace during sunset. The combination of golden light washing over the valley while you enjoy their famous rack of lamb creates memories that last far longer than the meal itself.

2. Wren & Wolf, Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix’s stylish newcomer brings forest-inspired magic to the urban landscape. The restaurant transforms throughout the day – bright and airy for power lunches, mysterious and moody for evening cocktails and dinner.

Their signature dry-aged meats and seasonal ingredients showcase Arizona’s bounty. The chef’s attention to detail appears in every dish, from perfectly seared scallops to handcrafted pasta with foraged mushrooms.

Don’t skip the cocktail program! Master mixologists craft drinks using house-made syrups, bitters, and unexpected ingredients like pine, smoke, and local herbs. The Wren’s Nest cocktail, served with theatrical flair, has become an Instagram sensation for good reason.

3. The Gladly, Phoenix

Famous for its Original Chopped Salad (so popular it has its own Facebook page!), The Gladly combines casual comfort with culinary excellence. The bright, modern space buzzes with energy, making it perfect for both business lunches and dinner dates.

Beyond the legendary salad, the menu shines with creative dishes like duck meatloaf and pistachio-crusted lamb. Chef Bernie Kantak’s inventive approach transforms familiar favorites into exciting new experiences without being pretentious.

Whiskey enthusiasts rejoice! Their collection includes over 300 varieties from around the world. The knowledgeable staff guides you through tastings with enthusiasm that’s contagious, turning a simple meal into an educational adventure.

4. Miel De Agave, Phoenix

This family-owned treasure serves authentic Mexican cuisine that transcends typical Tex-Mex fare. Colorful tile work, warm lighting, and Mexican folk art create an atmosphere that feels like visiting someone’s home rather than a restaurant.

Handmade tortillas arrive warm at your table, ready to wrap around slow-cooked birria or chile-marinated grilled fish. Their mole sauce – a complex blend of chiles, chocolate, and spices – follows a generations-old recipe that takes days to prepare.

Weekend brunches feature live mariachi music and specialties like chilaquiles and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate). The patio, shaded by string lights and bougainvillea, provides the perfect setting for enjoying their famous honey-infused margaritas.

5. Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Scottsdale

Southern comfort meets Southwestern flair at this relaxed neighborhood favorite. The rustic-chic interior, with its reclaimed wood and industrial touches, creates a welcoming vibe that makes first-timers feel like regulars.

Chef Chuck Wiley’s menu focuses on simple dishes executed flawlessly. The buttermilk fried chicken achieves that elusive perfect crust while remaining juicy inside. Their Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich, topped with tangy slaw, transports you straight to a Southern backyard barbecue.

Happy hour here has developed a cult following among locals. Craft beers flow freely while shared plates of deviled eggs and green chile pork arrive at communal tables, fostering conversations between strangers that often end in friendship.

6. Olive & Ivy, Scottsdale

Nestled alongside the Scottsdale Waterfront, this Mediterranean-inspired hotspot captures the essence of California wine country with Arizona flair. The sprawling patio, shaded by olive trees and cooled by misters, remains one of the most sought-after outdoor dining spots in the city.

The menu blends Italian, Greek, and Southern French influences. Start with the Mediterranean board – a colorful array of house-made hummus, tapenade, and warm pita – before moving on to their famous short rib ravioli or Moroccan-spiced salmon.

Morning visits reveal another side of Olive & Ivy. Their breakfast pastries, baked fresh daily, pair perfectly with specialty coffee drinks as you watch the city come alive along the canal.

7. Francine Restaurant, Scottsdale

Step into the South of France without leaving Arizona at this stunning Scottsdale Fashion Square destination. The airy, botanical-inspired interior features soft blues, natural woods, and abundant greenery that transport diners straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Chef Brian Archibald’s menu celebrates Provençal cuisine with modern twists. The bouillabaisse, brimming with local seafood in saffron broth, has quickly become their signature dish. Even simple offerings like the roasted chicken with herbs de Provence showcase extraordinary attention to detail.

Weekend brunch here feels like a glamorous French holiday. Champagne flows freely while patrons enjoy delicate crepes and truffle-laced scrambled eggs. Fashion-conscious locals consider this their see-and-be-seen spot for good reason.

8. Citizen Public House, Scottsdale

This modern take on the traditional public house has become a cornerstone of Old Town Scottsdale’s dining scene. The sophisticated yet unpretentious space, with its gleaming copper bar and comfortable leather booths, strikes the perfect balance between special occasion and everyday dining.

Chef Bernie Kantak’s menu features elevated comfort food with unexpected twists. Their bacon fat heirloom popcorn creates instant addiction, while the pork belly pastrami with rye spaetzle reimagines deli classics in delicious new ways.

Mixology takes center stage here too. The signature barrel-aged cocktails develop complex flavors over weeks of aging in oak barrels. Ask about the secret menu – longtime regulars know to request off-menu specialties that showcase the bartenders’ creativity.

9. Cafe Monarch, Scottsdale

Romance reigns supreme at this intimate fine dining establishment housed in a charming converted bungalow. Crystal chandeliers, flickering candles, and fresh flowers create an atmosphere that has witnessed countless marriage proposals over the years.

The four-course prix fixe menu changes weekly, showcasing seasonal ingredients at their peak. Each dish arrives like a work of art – the plating so beautiful you almost hate to disturb it. Almost. The attentive service staff explains each component with knowledge and passion without ever feeling intrusive.

The courtyard, with its bubbling fountain and twinkling lights, offers al fresco dining even in summer thanks to clever misters and shade structures. Special occasion celebrations here often end with complimentary champagne toasts courtesy of the thoughtful owners.

10. ZuZu, Scottsdale

Tucked inside the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, this mid-century modern gem blends retro charm with contemporary cuisine. The space pays homage to the hotel’s 1950s roots with bold geometric patterns, vintage-inspired furniture, and pops of vibrant color.

Chef Russell LaCasce’s menu focuses on seasonal American fare with global influences. The lobster mac and cheese has achieved legendary status among regulars, while rotating daily specials showcase whatever’s freshest at local farms.

Their famous Show Stopper Shakes break Instagram monthly with over-the-top creations themed around holidays and pop culture moments. These towering concoctions, loaded with housemade pastries, candies, and whimsical decorations, require two hands and often several friends to finish!