Scottsdale Restaurants
With our great golf, resorts, weather, and economy Scottsdale restaurants have continued to thrive and grow in our sonoran oasis. Now with over 600 (and growing) different establishments to choose from, finding a great Scottsdale restaurant can be a challenge. Fortunately, you've come to the right place. Our Scottsdale Restaurant guide features the restaurants that locals frequent for great food and excellent service.
Scottsdale Steak Houses
Drinkwater's City Hall Steakhouse
6991 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 941-4700
Dress: Casual dressy
If you're going to eat at the Drinkwater City Hall restaurant, bring your appetite and your platinum card. This restaurant specializes in steak, wine and partying. The restaurant doesn't serve family style meals, so when the waiter serves you a multi-pound steak and a army sized portion of garlic mashed potatoes don't assume this is for your whole dinner party. A large sizzling ribeye steak cooked precisely at 800 degrees will run you around $30.00 . Don't forget the towering seafood platter for an appetizer. The attire is semi-dressy so leave the burmuda shorts and flip-flops at home.
Houstons
6113 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 922-7775
Dress: Casual dressy
A local favorite, this Scottsdale restaurant has been around for ages. Although predominantly not a steak house, Houston's continues to win numerous awards for their flavorful steak. Their ribs are to die for and the Hickory Burger shouldn't be missed. A couple of popular items such as Chicken Fingers and Artichokes are available "off the menu," and are excellent as well.
Start the evening off on the luxiourious outdoor patio with the spinach artichoke dip and a glass of wine. If you plan on dining here on the weekend be sure to arrive early because Houston's does not accept reservations.
The Capital Grille
16489 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 348-1700
Dress: Casual dressy
If your looking for an elegant Scottsdale restaurant this is your place. The Capital Grille boast beautiful leather booths with mahogony trim. Well known for their chops, lobster and fresh seafood it's hard to miss when it comes to ordering off this great menu. Our favorite is the Delmonico 22oz steak with a serving of Lobster Bisque as an appetizer. Sides are ordered individually and generally are large enough for 2 or more people. The wine list is award-winning and boasts over 300 selections.
The Capital grille goes out of it's way to offer their customers great service. Your waiter will even offer you their business card at the end of the meal. So if you enjoyed your service you can ask for the same waiter on your next visit.
Mastro's Steakhouse
8852 East Pinnacle Peak Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: (480) 585-9500
Dress: Casual dressy
Mastro's features great steaks and seafood in very generous portions. From the moment you step into this restaurant you know you're in for a great evening. The service is impeccable and the food is even better. Mastro's also owns City Hall Steakhouse so you can order the amazing seafood platter for an appetizer. Don't forget the extroardinary tender filet and butter cake for desert.
Mastro's has a great piano bar and dance floor for those so inclined. If you like Mastro's food but don't care for as much noise opt for City Hall. Make sure to dress to impress at this Scottsdale restaurant.
Scottsdale Asian Restaurants
Flo's Chinese Cuisine
15027 North Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 661-8883
Dress: Casual
Owner Florence Chan offers a hip Chinese restaurant which serves great food. When locals crave authentic Asian food this is where they come. Prices are very reasonable with most entrees costing under $11.00 and the menu boasts items from over 8 countries. Our favorite entree is the chicken with pad thai. The crispy crab won tons are a tasty appetizer as well.
The only drawback to this great restaurant is that tile floors are used throughout the dining area which leads to elevated noise levels.
PF Changs China Bistro
7132 East Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 367-2999
Dress: Casual
Located in Kierland Commons, this is a great place to hit prior to getting your shopping fix. Chang's is part of a national chain of restaurants so it is quite possible that you are already familiar with this establishment.The inside is very hip and trendy, but the food will keep you coming back. The lettuce wrap appetizers are amazing!
RA Sushi-Bar
7012 East Greenway Parkway Ste 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 951-5888
Dress: Casual
Sushi anyone? This is another great Scottsdale restaurant located in Kierland Commons. If you're into people watching, this is ideal to visit while taking a break from shopping. The decor is both hip and trendy and has a very lively atmosphere (especially on the weekends). The sushi is always fresh and delicious. The soft-shell crab roll and shrimp tempura roll should be at the top of your list. Don't forget the saki bombers with the oversize bottle of Kirin to wash everything down.
Sapporo
14344 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 607-1114
Dress: Ultra Stylish
Sapporo is a restaurant in Scottsdale that is geared toward the young, fashionable party crowd. It's loud and almost always packed. Sapporo's offers great sushi, martini's and other asian specialty dishes that are creative and taste great. The Las Vegas roll is our favorite off the divine list of sushi. If your a nite owl try the reverse happy hour starting at 10:00 pm for some great deals. A Komoto Dragon is a great cocktail if martini's aren't your thing.
Scottsdale Mexican Restaurants
Julio G's
7633 East Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 423-1600
Dress: Casual
Julio G's is an old favorite in Scottsdale. Upon entering, you will notice the decor is reminiscent of a 50's diner with lots of turquoise, reds, chrome and a black and white checkered floor. Take a seat at the outdoor covered patio and relax while sipping on one of Julio G's excellent margaritas, or for the cooler nights kick back at a table near the wood burning fireplace. Upon being seated you will be greeted with a bowl of warm tortilla chips and three different choices of salsa. Beware of the hot sauce, it is not for the faint of heart. If your blood pressure permits try the Pollo Magnifico, Julio G's flagship dish. The dish is composed of a deep fried burro filled with sauteed chicken, topped with jalapeno cream cheese and served with rice and beans. A little Mexican flag tops off the ensemble at no extra charge. Don't forget to grab some of the tasty mints on the way out.
Salty Senorita
14950 N. Northsight Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: (480) 922-MARG
Dress: Casual
The Salty Senorita is relatively new to the Scottsdale scene. Locals may remember The Downside Risk as being the former tenant in this location. The new restaurant has been transformed into a hotspot for happy hour and Sunday brunch. Salty's has received numerous awards for best margarita and best happy hour from publications such as 944 Magazine and New Times. We would have to agree that the margaritas are great with over 52 to choose from. The chips are outstanding especially when combined with the Fundido three cheese dip. Happy hour is available seven days a week from 3 pm - 7pm .
Abuelo's
7000 East Mayo Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 513-4445
Dress: Casual
Abuelos is actually a chain restaurant but scores high on our list for their large portions,spicy cuisine and excellent service. Located just south of the 101 freeway off Scottsdale Road, Abuelos is an excellent choice for dinner and a movie. Harkins movie theater is located just to the north within walking distance, and a walk will do you good if you manage to finish one of Abuelos grande sized platters. The chips are amazing and the salsa is always fresh.
Garduno's Margarita Factory and Blue Agave
8787 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Phone: (480) 607-9222
Dress: Casual
This Scottsdale restaurant gets high grades for decor, location, and spicy "Tex-Mex" food. There's nothing like a Mariachi band to get you in the mood for some great food. Our favorites are the chicken fajitas and salmon norteno. If you're in the mood for a margarita, you have come to the right place. Garduno's has over 350 tequilas to choose from. After dinner head over to the Gainey Ranch Hyatt for a gondola ride. A great way to finish off your evening.
Scottsdale Deli's
Jason's Deli
10605 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 443-3811
Dress: Casual
Jason's is a great deli and is a favorite for Scottsdale professionals during their lunch break. Half the battle at this hotspot is choosing from the vast number of items available on the menu. We usually stick with the Deli Club but the Po'Boys are excellent as well. If you're in the mood for some spuds, the baked potato is enourmous and can be loaded with all the fixings at the salad bar. Be sure to grab a free ice cream cone on the way out.
Fitness Cafe
13610 North Scottsdle Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 905-7227
Dress: Casual
The Fitness Cafe is an excellent choice when trying to eat healthy. Their motto is "We believe in eating healthy - not dieting!" All the entrees on the menu are named after fitness terms such as "The Crosstrainer" and "The Hammer Curl." You will be amazed at how great a healthy meal can taste. The pasta salad with the no fat dressing is our favorite. In fact, we could eat this on a daily basis. Be sure to wear your muscle shirt and weightlifting belt and you will fit right in.
Dilly's Deli
14202 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 596-3354
Dress: Casual
Another favorite for North Scottdale professionals during their lunch break. This local establishment has been around since 1993 and got started in Mesa. Since that time they have branched out and have added three additional locations. Their bread bowl soups are delicious, and The Gobbler is the best we have had (with the exception of the gobblers we make with left overs from Thanksgiving dinner).
Scottsdale Pizza
Oregano's
7215 East Shea Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 348-0500
Dress: Casual
This Scottsdale restaurant has a ton of personality and the pizza to match. The most popular pizza on the menu is the thin crust, but a deep dish pizza can be ordered if you have an extra hour to spare. The atmosphere is casual, cozy and fun. There's a great little outdoor patio with a wood burning fireplace when weather is a little chilly. Be prepared to wait for a table as this place is very popular. Save room for the Pizooookie for desert which is basically a 1/2 pound of cookie dough slightly baked in a 6" pizza dish with three scoops of ice cream. Delicious! For those in a hurry, all menu items are available to go. Sorry, Oregano's does not deliver.
Uncle Sam's
10520 North 90th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: (480) 419-1111
Dress: Casual
Uncle Sam's has was established in 1980 and continues to be a popular restaurant for locals. Although not as glitzy as some Scottsdale restaurants, the food here reigns supreme. Take it from the 750 to 2,000 customers that frequent each location per day. Uncle Sam's is not only known for their pizza, but wings and cheese steaks as well. All pizza sauces , wing glazes and salad dressings are made on premise. The menu is enormous and your appetite should be too. Uncle Sam's doesn't deliver, but it is worth the drive for your carry out order.
Nello's Pizza
8658 East Shea Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 922-5335
Dress: Casual
Nello's is a community favorite for their great Italian pizza. We reccomend everyone try this place at least once. Almost everything on the menu is homemade, and your budget goes a long way. For something different try their wheat crust pizza. If Stout beers are you're thing, Nello's has a great selection to choose from. On a side note, the restaurant is really clean which helps make for a great dining experience.
Papa John's
Various Locations
Dress: It's delivery, so your PJ's are fine.
We felt bad that none of our selections had delivery available so we decided to include Papa John's in our guide. As far as delivery goes this is probably your best option. Their pizza is good, but they tend to skimp on the toppings if you order one of their 2 for the price of 1 deals. Phone number? What phone number? Apparently Papa John's doesn't have a 800 number, so it's back to the prehistoric days of pulling out the Yellow Pages and finding your closest location. They do have an option for placing an order online at papajohns.com if you feel so inclined.
