I’ve spent a lot of time looking through online menus, reading what people say on Yelp, and even watching videos! It was like being a detective, trying to find the very best spots for you.
There are so many great places, from spicy Mexican food to fancy dinners. Choosing just ten was tough, but after looking at tons of reviews and making sure everything is still great right now in mid-2025, I’ve picked the very best for you.
This guide isn’t just a list. It’s about giving you a real feel for each place.
Table of Contents
1. The Mission – Old Town Scottsdale: Modern Latin, Great Drinks ($$$)
When I first looked at The Mission online, even just seeing pictures of the dim, cozy lights, I knew it felt special. Everyone talks about their modern Latin food and, especially, their guacamole made right at your table.
1. What it’s like: Fancy but comfy, serving new twists on Latin American food.
2. Must-try food: The guacamole made at your table, their super tender short ribs, and their many different margaritas.
3. How much it costs: $$$ (Main dishes usually $30-$55)
4. What makes it special: It mixes a chic atmosphere with bold, perfectly made Latin flavors, plus the fun of getting guacamole made just for you.
2. Bourbon & Bones Chophouse & Bar: Fancy Steaks and Whiskeys ($$$$)
When I looked up steakhouses in Old Town, Bourbon & Bones kept coming up. The name itself sounds fancy! What really stood out in the reviews was how good their steaks are and their huge collection of bourbons.
1. What it’s like: A classy, modern steakhouse with top-notch cuts of meat and lots of different bourbons and whiskeys. Great for business dinners or a really fancy meal.
2. Must-try food: Their special aged steaks, the rich bone marrow appetizer, and ask their staff to help you pick a bourbon.
3. How much it costs: $$$$ (Main dishes start around $45, and special steaks cost more)
4. What makes it special: They focus on amazing, perfectly cooked steaks, and they have a huge, carefully chosen list of bourbons and whiskeys.
3. FnB Restaurant: Fresh, Local, Award-Winning Food ($$$)
My research into Scottsdale’s food scene wouldn’t be complete without FnB and their amazing Chef Charleen Badman. She’s won big awards, like a James Beard Award in 2019.
1. What it’s like: A cozy, top-notch restaurant that uses ingredients directly from farms. They make creative, tasty dishes based on what’s in season.
2. Must-try food: The menu changes all the time, but they’re famous for their creative vegetable dishes (Chef Badman is called the “Veggie Whisperer”!).
3. How much it costs: $$$ (Main dishes usually $30-$45)
4. What makes it special: They have a deep connection to Arizona farms, making unique, award-winning dishes that highlight the best of the area’s food.
4. Citizen Public House: Fun Comfort Food and Cool Drinks ($$$)
If you want a fun place with really good food that’s not too serious, Citizen Public House is it. I kept seeing people talk about their bacon fat popcorn online. Unique things like that often show a restaurant’s personality. As I looked at their menu, I found lots of classic American comfort foods with a fancy twist, plus a great list of craft cocktails. It seems like the perfect spot for a fun, relaxed night out.
1. What it’s like: A popular, energetic bar and restaurant with delicious, upgraded comfort food and lots of craft beers and cocktails.
2. Must-try food: The famous bacon fat popcorn, their creative short rib pastrami, and their great cocktails.
3. How much it costs: $$$ (Main dishes usually $20-$35)
4. What makes it special: It perfectly blends a fun, social vibe with truly tasty, well-made comfort food and excellent drinks.
5. Virtù Honest Craft: Cozy Mediterranean Flavors ($$$$)
My search for Old Town’s top spots kept showing Virtù Honest Craft. It’s always on “best of” lists and people love its cozy feel and refined Mediterranean food.
1. What it’s like: A small, elegant restaurant with modern Mediterranean food. Great for a romantic dinner.
2. Must-try food: Their homemade pastas are often praised, as are their fresh seafood dishes and seasonal vegetable plates. The menu mixes Italian, Spanish, and Greek styles.
3. How much it costs: $$$$ (Main dishes start around $40, and they might have special tasting menus)
4. What makes it special: The cozy setting combined with really good, authentic Mediterranean flavors, with a strong focus on handmade food.
6. EVO Old Town: Local Italian, Open Late ($$$)
When I was looking for Italian places, EVO Old Town kept coming up, not just for its tasty food, but because it’s locally owned and open late! In a busy area like Old Town, having a good place to eat later at night is a huge plus.
1. What it’s like: A locally owned Italian restaurant serving classic and new Italian dishes in a friendly, comfortable setting. Known for staying open late and having a good happy hour.
2. Must-try food: Their homemade pasta dishes are very popular, along with classic Italian meals like chicken parmesan, lasagna, and their pizzas.
3. How much it costs: $$$ (Main dishes usually $20-$35)
4. What makes it special: It’s a beloved local spot serving tasty, real Italian food, and it’s open late with a popular happy hour.
7. Barrio Queen: A Fun Party of Mexican Flavors ($$-$$$)
Many people talk about their Pomegranate Guacamole. It’s clear that Barrio Queen offers more than just regular Mexican food.
1. What it’s like: A lively and real Mexican restaurant known for its bold tastes, lots of tequila and margarita options.
2. Must-try food: The special Pomegranate Guacamole, their many different tacos, and their flavorful enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes.
3. How much it costs: $$-$$$ (Most main dishes usually $15-$30)
4. What makes it special: It brings together real, bold Mexican food with a lively, high-energy atmosphere, making your senses feel like they’re at a party.
8. Culinary Dropout (Waterfront): Fun American Food with a Twist ($$$)
Culinary Dropout, right on the Scottsdale Waterfront, is a relaxed but still exciting place to eat. My research showed that this spot is known for classic American comfort food with a cool, modern twist, a lively feel, and often live music.
1. What it’s like: A popular and energetic place serving classic American comfort food with creative touches, lots of beers and cocktails, and a fun, social vibe. They often have live music.
2. Must-try food: Their famous pretzel knots with provolone fondue, the super tender 36-hour pork ribs, and their creative sandwiches and burgers.
3. How much it costs: $$$ (Main dishes usually $20-$35)
4. What makes it special: It’s a relaxed, fun place with upgraded comfort food and a great location right by the water.
9. Farm & Craft: Healthy, Fresh, and Delicious ($$-$$$)
For those wanting a healthier and more eco-friendly dining choice that still tastes amazing, Farm & Craft consistently came up as a top choice in my research.
Looking at their menu, I was impressed by all the options for different diets (like gluten-free or vegan). It seemed like the perfect spot for a satisfying meal you can feel good about.
1. What it’s like: A restaurant that cares about health and the environment, using fresh, local ingredients. They offer lots of wholesome and tasty dishes for different diets.
2. Must-try food: Their changing seasonal salads and bowls, dishes with locally sourced chicken or fish, and their popular brunch and happy hour menus. They also have healthy drinks and craft cocktails.
3. How much it costs: $$-$$$ (Most main dishes usually $15-$30)
4. What makes it special: They focus on making healthy, earth-friendly, and super tasty food with local ingredients, so you can enjoy your meal without guilt.
10. Cafe Monarch / Reserve: Super Fancy Dining for Special Times ($$$$)
For the most luxurious dining experience in Old Town Scottsdale, Cafe Monarch (and its even more exclusive sister, Reserve) constantly gets top honors. My research, and every review I’ve seen, paints a picture of unmatched elegance, perfect service, and truly amazing tasting menus.
1. What it’s like: A super fancy and elegant restaurant that offers amazing multi-course tasting menus with perfect service. It’s the top spot for luxury dining in Scottsdale.
2. Must-try food: The main focus is on their multi-course tasting menus. These menus change with the seasons and show off the chef’s skill and the very best ingredients.
3. How much it costs: $$$$ (Tasting menus usually start around $150-$200+ per person, not including drinks or tip)
4. What makes it special: It’s the ultimate fancy dining experience in Old Town, offering amazing food art, pure luxury, and incredible attention to detail from start to finish.
Other Great Places & Tips for Eating Out
While those ten are my top picks, Old Town Scottsdale has many other fantastic restaurants. For a lovely lunch or charming brunch, Arcadia Farms Cafe is a long-time favorite with its cute setting. If you want unique and tasty British food, Cornish Pasty Co. is a great casual choice.
Conclusion
Old Town Scottsdale is truly a food treasure, with so many different places to eat for every taste and occasion. From fun Mexican flavors to fancy, world-class dining, this busy downtown area has something special for everyone. I hope this guide helps you find your perfect meal.
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