Scottsdale’s dining scene blends desert luxury with laid‑back Southwestern charm. In recent years, a wave of newer spots has brought inventive menus, bold flavors, and polished interiors that still feel relaxed and fun.
These five restaurants capture what modern Scottsdale dining is all about.
1. Francine
Francine brings a bright, stylish take on coastal French‑Mediterranean cooking to Scottsdale.
The space is airy and elegant, full of light, greenery, and warm finishes that make it feel like a chic escape in the middle of the desert.
The menu leans into Provence‑inspired flavors: think fresh seafood, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and grilled meats.
You might find branzino with citrus and fennel, roasted chicken with rosemary and lemon, silky burrata with seasonal produce, and pastas dressed in simple but deeply flavorful sauces.
Cocktails skew refreshing—lots of citrus, herbs, and effervescence—making it a natural choice for long lunches and lively dinners alike.
2. Cala
Cala channels a beach‑club vibe with Mediterranean flavors and a Scottsdale‑ready sense of style.
The restaurant feels like a vacation spot, with coastal decor, plenty of natural textures, and a buzzy social energy that ramps up in the evenings.
The menu takes cues from Greece, Italy, and Spain: mezze‑style starters, grilled seafood, wood‑fired flatbreads, and shareable plates built around bright sauces, fresh herbs, and good olive oil.
Expect dishes like grilled octopus, lamb skewers, crisp salads with feta and citrus, and pastas or risottos layered with seasonal vegetables. The bar program leans heavily on spritzes, rosé, and fruit‑forward cocktails that fit the breezy mood.
3. Toca Madera
Toca Madera is a high‑energy, upscale Mexican restaurant that mixes dramatic design with a modern, ingredient‑focused menu.
The room is dimly lit and atmospheric, with a club‑adjacent vibe—plenty of music, statement lighting, and a scene‑y bar area.
The kitchen reimagines Mexican classics with a contemporary twist: premium cuts of steak with chimichurri or mole, imaginative tacos on house‑made tortillas, ceviches layered with bright lime and chile, and a selection of plant‑based options that feel just as indulgent.
Cocktails are a centerpiece, especially tequila‑ and mezcal‑driven creations infused with fresh juices, chiles, and smoke. It’s very much a “night out” destination.
4. Fat Ox
Fat Ox offers a sleek, modern take on Italian dining.
The interior blends dark woods, leather, and subtle lighting, striking a balance between special‑occasion restaurant and power‑dinner hotspot.
The menu focuses on handmade pastas, wood‑grilled meats, and seasonal antipasti.
Dishes might include rich, slow‑braised ragùs, delicate agnolotti, grilled steaks with Italian‑inspired sides, and seafood treated simply but precisely.
Portions are generous without feeling heavy, and the wine list is deep, with a strong emphasis on Italian regions as well as domestic favorites.
5. The Americano
The Americano is a contemporary steakhouse with a lively, almost supper‑club feel. The design is bold and glamorous—statement art, dramatic lighting, and a buzz that makes the dining room feel energetic rather than hushed.
As you’d expect, steak is the main attraction, with a range of cuts cooked to exacting standards and served with classic and modern accompaniments. There are also inventive starters, seafood options, house‑made pastas, and sides that go beyond the usual creamed spinach and mashed potatoes. \
The cocktail list leans classic with a twist, and service is polished but upbeat, making it a great choice for celebrations or date night.
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