Best Restaurants in Scottsdale

You might not know this but Scottsdale, AZ is a foodie’s paradise. There are so many incredible restaurants in this city. After spending a week in Scottsdale, I decided to compile a list of my top 5 Lunch & Dinner Restaurants that meet the needs of every type of budget. Ranging from $4 tacos to a $125 4-Course Fine dining, this list has it all.

The Mission

Address (2 locations):

Kierland: 7122 E Greenway Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Old Town: 3815 North Brown Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Price Point: Entrees run from $12 for a plate of tacos to $42 for the Filet. There’s really something here at The Mission for every budget.

When to go: Lunch and Dinner 7 days/ week. Weekend Brunch. Sunday Pig out from 11am-3pm for all you can eat pork tacos and 1/2 price drinks.

Reservations? Yes, if you want to come for a nice dinner without the wait. Otherwise, we came on a busy night and found a seat at the bar right away.

Diego Pops

Address: 4338 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Price Point: $4.50 tacos; $2 sides; $10 Margaritas; $6 Draft Beers. This place is a steal to say the least. Amazing food for a stellar price.

When to go: Open at 11am, 7 Days a week. Happy Hour: 7 Days a Week. Taco Mondays: $3 Tacos All Day.

Reservations? Diego Pops isn’t quite the reservation type restaurant. Honestly, I don’t think they even take call in reservations. Just show up about 15-20 minutes before you want to eat, put your name on the list and then go grab a drink at the bar while you wait.

Postino

Address (2 Scottsdale locations):

Kierland: 7030 E. Greenway Parkway Scottsdale, 85254
Highland: 4821 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, 85251

Price Point: Each Board and/ or Bruschetta will set you back $15 and honestly, that’s the only thing you’re here to eat b/c they’re delicious and beautiful.

When to go: Happy Hour, 7 Days a week for their “5 til 5” deal: $5 glasses of wine and $5 PITCHERS of beer until 5pm. Yes, you read that right: $5 gosh darn pitchers, insanity I tell you. Come with friends, order a drink and share some boards/ bruschetta.

Reservations? Nah.

Elements

Address: 5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (Don’t ask me why the city says Paradise Valley b/c Elements is FOR SURE in Scottsdale)

Price Point: Entrees run from about $28 for a vegetarian option to $58 for the Filet. Sides will average you $15; grab one or two for the table to share.

When to go: Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 Days a week. I recommend getting a reservation for right before Sunset because the view from the windows here is amazing.

Reservations? If you’re coming for Dinner then yes, you’ll definitely need a reservation.

Cafe Monarch

Named 3rd Best Fine-Dining Restaurant in the Country

Address: 6939 E 1st Ave Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Price Point: Four Course Dinner ranging from $75 (vegetarian option) – $155 (surf&turf option)

When to go: Open for dinner 6 days a week from Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations? Required. Book your reservation here. Please note, children under 10 will not be admitted because fine dining is to be enjoyed without the kiddos.